...

What Does iTunes Backup Include? Useful Tricks [Backup Guide]

...

Have you made up your mind, and you now want to switch to an iPhone device? Know that there are plenty of fascinating products from Apple. The iPhone attracts its fans with creative performance and design. As you enjoy its amazing services, ensure you take care of it, too. This entails ensuring it has enough space by backing up data, making its operation smooth.

iOS users can either use iCloud or iTunes to back up data. iTunes is an official backup tool Apple designed to enable people to store data in the cloud. So, what does iTunes backup include? Does iTunes backup everything? To know the answer, continue reading.

what does itunes backup include

 

Part 1. What Is iTunes Backup and Why Do You Need It?

iTunes Backup is a feature provided by Apple's iTunes software that allows users to create a copy of their iOS device's data and settings. The primary purpose of iTunes Backup is to serve as a safeguard for your data, providing a way to restore your device to a previous state if something goes wrong or if you get a new device and want to transfer your data to it.

When you restore files from your iCloud backup, all apps, audio, publications, and videos you bought will again download from iTunes, iBooks stores, and Apps. But, this will not be the case for music and videos not bought via iTunes and pictures that aren't saved in the local photo stream, call logs, and some data. In that case, you'll have to use iTunes backup to back up such files. Furthermore, iTunes backup is great if you have a lot of data.

Part 2. What Does iTunes Backup Include?

Of course, any person would want to know what iTunes backs up, especially users of Apple devices. Does iPhone back up to computer include photos? Know that iTunes backup entails almost all your iPhone's storage, like texts, pictures, app folders, and many more. Those files that can easily be obtained from the host won't be included in the backup to save space as well as time.

What does iTunes backup includes? Here are some of the data:

Photos and images: Pictures taken by the camera, screenshots, wallpapers, and any saved images.

Media files: Videos, music, movies, ringtones.

Basic information: Call logs, contacts, SMS, MMS, voice messages, calendar events, memos, etc.

App and Apps data: Apps, App settings, documents, data, preferences, application data, keychain, etc.

Settings: All network settings like VPN settings, Wi-Fi hotspots, network preferences, lock screen settings, and the like.

Other data: offline data, mail cache, browser cache, temp files, etc.

All these files are what iTunes backup entails. Note that iTunes backs up almost all iOS content.

What is excluded from an iTunes backup?

  • Content from the iTunes and App Stores or PDFs downloaded directly to Apple Books.
  • Content synced from iTunes, such as imported MP3s or CDs, videos, books, and photos.
  • Data is already stored in iCloud, like iCloud Photos, iMessages, and text (SMS) and multimedia (MMS) messages.
  • Face ID or Touch ID settings.
  • Apple Pay information and settings.
  • Apple Mail data.
  • Activity, Health, and Keychain data (To back up this content, you'll need to use Encrypted Backup in iTunes).

You May Like:

iCloud vs. iTunes Backup: What's the Difference between Them? (Full Guide)

How to Download iCloud Backup with Ease? 4 Methods [Updated]

Part 3. How to Back Up iOS Data with iTunes?

By backing up your iOS device via iTunes, you can be sure that your files are secure. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1. Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer.

Step 2. Use a USB cable to connect your iOS device to your computer. Launch iTunes if it doesn't open automatically.

Step 3. In iTunes, locate and click on the device icon in the upper left corner of the iTunes window. This will take you to the "Summary" screen.

Step 4. Under the "Manually Back Up and Restore" section, click on "Back Up Now". iTunes will start backing up your iOS device. Wait for the process to complete.

back up iphone with itunes

You now have created a backup of your devices with iTunes. No worrying about your data getting lost or what will happen when your phone gets destroyed.

When you want to restore the backup, the process is also simple. Just click on "Restore Backup" under the "Manually Back Up and Restore" section, select the backup you want to restore from the list, and click "Restore".

restore iophone with itunes

Part 4. Where Are iTunes Backup Files Stored?

After backing up your data with iTunes, you might want to know where the files are stored. This will help you know if all the data you backed up was successful or not. iTunes backup files are stored locally on your PC with different paths for Mac and Windows.

On a macOS: Go to "Library" > "Application Support" > "MobileSync" > "Backup". These are where your backup files will be located.

On Windows: You can go to "Users" > "Username" > "App Data" > "Roaming" > "Apple Computer" > "MobileSync" and lastly, "Backup".

where itunes backup files stored

Further Reading:

[Easy Solutions] How to Fix iTunes Backup & Restore Problem?

How Long Does It Take to Restore an iPhone on iTunes/iCloud? (Authoritative & Reliable)

Part 5. How to Delete Old iTunes Backups?

iTunes backup files might occupy a significant amount of storage on your computer's local drive. If you encounter a message indicating insufficient disk space during an attempt to back up your device, it's advisable to free up some space on your Mac or PC. To declutter and remove older iTunes backups directly from the iTunes application, follow these steps:

Step 1. Launch the iTunes application on your computer.

Step 2. Click on "iTunes" on Mac or "Edit" on Windows. Select "Preferences" from the drop-down menu.

Step 3. In the "Preferences" window, click on the "Devices" tab. You'll see a list of device backups. Identify the backup you want to delete.

Step 4. Highlight the backup you want to remove. Click the "Delete Backup" button.

delete the old backup

Part 6. How to Selectively Back Up iOS Data to Computer? [Easiest]

Do you want to know the easiest and fastest way to back up your iOS data to the computer? Coolmuster iOS Assistant is the tool to look for. Coolmuster iOS Assistant is a useful and simple-to-use tool that can help you back up all data from your iOS device, especially from iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or any other Apple mobile device. The software can back up multiple data types, such as photos, videos, messages, contacts, apps, music, and more. The best thing about this tool is its selective data transfer. You can select what data needs to be transferred to the computer as you preview. It's a handy tool for iOS users and compatible with most iOSes, including iOS 17.

Key Features:

  • Smoothly transfer different file types from iOS to a computer.
  • List detailed files on the interface and allow you to directly select what you want.
  • Back up and restore data from your iOS device to the default iTunes backup folder on your computer and vice versa.
  • Enable you to delete useless files, edit your contacts, add new notes, etc., on the computer.
  • Compatible with most iOS devices, including the latest iPhone 15.
  • Support Mac and Windows operating systems.

Click the download button below to download the Coolmuster iOS Assistant application on your computer.

Here is how to back up iOS data to a computer easily with Coolmuster iOS Assistant:

01Once you've downloaded the appropriate version of the software, connect your device to the computer using a USB cord as instructed. Choose the "Trust" option on your device, and then proceed by clicking the "Continue" option.

click trust on your iphone

02Upon detection of your device by the software, the main interface will be displayed as depicted below.

connect your ios devices to computer

03Choose the data you want to transfer from the left panel. Check the detailed files on the right side, and click on the "Export" icon to start transferring the data to the computer.

back up your data using coolmuster ios assistant

Learn More:

Top 10 iTunes Alternatives for Windows You Can't Miss

How to Sync Contacts from Mac to iPhone with 4 Simple Ways (Must Read)

Part 7. Why Does iTunes Fail to Back Up Data?

iTunes is a simple and efficient way to back up iOS data to the computer. However, it may fail in some cases. But it's not something to be worked up about.

One of the reasons why this happens is that you are using an outdated version of iTunes. Make sure you have the latest version installed on your computer. Another reason is insufficient space on the computer. Also, a faulty USB port on your computer may cause such an issue.

In a Nutshell

What does iTunes backup include? You now find the answer. iTunes has many features that can help you back up and restore iOS data, but it may not be the most efficient way. You can use Coolmuster iOS Assistant to back up iOS data selectively. Its preview function makes the transfer flexible, and it allows you to manage your iOS files on your computer. Are you interested in it? If so, go ahead and download it and give it a try.

Related Articles:

How to Restore iPhone 15 from Backup Efficiently? [4 Techniques]

[SOLVED] How to Import Videos from iPhone to iMovie Breezily?

7 Quick Ways to Transfer Photos from PC to iPad (With or Without iTunes)

7 Easy Ways on How to Transfer Photos from iPad to Mac

[SOLVED] iCloud Backup Taking Forever? 8 Easy Ways Can Fix It

How to Back Up Text Messages on iPhone Without iCloud? [6 Proven Ways]

    iOS Transfer     What Does iTunes Backup Include? Useful Tricks [Backup Guide]
Terms & Conditions Privacy (UPDATED) License Agreement Uninstall Copyright © 2024 Coolmuster. All Rights Reserved.
feedbackFeedback