1 Open Loop
Level 2 (362 points)
Mac OS X

Q: Does iCloud Photo Library Prevent iTunes Backup?

With iCloud Photo Library and Optimized Storage selected for an iDevice, will iTunes still try to backup all the photos on the iDevice?

 

It would be great if it didn't. That would save some sync time, especially since it's only USB 2.0.

 

It seems that since you've already got your photos backed up in iCloud, why back them up with iTunes.

 

Just wondered if anyone knew.

Posted on Apr 19, 2016 8:20 AM

by léonie,Apple recommended
léonie léonie
Level 10 (105,867 points)
iCloud
A:

iTunes will only backup the photos in your Camera Roll, and the optimized photos are not in your Camera Roll.  And neither will the iCloud backup of your device include any items, that are already in iCloud.

 

To malke a backup copy of your photos in iCloud download them from the iCloud WebPage at www.icloud.com to a computer. Launch the Photos.app at that webpage, select the All Photos album, and use the download button to save the photos and videos.

Posted on Apr 19, 2016 10:39 AM

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Q: Does iCloud Photo Library Prevent iTunes Backup?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Rysz,

    Rysz Rysz Apr 19, 2016 10:31 AM in response to 1 Open Loop
    Level 7 (20,294 points)
    iTunes
    Apr 19, 2016 10:31 AM in response to 1 Open Loop

    iTunes never backed up the entire local library on the iPhone and it still doesn't do that.

     

    BTW, iCloud is not a backup service. You should keep full-resolution images on your local hard drive.

  • by 1 Open Loop,

    1 Open Loop 1 Open Loop Apr 19, 2016 10:38 AM in response to Rysz
    Level 2 (362 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 19, 2016 10:38 AM in response to Rysz

    Rysz wrote:

    iTunes never backed up the entire local library on the iPhone and it still doesn't do that.

     

    I'm not sure what iTunes does and doesn't back up. Which is why I asked.

     

    My phone currently has about 47 GB of data on it. (according to my phone)

    Mobile Sync seems to have about 28 GB of data backed up for this phone.

     

    Currently, I am not using iCloud Photo Library. My photos are on my phone from an iTunes sync.

    I don't use Apple's iCloud Music Library either, so all my songs are on my phone via iTunes sync as well.

     

    So I've always assumed that iTunes is backing up lots of music and photos, since that's the bulk of what's on my phone.

     

    If/when I active iCloud Photo Library, I was hoping iTunes would stop backing up all those photos, since it does't need to.

     

    I would assume the same would be true for music, if I enabled iCloud Music Library as well.

     

    Also, I do realize the iCloud is not a replacement for a backup. I keep full res images on my Mac, along with multiple backups of my data. Cause it's not if, but when.

  • by léonie,Apple recommended

    léonie léonie Apr 19, 2016 10:39 AM in response to 1 Open Loop
    Level 10 (105,867 points)
    iCloud
    Apr 19, 2016 10:39 AM in response to 1 Open Loop

    iTunes will only backup the photos in your Camera Roll, and the optimized photos are not in your Camera Roll.  And neither will the iCloud backup of your device include any items, that are already in iCloud.

     

    To malke a backup copy of your photos in iCloud download them from the iCloud WebPage at www.icloud.com to a computer. Launch the Photos.app at that webpage, select the All Photos album, and use the download button to save the photos and videos.

  • by léonie,Apple recommended

    léonie léonie Apr 19, 2016 10:43 AM in response to 1 Open Loop
    Level 10 (105,867 points)
    iCloud
    Apr 19, 2016 10:43 AM in response to 1 Open Loop

    See this page on what iTunes will backup and not:   https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204136

     

    An iTunes backup includes nearly all of your device's data and settings. An iTunes backup doesn't include:

    • Content from the iTunes and App Stores, or PDFs downloaded directly to iBooks (You can back up this content using Transfer Purchases in iTunes.)
    • Content synced from iTunes, like imported MP3s or CDs, videos, books, and photos
    • Photos already stored in the cloud, like My Photo Stream, and iCloud Photo Library
    • Touch ID settings
    • Apple Pay information and settings
    • Activity, Health, and Keychain data (To back up this content, you'll need to use Encrypted Backup in iTunes.)

    Learn how to make backups in iTunes, how to find them on your Mac or PC, and how to delete backups you no longer need.