How to Backup iPad to Computer Without iTunes: 6 Effective Methods

Axel Nash
Axel Nash Originally published Nov 28, 24, updated Nov 28, 24

Nowadays, your data is at risk due to security breaches, cyberattacks, and system failure; therefore, backing up your iPad is a good option. Even though most iPad users have used iTunes while backing their data, it cannot be always trusted. This article is about other options on how to back up an iPad to a computer without using iTunes.

These alternatives will give you diverse, safer options, faster speeds, and better compatibility with other devices. So read through this article to learn the top ways that you can back up data from your iPad to the computer.

backup ipad to computer without itunes
In this article
    1. Way 1. Backup Complete iPad Data to Computer via MobileTrans Phone Backup Feature
    2. Way 2. Transfer Specific iPad Data to Computer Using MobileTrans Export to Computer
    3. Way 3. Backup Your iPad Social App Data with the App Backup Feature of MobileTrans
    1. iCloud
    2. Dropbox
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Part 1. What Are the Potential Reasons to Backup iPad to Computer Without iTunes?

People who have used iTunes in the past are familiar with the technical and backup difficulties. However, we are again clarifying the reasons for learning how to back up iPad to PC without iTunes.

  1. Unable to Preview Backup: The tool restricts users from accessing and previewing the data before backing it up. This can be an issue as you won't know if you missed anything or backing up unnecessary data.
  2. Sync Restrictions: While backing up data, iTunes does not properly sync videos, music, and other data because of its compatibility or system errors. Therefore, this can lead to missing content or unknowingly duplicating it.
  3. Outdated Software: Users find the interface of the tool outdated and not user-friendly compared to other backup tools. It’s hard to understand the layout of the software when other tools have advanced navigation and introduced features.
  4. Storage Accessibility Glitch: One of the reasons to back up an iPad to a PC without iTunes is its occasional storage glitches. This problem can hinder the backup process, causing the data to get lost, distorted, or erased.

Part 2. Top 3 Ways to Learn How to Backup iPad to Computer Without iTunes

As previously discussed, iTunes has several limitations when attempting to backup data using this application. The following methods can help you understand how to back up an iPad to a computer without iTunes.

Way 1. Backup Complete iPad Data to Computer via MobileTrans Phone Backup Feature

We learned how important it is to restore your iPad data without iTunes; therefore, we provide you with the best software to help you seamlessly and safely restore data. Introducing Wondershare MobileTrans, which offers a phone backup feature to back up 18+ types of data from one device to another without losing anything.

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Besides, with its end-to-end encryption security, the data is backed without overwriting existing data. So, to free up space on the iPad and avoid the risk of storage full, follow the given steps to back up the iPad to a PC without iTunes:

Step 1. Access the MobileTrans Backup & Restore Feature After Connecting the iPad

Download the MobileTrans toolbox on your computer and access its main interface. From here, choose the “Backup & Restore” module from the top toolbar and press the “Backup” button to proceed to the other screen. Once that’s selected, connect your iPad to the computer to begin data backup.

access backup & restore tab

Step 2. Choose Desired File Types and Initiate the Transfer Process

Next, choose the desired content from the “Select Content to Backup” section on the next screen. Then, hit the “Start” button and initiate the backup process from the iPad to your computer.

use start button after choosing data

Step 3. Preview and Restore the Backup Files on Your Computer

When the process is completed, review the iPad backup data by pressing the “Open Backup Location” button or restore the data by clicking the “Restore” button.

choose open backup location

Way 2. Transfer Specific iPad Data to Computer Using MobileTrans Export to Computer

Transferring data is an alternative to backing up your iPad files on your computer if you worry about losing your specific data. Thus, try Wondershare MobileTrans to transfer any type of data to a computer without overwriting existing data. It ensures a fast transfer process, beating Bluetooth and other apps with fast data transmission.

While transferring particular data, you can view the data size, their document size, and more to ensure nothing is left behind. Moving forward, learn how to transfer iPad data to a computer without hassle:

Step 1. Download MobileTrans and Access the Export to Computer Feature

Launch the MobileTrans toolbox on your PC/Mac, and on its main interface, open the “Phone Transfer” tab. Now, choose the “Export to Computer” option and connect your iPad to the computer.

select export to computer feature

Step 2. Select the Specific iPad Data and Export It to the Computer

Afterward, the iPad data will be displayed on the left-side panel, where you can open any required data tab. From here, choose the iPad you want to export to the computer, and hit the “Export” button when selected.

hit export button from apps

Step 3. Import the Data After Successful Exportation

When the process is completed, tap the “Open Folder” button to review the files and images. Also, by clicking the “Import” button, you can import the desired data back to the iPad.

press the open folder button

Way 3. Backup Your iPad Social App Data with the App Backup Feature of MobileTrans

For professionals and businessmen, social apps are important as they contain sensitive, legal, and personal information. That is why backing up their data has become necessary, which you can fulfill using Wondershare MobileTrans. It can safely back up your media, chats, and important files across various devices since it is compatible with all OS.

Also, users can back up different types of social app data, like WhatsApp, WeChat, GB WhatsApp, Viber, and more. To understand the procedure better, mimic the steps next on how to back up iPad to PC without iTunes via MobileTrans:

Step 1. Launch MobileTrans and Choose the App Backup Feature

Go to the “Backup & Restore” module from the main interface of this software, and under the “App Backup & Restore” section, click the “Backup” button to go to the next screen.

move with app backup & restore

Step 2. Connect the iPad to the Computer and Select Any Social App

Now, connect your iPad to the computer, and it will display all the supported apps on the MobileTrans software. From here, choose the desired app for backup and head to the next screen to begin the backup process.

pick whatsapp to proceed

Step 3. Initiate the Backup Process from Your iPad

When you’re satisfied that the backup data of your social app is all accounted for, hit the “Start” button and initiate the backup process, which you can view afterward.

use start button after choosing data

Part 3.Cloud Solutions to Backup iPad Data to Computer without iTunes

After understanding how to back up an iPad to a computer without iTunes using Wondershare MobileTrans, let's look at other solutions.

1.iCloud

The first cloud solution is iCloud, a secure Apple backup service that can store your personal information, keep your device safe, and make it easy to share files. Its Drive feature lets you recover, share, and organize data, making it the best option for backing up your iPad data. Users can learn how to backup iPad to PC without iTunes and download it on their computer by following these steps:

Step 1. Open the “Files” app on your iPad device and long-press on the desired data you want to back up. When a drop-down menu opens, tap the “Move” option to access the “iCloud Drive” screen.

tap move to access icloud drive

Step 2. When you are inside the “iCloud Drive” folder, press the “Move” button from the top right corner of the screen to back up your iPad data on your computer.

press move to continue

Step 3. Now, head to your computer, open the iCloud website on any browser, and sign in to your Apple account. After that, click the “Drive” option from the main website page and view all the recently backed-up data.

click drive from icloud website

Step 4. On the new window, go to the “Recants” tab and click the “Three Horizontal Dots” on the desired data. When the drop-down menu appears, select the “Download as Copy…/Download” option to save the data on your computer.

choose file to download a copy

2.Dropbox

After iCloud, you have this cloud service that will back up files, images, and more from the iPad onto your computer. It’s like a safe box, protecting things from accidental file loss, drive failures, and even ransomware attacks. So, if something goes wrong, you'll be able to restore those backed-up files to your iPad from your PC, MacBook, Android phone, and more.

Step 1. Go to the Dropbox app on your iPad device and press the “+” sign at the bottom to reveal a bottom-up menu. From here, tap the “Upload Files” option and add all the important data.

tap upload photos

Step 2. Once the desired data is uploaded, sign in to your account on Dropbox web on your computer and access the “Home” interface. From here, head to the “All Files” tap located at the left panel and open all the recently added files. After that, click the “Three Vertical Dots” on the desired data and open the options menu. Now, hit the “Download” option and save the data on your computer safely.

use three dots to press download

Pro Tip. How to Backup iPad to MacBook Pro or Air via Finder?

Mac users can use one more method to back up their iPads to computers without iTunes, which is possible through Finder. You can easily back up data from your iPad to your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air by just connecting your device using an Apple-certified cable.

Moreover, you can back up documents, shows, books, and more from the iPad to the MacBook without interruptions. Now, follow the steps on how to back up data on MacBook Pro/Air via Finder:

Instructions: Begin by connecting your iPad to the MacBook Pro/Air and access the device on the Finder app from the left panel. Now, head to the “General” tab when the iPad is connected, and click the “Back Up Now” button in the “Backups” section. This process will immediately back up all the data from your iPad to your MacBook Pro or Air with ease.

back up now button in finder

Conclusion

This informative article has explored various reasons why you should back up your iPad data on your computer. We have also explored various ways showing how to back up an iPad to a computer without iTunes, out of which Wondershare MobileTrans is the best option. Therefore, download this robust software on your system to back up your iPad or any other smartphone in 3 simple steps.

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Axel Nash
Axel Nash Nov 28, 24
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