where is iTunes device list stored (for restore)

Just to flesh out some detail, the ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/ folder will contain one or more subfolders each representing a current or archived backup for a single device. Inside each of these folders will be many individual files each containing some subset of the data for the backup. You should restore a backup folder as a complete set from Time Machine. Picking individual files will likely leave the backup set in an inconsistent state which won't restore successfully.

tt2

The list that shows your iTunes backups is in iTunes. Open iTunes, click on iTunes>Preferences>Devices.

The way you would restore a device to a backup would be to erase the device, then start to set it up by following the prompts. Once you get to the prompt that asks if you want to restore from a backup, select that you want to restore from an iTunes backup. You should then see the list of available backups you can restore from.

Do you, by any chance, have an iCloud backup that you could use?

Best,

GB

As you have indicated, you know that your backups are stored in the Backups folder in your Finder. I will see if any of our iTunes experts have any advice for your regarding the retrieval of a backup that is no longer showing in your Devices list. This is Apple's article regarding backups (where to find them and what you can and cannot do with them): Locate backups of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

FYI - if you turn on Automatic iCoud Backups, you will have a complete backup of your device which will incrementally back up any new changes on a daily basis. This would include any and all information that is included in an iTunes backup, and if your iTunes backup is not encrypted, the iCloud backup would contain even more info since it is encrypted.

I'll put out a bat call to see if we can get our resident iTunes experts on this for you.

Best,

GB

Well, just a thought for future reference - once the original backup is done, subsequent backups are incremental in that they only back up anything that has changed. So, I have a 256GB device (not mostly full 🙂), but my backup size is 34GB. However, my next backup is 117.3MB, so that takes about 2 seconds.

If you are able at any point to get an initial full backup up to iCloud, and then you turn on Automatic Backups, the system will automatically back up your device once every 24 hours when the device is plugged into a power source, has Wifi on, and is on the Lock Screen (mine update when I charge them overnight).

In the meantime, using iTunes is a great way to keep your backups safe and secure, so at this point, it is just a matter getting someone to respond to the Bat Call I put out for you. Hopefully it will be later tonight or tomorrow. Since this is a strictly volunteer site, folks come on and off as they are able. Fingers crossed one of our experts will be with you soon!

Best of luck,

GB

Mdalamin wrote:

iCloud acktivation lock .my iPhone 6s erase or of open my iPhone so acktivation lock...please help or remove iCloud ..ime number..355430079604534....serial number..FK1QV5J6GRY7

You are hijacking a thread that has nothing to do with your issue. Start a new thread. No one will respond to your query here.

GB

iCloud acktivation lock .my iPhone 6s erase or of open my iPhone so acktivation lock...please help or remove iCloud
[Personal Information Edited by Host]

Our hero has arrived! 😀

Thanks tt2 for jumping in! This is waaaaay beyond my expertise!

GB

Hi, iTunes keeps one rolling backup for each device until such time as you archive it or restore a backup when a fresh backup set is created. If Time Machine has been capturing the state of the backup folder whose path is noted in Locate backups of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support then you can potentially pick any date in the past that you think might have a viable copy of your backup set, restore it to your system drive from Time Machine, then attempt to restore that backup to your device.

tt2