How To View iPhone Backup Files With 5 Methods

Written By Axel Nash |

Viewing iPhone backup files is an important operation that every iPhone user should be familiar with. There is no need to be further tense about viewing the backup files.

It's crucial to keep a backup of our iPhone data to prevent losing it in case of any mishap. In this article, you’ll learn how to access iPhone backup files on Mac, PC, and iCloud. We will also demonstrate MobileTrans, a practical program that makes it simple to back up.

Now let's get going and ensure your iPhone's data is always protected!

Part 1. Locate iPhone backups on your Mac

Finding your iPhone backups on your PC or Mac is important since it enables you to retrieve your backed-up data, which is necessary for various purposes.

In addition, you can retrieve your backed-up data to your new phone if you lose your iPhone or switch to a new model. Also, having access to your backups guarantees the security and safety of all your important data, including pictures, messages, and documents.

find iphone backup on your mac

You can also erase superfluous backups and save up critical storage space by accessing your iPhone backups on your computer. Understanding where your iPhone backups are is crucial to protect your data and ensure you can easily retrieve it when needed.

Method 1. A process to manually locate iPhone backup on Mac

Backups are stored in a Backup folder by the Finder and iTunes. Each operating system has a different location for the Backup folder. By following these steps, you’ll find out the exact location:

  • Step 1. On your Mac, launch Finder.
  • Step 2. At the top of the navigation bar, click "Go" and choose "Go to Folder."
  • Step 3. Type /Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/ into the search box and hit "Go."
  • Step 4. You will then be directed to the folder containing your iPhone backups.

backup files of iphone in mac

Method 2. A guide to locating iPhone backup on Mac by Spotlight

Alternatively, you can look for your iPhone backups using Spotlight search. Do the following steps:

  • Step 1. At the upper right corner of your screen, choose the Spotlight symbol.
  • Step 2. Search for "iPhone backup" in the box provided.

iphone backup searching on mac by spotlight

  • Step 3. Choose "Show all in Finder" from the search results list at the bottom.

show all backups in finder by spotlight

  • Step 4. You will then be directed to the folder containing your iPhone backups.

There you go! You can access and manage your iPhone backup files now that you've located them on your Mac.

If you don’t find access to use Mac for locating iPhone backup, then you can use Windows too! Read below to explore the next tutorial!

Part 2. How to view iPhone backup files on Windows?

Viewing the backup files is essential if you have backed up your iPhone contents on your Windows computer and wish to move them to a new iPhone.

Similarly, checking the backup files on Windows helps you to restore your crucial data, like contacts, messages, images, and documents, if you have broken or lost your iPhone.

view the iphone backups in windows

Also, you can manage your data and eliminate useless files to save up fundamental disc space by viewing your iPhone backups on Windows. You can use it to see whether any information needs to be added to your backups and whether they are current.

A step-by-step guide to view iPhone Backup files on Windows

You can easily locate the files of your Phone Backup on Windows by these steps:

  • Step 1. First, select the PC's File Explorer.
  • Step 2. Type %appdata%Apple ComputerMobileSyncBackup in the search box and hit "Enter."
  • Step 3. You will then be directed to the folder containing your iPhone backups.

Manually locate the Backup files on Windows

To see the Backup files of your iPhone by using Windows, you can achieve it through these steps:

  • Step 1. Open your computer's C: disc.
  • Step 2. Open your username folder after opening the Users folder.
  • Step 3. Select "AppData" from the menu (note that this folder may be hidden, so you may need to enable hidden files and folders in Folder Options).
  • Step 4. Navigate to the "Backup" folder after opening the "Roaming," "Apple Computer," and "MobileSync" folders.

location of the backup files of iphone

  • Step 5. Your iPhone backups are kept in this folder, which can be accessed by doing this.

select your required file

That's the end of it! You can access and manage your iPhone backup files now that you've found them on your Mac or PC.

Part 3. Where are iTunes/ Finder backups kept?

Using iTunes/Finder to create frequent backups guarantees that your data is current and available whenever needed. If you often update the data on your iPhone with iTunes or Finder, it helps ensure that you have the latest data release.

back up your iphone via finder or itunes

It ensures you have a backup of your iPhone data in case of any emergent occurrences, such as device loss, burglary, or damage. With a backup, you can quickly retrieve your data in the case of a failure or restore it to a new device.

Note: You can remove old backups to free up critical disc space, encrypt backups to protect data, and selectively recover your data, giving you more control over what data is restored.

Instructions to view Backup files in iTunes/ Finder

Depending on your operating system, the places where iTunes/Finder backups are kept vary. The location of your computer's iTunes/Finder backups is as follows:

How to use iTunes to access iPhone backup files on a Mac?

By using iTunes, you will get the backup files of your iPhone with these steps:

  • Step 1. Open iTunes on your Mac then select it from the menu bar.
  • Step 2. Click the right mouse button on the backup you want to access under Preferences > Devices.
  • Step 3. Select “Show in Finder” from the menu.

itunes to view backup files of iphone

How to employ Finder to examine iPhone backup files?

To achieve the backup files iPhone by using Finder, you have to follow the following steps:

  • Step 1. Launch Finder on your Mac.
  • Step 2. Then select the General tab's Manage Backups option.
  • Step 3. Use the “Show in Finder” menu item when you right-click the backup you want to view.

use finder to view the backup files

If you don’t find the iTunes/ Finder compatible to view your backup files, then check out the next hacks!

Part 4. How to access previous iPhone backups on a PC using iCloud?

The ability to restore data from a lost or stolen iPhone is the first perk of using iCloud backups. With iCloud, it's simple to retrieve your data without having physical access to your iPhone since you can access your backups from any device with an internet connection.

access previous iphone backups on a pc using icloud

Furthermore, iCloud backups give you a simple way to move your data between iPhones. You can quickly restore your data to a new iPhone by gaining access to your iCloud backup on your Desktop, which will save you time and effort.

Note: You can be confident that your data is secure and available in case of any unforeseen circumstances by storing a backup on iCloud.

Steps to get iPhone Backups by using iCloud

The procedures below can be used to retrieve previous iPhone backups on a Computer using iCloud:

On Windows:

  • Step 1. Go to iCloud.com in your web browser once it is open.
  • Step 2. To access iCloud, enter your Apple ID and password.
  • Step 3. Choose "Settings" from the menu.
  • Step 4. Click "Restore Files" in the "Advanced" box as you scroll down.
  • Step 5. Click "Apply" after choosing the backup you wish to use.

backup files of iphone on icloud of pc

  • Step 6. Open the downloaded file once you've waited for the backup to download.
  • Step 7. The backup data is now visible and accessible on your Desktop.

Please note that to access iCloud backups on your PC, you must have a working internet connection and sufficient free space on your computer to download the backup file.

When using a Mac with macOS:

If you are using iCloud on Mac, then follow these steps:

  • Step 1. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu.
  • Step 2. Choose Manage under Apple ID > iCloud.
  • Step 3. Choose Backups.

backup files on icloud of mac

If you don’t get access to iCloud and iTunes, then use the next method of the third-party apps for better results!

Part 5. Get iPhone backup files in clicks - MobileTrans

MobileTrans is a useful solution for users who need to view and handle iPhone backup files on their PC. It provides multiple advantages over alternative backup data access techniques, including a user-friendly layout and quicker backup scanning.

MobileTrans - Backup & Restore

Easy to back up any files on iPhone to a computer and view them in real-time with just some clicks!

  • • Backup and restore data on your device to a computer with one click.
  • • Easily restore photos, videos, calendars, contacts, messages, and music from iTunes to iPhone/iPad.
  • • Takes less than 10 minutes to finish.
  • • Fully compatible with major providers like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile.
  • • Support the latest iOS and Android OS.
4,085,556 people have downloaded it
logo trustpilot 5 stars 4.5/5 Excellent

However, as MobileTrans is a stand-alone program, it can retrieve your backup files without the aid of iTunes or iCloud.

This option is helpful if you don't have access to these services or want greater control over the backup data you restore. Overall, viewing and managing iPhone backup files can be done quickly and easily with MobileTrans.

A Guide to access backup files on MobileTrans

By using the third-party app, i.e., MobileTrans, you can back up your files in just a few seconds. For this, follow the below step-by-step process shown:

  • Step 1. On your PC, download and install MobileTrans.
  • Step 2. Choose "Restore from Backups" when MobileTrans is launched.
  • Step 3. Use a USB cord to link your iPhone to your Laptop.

different modules on mobiletrans

  • Step 4. Click "Start" after selecting the backup file you wish to see.

files ready for backup

  • Step 5. Let MobileTrans scan the backup file and show the backup contents before continuing.

scanning of backup files

All done! The backup data is now viewable and manageable on your Computer.

Final Words

In short, examining iPhone backup files is essential for keeping your data and ensuring it is secure. When data is lost, recovering your iPhone's data is crucial.

Finding iPhone backup files on a Mac or PC, using iTunes or Finder, or getting backups via iCloud are just a few ways to see iPhone backup files on a Computer. A practical and user-friendly method of managing and viewing iPhone backup files is by MobileTrans.

Regardless of your approach, it's critical to maintain the security and integrity of your backup files.

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Axel Nash

Axel Nash

staff Editor