• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Techbout

Technology Simplified.

  • Windows
  • Mac
  • iOS
  • Android
  • Office
Home » Backup » How to Change iPhone Backup Location on Mac

How to Change iPhone Backup Location on Mac

By: Waseem Patwegar

Here is a workaround to change the default iPhone backup location on Mac to Desktop, External storage drive or to another location on your Mac.

Change iPhone Backup Location on Mac

Change iPhone Backup Location on Mac

Starting with macOS Catalina, it is the Finder App that makes the Backup of iPhone on Mac and not iTunes.

Similar to iTunes, the Finder also stores the iPhone Backup to a hidden location in your user profile, without offering any way to change its location.

Currently, the only way to change Location of iPhone Backup Folder on Mac is to create a Symbolic link from the default iPhone Backup Folder on Mac to your desired New Backup Location.

Once the Symlink is created, it tricks the Finder into making a backup of your iPhone to the New Location (Desktop, External Storage or other location).

Where is the Location of iPhone Backup on Mac?

If you are using a MacBook, iMac or Mac Mini, iPhone Backup Files are located at path ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/.

Note: You may need to enable the option to Show Hidden Files on your Mac to see the location of iPhone Backup Files.

How to Switch iPhone Backup Location on Mac?

The process to change the location of iPhone Backup Folder on Mac is a bit lengthy. Hence, we have divided this process into 3 steps.

Step#1: Copy Current iPhone Backup to New Location

The first step is to copy the current iPhone Backup Folder to New Location.

1. Click on the Finder Icon > select the Go tab in top-menu bar and click on Go to Folder.

Go to Folder Option on Mac

2. In Go to window, type ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/ and click on the Go button.

Go to iOS Backup Folder on Mac

3. Right-click on the Backup Folder and select Copy Backup option.

Copy iPhone Backup Folder on Mac

4. Open New Finder window (Command + N) > navigate to the New Location where you want to save iPhone Backups > Right-click in any empty space and select Paste Item option.

Paste Item to Desktop

Note: You can select External Storage Drive or any other location on your Mac as the New Location for iPhone Backups.

5. Wait for iPhone Backup Files to be copied to the New Location. This process can take a while, depending on the amount of data to be transferred.

6. Once the Files are copied, go back to the previous iPhone Backup Location and Rename the Backup Folder as Old iPhone Backup.

Step#2. Grant Full Disk Access to Terminal

The next step is to grant full disk access to the Terminal App on your Mac.

1. Click on Apple Logo in top-menu bar and select System Preferences in the drop-down menu.

Open System Preferences on Mac

2. On System Preferences screen, click on the Security & Privacy Icon.

3. On the next screen, select Full Disk Access in the left-pane. In the right-pane, scroll up or down as required and provide full disk access to the Terminal App.

Provide Full Disk Access to Terminal on Mac

Note: If the selection is locked, click on the Security Lock > Enter your User Name and Admin Password to allow changes.

If Terminal is not available, click on the + icon > go to Utilities > Terminal and click on Open.

Step#3. Create Symlink to iPhone Backup Location

Once the Terminal has Full Disk Access, you can follow the steps below to create a Symbolic Link to iPhone Backup Folder.

1. Open the Terminal on your Mac using Launchpad or by going to Finder > Go > Utilities > Terminal.

Open Terminal on Mac

2. In the Terminal window, type sudo ln -s /Volumes/Desktop/iPhone Backup/~/Library/Application\ Support/MobileSync/Backup and press the Enter key.

Change iPhone Backup Location on Mac Using Terminal

This will create a Symlink connecting the default iPhone Backup Folder to New Backup Folder, which will force the Finder to Backup iPhone to your desired location.

Related
  • How to Copy Text from iPhone to Mac
  • How to Delete iPhone Backups From Mac

You May Also Like
    • Reset Safari Settings on Mac
      How to Reset Safari Settings on Mac
      • Transfer Photos From Android Phone to Mac
        How to Transfer Photos From Android Phone to Mac
        • Clear Safari Browser Cache on Mac
          How to Clear Safari Browser Cache on Mac

Primary Sidebar

Twitter
Facebook



Popular Now

  • How to Reduce Cellular Data Usage on iPhone
  • How to Backup Registry in Windows 11/10
  • How to Check Computer Specs in Windows 10
  • How to Remove Bloatware From Windows 10 PC
  • How to Create Local Account in Windows 11



Gadget Guide

  • Mac vs PC Comparison: Should You Buy Mac or PC
  • Chromebook vs Windows Laptop
  • Kindle E-Reader Comparison | Which Kindle to Buy
  • iPad vs iPad Pro Comparison
  • Advantages of Chromebooks

About | Privacy Policy | Disclosure | Terms | Contact
© Copyright 2022 @Techbout.com · All Rights Reserved