How to Backup iPhone

When we want to view iPhone backup contents on our computer, we’ll need to make it clear that the contents in iCloud backup can be viewed in iCloud.com on our computer, but we aren’t allowed to view the contents in iTunes backup on computer. But we are able to get access to the location of the iTunes backup on our computer.

Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8: C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

Mac OS: ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/

On a Windows computer, how can iPhone users make more than one iPhone backup? In fact, you have several steps to do, and the following tutorial will show you how to get it:

1. Open Computer, and go to C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\, and double-click to open the folder. You will see folder(s) named with numbers and letters. Identify your iPhone backup with the time beside the name of the folder.

2. Copy and paste the iPhone backup folder, and rename the folder. It is a good idea if you want to name the backup after the date you create this backup.

3. Double-click the new iPhone backup folder, and find the “info.plist” file. Open it with your Notepad, and locate a “Yourname’s iPhone” line at the bottom. Then change the name with date attacted.

4. Save the file, and there you go. You have made a copy of your iPhone backup now. Next time when you want to restore your iPhone, you will see this backup in iTunes.

Sometimes we don’t need an iPhone backup anymore and want to delete it from iTunes. The following guidance will show you how to do it:

1. Start iTunes and go to “Edit > Preferences > Devices”, and you will see the backups you created in the window below.

2. Move your mouse to the iPhone backup, and you will get the phone number and the IMEI number of the iPhone so that you can identify whether the backup is the one you need.

3. Select the iPhone backup and click “Delete Backup” at the right bottom. Then iTunes will start deleting iPhone backup from iTunes.

If you are using a Mac computer, you should click “iTunes > Preferences” When you want to delete iPhone backup.

If you are using iCloud to backup iPhone, you will be able to manage the size of the backup by tapping Settings > iCloud > Storage > Manage Storage (If you are using iOS 7 or earlier, tap Storage & Backup) on your iPhone.

On you Mac computer, you can go to Apple Menu > System Preferences, click iCloud then click Manage.

On your Windows 7 computer, you can choose Start Menu > All Programs > iCloud > iCloud, then click Manage.

If you are using Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 computer, you should go to the Start Screen and choose iCloud then click Manage.

If you are using iTunes to backup iPhone, you will find it impossible to manage the data in your iPhone backup on computer as the contents in the backup aren’t viewable. So the only way to reduce the iPhone backup in iTunes is to delete the unwanted photos, videos and so on before backing up your iPhone.

Sometimes we do want to change the location of the backup to free up our C:/ drive. The following guidance will show you how to do that:

1. Create a new folder on your computer named Backup.

2. Create a symbolic link to the new backup folder. You need to hit Windows + R and enter cmd in the Command dialog. Then type the following code: mlink /J “%APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup” “D:\Backup”. If you create a new backup folder in other location, you need to type the right location of the new iPhone backup folder.

If you are using iCloud, and have same Apple ID on your new iPhone, you are able to restore your new iPhone with the iCloud backup easily. If not, you can take advantage of iTunes to restore iPhone with the new backup. The following guidance will show you how to do it:

1. Start iTunes and go to “Edit > Preferences > Devices”, and check “Prevent iPods, iPhones and iPads from syncing automatically”.

2. Plug old iPhone into computer and click “File > Devices > Back Up” at the upper left corner after iTunes recognize your iPhone.

3. After iTunes backing up your iPhone, unplug the iPhone and connect your new iPhone to computer with the USB cable. Then click “Restore from Backup” in the summary panel.

After restoring your new iPhone with the old backup, your new iPhone will restart and you will get the backup contents in your new iPhone.

But still, many iPhone users don’t want to restore new iPhone with the old backup, because the old backup can be large and include many outdated data and unwanted apps. So it’s up to you whether you are going to restore the new iPhone with the old backup.

Of course, sometimes we’ll have to erase all the contents and settings in our iPhone to get rid of the unwanted files once and for all. If you want to set up your iPhone as a new one, you only need to tap Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Contents and Settings on your iPhone. This will delete the phone settings, photos and other media files on your iPhone.