Where Does iPhone Backup Go? How to Selectively Export & Restore iPhone Backups?

Have you ever wondered where your iPhone backup goes? Well! It gets stored in different locations depending on your device backup settings. To avoid panic after accidental data loss, many people creates a backup for their iPhone, whether using iTunes or iCloud. In this article, we are going to tell you where exactly the iPhone backup file is stored, and how can you trace it if need be.

Keep reading to know the process in detail. For your convenience, we will not only explain where iPhone backup goes but also tell you how to restore it selectively.

1. Where Does iPhone Backup Go?

Well! The location of the iTunes backup file relies on your PC's operating system but not to worry we have mentioned detailed steps on how to locate it on both Windows and Mac computers. Moreover, we have also mentioned appropriate information for locating iCloud backup too. Here is how to locate them.

Note: You should keep in mind that never move the iTunes backup file to other locations on your computer, otherwise iTunes won't detect it anymore. Editing, renaming, relocating content from the backup file possibly harms the file. So, make sure to take care of that.

Trace iTunes Backup

Here are the steps to find where does iPhone backup go –

On Mac computer

1. Open the 'Menu' bar, hit the search icon and enter '~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/'.
2. Tap 'Return' on your keyboard thereafter.

Or, you can also locate a particular backup file by launching iTunes > tap 'iTunes' in Finder Menu bar > 'Preferences'. Now, Select 'Devices' > Control + Click the desired backup > select 'Show in Finder'.

On Windows computer

Push the 'Windows' key along with letter 'R' and paste this address to browse the backup folder: '\Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\'

Note: Make sure to replace 'username' in the address with the name of your user account of your PC.

Alternatively, in the search bar of your Windows PC type '%appdata%' or '%USERPROFILE%' (iTunes downloaded from Microsoft Store) and hit 'Enter' on your keyboard. Now, open 'Apple Computer' > 'MobileSync' > 'Backup'.

Trace iCloud Backup

In case you have created the iPhone backup using iCloud, the backup data is not stored on your computer and can be found in the cloud storage. For tracing your iPhone backup on iCloud, you need to follow different processes for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, Mac, or Windows computers. Let's now discover where does iPhone backup go, when you make an iCloud backup –

For iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch

Browse 'Settings' > click [your name] > go to 'iCloud' > hit 'Manage Storage' > 'Backup'. You can click a certain backup file for more information.

For Windows computer

Launch 'iCloud for Windows' > tap 'Storage' > choose 'Backup'.

For Mac PC

Select 'Apple' menu > 'System Preferences' > tap 'iCloud' > hit 'Manage' > choose 'Backups'.

Note: The iPhone backup is visible on other devices using the same iCloud account, but you can select the backup content only from the iPhone's 'Settings' menu.

2. How to View & Export Data from iTunes/iCloud Backup

Now that you have learnt where does iPhone backup go, how about learning how to view and export the data from the backup? Well! There are top-notch iTunes alternatives like iMyFone iTransor (iOS 12 supported) that can help you make it. Previewing and exporting more than 20 types of data from your iPhone backup to your computer is not a child's play. iMyFone iTransor does that efficiently along with many other features such as selectively backing up your iPhone, selectively restore your iPhone backup, and so on.

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Let's understand how to export iPhone data to your computer with the help of iMyFone iTransor –

Step 1: First you need to install and launch the software on your computer. After connecting your iPhone using a lightning cable, tap the 'Export from Device & Backup'. Now, press the 'Export from Backup' tab from the interface.

Then you need to choose a backup that you want to view and export data from. Then click 'Next' button.

Step 2: In this step the desired data type needs to be selected. You can mark the checkbox against the desired data or check 'Select All'. Press the 'Scan' button after selecting the data to be exported.

Step 3: The data will be scanned right after hitting the 'Next' button. Preview the data and pick the desired ones or press 'Select All' and then hit the 'Export' button. It will export the data to your computer within minutes.

3. How to Selectively Restore iPhone from Backup

Understanding the export process is easy enough. If you want to restore only one type or several types of data, such as WhatsApp, contacts, messages, WeChat, we will explain you how to selectively restore your iPhone from that backup.

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Step 1: Install and launch iMyFone iTransor on your computer and get your iPhone connected using a USB cable. Tap the 'Restore Backup to Device' option and you need to select a backup that you want to restore. Then click the 'Restore Partial Backup' tab thereafter.

Step 2: Now you will navigate to a new page. You need to select a specific file type, let's say 'WhatsApp' by checking the box next to it. The software will then restore only 'WhatsApp' from your iPhone backup file. Tap the 'Preview & Restore' or 'Directly Restore' button according to your needs.

Step 3: The data can be previewed after it gets scanned if you choose 'Preview & Restore'. Now, click 'Restore'. Then you need choose 'Merge' or 'Replace' from the pop-up. Now the program will start the restore process and it will finish soon.