iTunes backups can quickly consume your available storage, especially if you regularly sync multiple devices. Understanding how to change where iTunes stores backups helps you manage disk space and keep important data accessible.
By redirecting the default backup location, you can store backups on an external drive or a secondary internal partition. The following sections explain why this matters, how to check current settings, and the most reliable ways to change the path.
| Backup Type | Default Storage Path (macOS) | Default Storage Path (Windows) | Can It Be Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| iTunes App Backup | ~/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media/Mobile Sync/ | %\Users\%Username%\Music\iTunes\iTunes Media\Mobile Sync\ | Limited, mainly through symbolic links |
| iOS Device Backup (iTunes) | ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/ | %\Users\%Username%\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\ | Yes, via environment variable or third-party tools |
| iCloud Backup | Cloud-based, managed by Apple ID | Cloud-based, managed by Apple ID | Storage location controlled by Apple, not user path |
| Third-Party Backup Tools | Custom location chosen during install | Custom location chosen during install | Yes, defined by user at setup |
Check Current iTunes Backup Location
Before changing anything, confirm where your existing backups are stored. This prevents accidental duplication or loss when you redirect folders.
Locate Backup Path on macOS
On macOS, open Finder, choose Go > Go to Folder, and enter ~/Library/Application\ Support/MobileSync/. Inside, the Backup folder holds your device backups in hashed directory names.
Locate Backup Path on Windows
On Windows, press Win + R, type %APPDATA%\Apple Computer\MobileSync\, and press Enter. The Backup subfolder contains all iTunes-created device backups linked to your Apple ID and local library.
Change Backup Location Using Symbolic Links
A reliable method on both macOS and Windows is to replace the default Backup folder with a symbolic link pointing to a custom drive. This keeps compatibility with iTunes while moving heavy data to another disk.
Preparation Steps
- Identify the target drive with enough free space for your backups.
- Create a new folder on that drive, such as Drive\iTunesBackups.
- Move the existing Backup folder to the new location and note its original path.
Create the Symbolic Link
On macOS, use Terminal and the ln -s command to link the original folder to the new location. On Windows, use mklink /J for a directory junction or mklink /D for a symbolic link, opened from an elevated Command Prompt.
Change iTunes Preferences Directly
Some versions of iTunes allow you to choose a different iTunes Media folder, which indirectly affects where music and videos stored for backups reside. Device backups themselves are still managed by the MobileSync folder, but media consolidation can be routed elsewhere.
Set a New iTunes Media Folder
In iTunes preferences, under Advanced, you can change the iTunes Media folder location. Confirm the Copy files to the iTunes Media folder option if you want duplicates moved, and choose Copy purchases to iTunes Media folder when possible to keep external files organized.
Manage iCloud and Automatic Backup Behavior
iCloud backups do not use a local path you can redirect, but you can control how much local storage iTunes uses for cache and temporary files. Adjusting sync preferences can reduce clutter on your main drive while maintaining cloud safety.
Optimize Local iCloud Storage Use
In System Settings or iCloud settings, manage which apps store data locally and which rely solely on the cloud. This reduces the need to manually move iTunes backup content when your internal drive is low on space.
Key Recommendations for Managing Backup Locations
- Always stop iTunes before moving or relinking the Backup folder to avoid file conflicts.
- Use fast external SSDs for better backup and restore speed, especially for large device libraries.
- Keep at least one recent local backup if you rely heavily on iCloud for redundancy.
- Verify the symbolic link with ls -l on macOS or dir on Windows after creation to confirm it points to the right folder.
- Schedule periodic checks of backup integrity, especially after hardware or OS updates.
FAQ
Reader questions
Will changing the backup location break my existing iTunes library?
No, as long as you move the entire Backup folder intact and recreate the symbolic link correctly, your library and past backups remain accessible.
Can I use a network share or NAS as the backup destination?
Yes, you can point the symbolic link to a mounted network volume, but performance may be slower, and interruptions during backup could cause corruption.
Do I need to recreate the link after system updates?
Usually not, but if macOS or Windows resets permissions during major updates, verify that the link still points to the correct target and backups continue to save there.
Will redirecting backups affect iPhone or iPad encryption settings?
No, device encryption is tied to your Apple ID and device settings, not the local backup folder path, so encryption remains intact after moving the storage location.