Tim_bit

Q: iTunes could not backup the iPad because there is not enough space on this computer to save the backup

Please help me backup my iPad 3rd generation to iTunes.

I keep getting the following error message: "iTunes could not back up the iPad "iPad Name Here" because there is not enough free space on this computer to save the backup... Removing files and emptying the Trash will free up additional space."

I'm operating a new iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014), running OSX 10.10.5 / iTunes 12.2.2.25.

iPad is running iOS 8.4.  I'm trying to update to iOS 8.4.1, but iTunes tries to backup the iPad before updating the iOS software, and the iPad backup fails every time.

I have over 820GB of free space on my iMac, and the Trash is empty.

I'm able to backup other iOS devices to the iMac without any trouble.

I have tried:

- Restarting both the iMac and iPad;

- Deleting all of the iPad backup files thru iTunes preferences;

- Deleting the lockdown files;

- Transferring purchases from the iPad to the iMac before backup.

Nothing has worked, or I wouldn't be here

It appears (via numerous online posts) this has been an ongoing problem for various iOS devices and various versions of iOS and iTunes for quite sometime, yet I've been unable to find a viable solution.

I think I may try resetting the iPad or trying recovery mode next.

Any suggestions?

Have you had this error before and remedied it?

Thanks in advance.

iPad, iOS 8.4, iPad 3rd gen / Tunes 12.2.2.25

Posted on Aug 21, 2015 9:11 PM

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Q: iTunes could not backup the iPad because there is not enough space on this computer to save the backup

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  • Helpful answers

  • by elcpu,

    elcpu elcpu Aug 21, 2015 9:20 PM in response to Tim_bit
    Level 6 (16,239 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Aug 21, 2015 9:20 PM in response to Tim_bit

    Tim, try this:

     

    Disconnect your iPad from the computer.

    In iTunes on PC/Mac, click Edit, Preferences or iTunes, Preferences

    Click on the Advanced tab

    Click on the Reset Warnings button



  • by Tim_bit,

    Tim_bit Tim_bit Aug 21, 2015 9:36 PM in response to elcpu
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 21, 2015 9:36 PM in response to elcpu

    Thanks for your prompt reply elcpu.  Unfortunately I wasn't expecting to get a reply so soon tonight, so I pulled the trigger and deleted all data and settings on the iPad before I got a chance to try your advice.  I would've liked to have tested that out.

    The reset went fine.  Connected to iTunes and updated to the latest iOS, then backed up to the iMac in iTunes with no problems.

    Now, due to my frustration and impatience , I get to reinstall all my apps and data and amend the iPad settings.

  • by berndbausch,

    berndbausch berndbausch Sep 6, 2015 12:07 AM in response to elcpu
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Sep 6, 2015 12:07 AM in response to elcpu

    I have a similar problem (and it is related to my other call for help, which you were so kind to answer). In my case, I have an ipad 2 with 32 GB space, and a Windows PC with 85GB free space. Same error message, and unfortunately your suggestion doesn't help. Are there other tricks?

     

    Thanks much in advance,

     

    Bernd Bausch

  • by herbguy,

    herbguy herbguy Oct 12, 2015 9:31 AM in response to elcpu
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Oct 12, 2015 9:31 AM in response to elcpu

    This was a hopeful fix, but didn't work form me.

  • by markhdavis,

    markhdavis markhdavis Oct 25, 2015 9:37 AM in response to Tim_bit
    Level 1 (1 points)
    Oct 25, 2015 9:37 AM in response to Tim_bit

    I'll piggyback on this as I have some faint hope this might bring more visibility to this issue. I have essentially the same issues for my Mac Mini, iTunes and all (6) of my current iPhones and iPads.

     

    I get the error message in spite of 1TB of free space: "itunes could not backup the iphone because there's not enough space on computer." I tried everything on: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203271 including:

    • Restarting computer and iOS devices multiple times
    • Unplugging all other USB devices
    • Resetting the lockdown folder

     

    Plus, I tried:

    • Deleted backup in case it was corrupted somehow and causing the problem
    • Tried iCloud backup instead (almost 20GB free) - got same error, unbelievably
    • Downloaded and reinstalled iTunes over existing install

     

    I never solved it. Basically, I have another mac where backup. etc. all work fine and I've had to switch all the backups to that mac. Wasted a ton of time on this issue and what's worse, never resolved it. If I wanted to deal with crap like this I would have stayed with Windows (which I also use).