HT203977: How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Learn about How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
Wenzelsays
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Iphone backups?

Hey does anyone know how to open iPhone backup files on a PC/read them? I found the folder that they're stored in but it's all symbols and I want to be able to open my text history on my PC (it's for a project I'm working on and I'd rather not screenshot several years worth of text messages) Thank you for your time and if the questions been answered elsewhere I apologize (20 minutes is my limit for searching other people's question/answers)

iPhone 6 Plus, iOS 8.4.1, Last backup was from a 4s

Posted on Mar 1, 2016 11:46 AM

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Wenzelsays

Q: Iphone backups?

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  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Mar 1, 2016 11:50 AM in response to Wenzelsays
    Level 9 (57,056 points)
    iPhone
    Mar 1, 2016 11:50 AM in response to Wenzelsays

    There are some 3rd party programs that purport to be able to read these files. They are not meant to be used in the manner you are describing, they are designed to restore an iOS device. They are SQLite data files. You can try one of the 3rd party devices to see if they fit your needs. Most have a minor cost associated with them.

  • by modular747,Helpful

    modular747 modular747 Mar 1, 2016 1:14 PM in response to Wenzelsays
    Level 6 (19,319 points)
    iPad
    Mar 1, 2016 1:14 PM in response to Wenzelsays

    There are in a database format and can be read or extracted with the available software.   Google "iPhone backup reader" for apps.