In this increasingly digital age, it’s crucial to protect and preserve our valuable data. One way to do this is by creating backups of important files and documents. When it comes to Apple devices, iTunes is the go-to tool for backing up data. However, by default, iTunes saves these backups on your computer’s local drive, which can quickly eat up valuable storage space. In this blog post, we will explore how to change the iTunes backup location to a different drive or external storage device. By doing so, you can free up space on your computer’s main drive and ensure that your backups are stored in a secure location.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change Your iTunes Backup Location
There are several reasons why you may want to change the location of your iTunes backups:
1. Free up space: By default, iTunes backups are stored on your computer’s local drive, which can quickly fill up, especially if you have a large number of devices or frequently back up your data. By changing the backup location to a different drive, you can free up space on your main drive.
2. Improve performance: By moving the iTunes backups to a separate drive, you can improve the overall performance of your computer. This is because your main drive won’t be burdened with the additional task of storing and managing backups.
3. Protect your data: Storing your backups on an external storage device provides an extra layer of protection for your data. In case something happens to your computer, such as a hard drive failure or a virus, your backups will remain safe and accessible.
Now that we understand the benefits of changing the iTunes backup location, let’s explore different methods to accomplish this.
Method 1. Changing iTunes Backup Location via iTunes Preferences
To change the iTunes backup location using the iTunes Preferences, follow these steps:
Step 1: Launch iTunes on your computer.
Step 2: Click on the "Edit" (Windows) or "iTunes" (Mac) menu at the top of the iTunes window.
Step 3: Select "Preferences" from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: In the Preferences window, click on the "Devices" tab.
Step 5: Look for the "Backup Location" section and click on the "Change…" button next to it.
Step 6: Choose the desired drive or external storage device where you want to store your iTunes backups.
Step 7: Click on the "Ok" button to save the changes.
Step 8: Restart iTunes for the changes to take effect.
Pros:
1. Easy and quick method without the need for additional tools.
2. Allows you to choose any available drive or external storage device.
3. Changes take effect immediately after restarting iTunes.
Cons:
1. Limited to choosing a drive that is recognized by your computer’s operating system.
2. Requires manual selection of the new backup location.
Method 2. Changing iTunes Backup Location via Symbolic Links (Windows)
If you’re using a Windows computer, you can also change the iTunes backup location by creating a symbolic link. Symbolic links are files that act as pointers to other files or directories. To change the iTunes backup location using symbolic links, follow these steps:
Step 1: Close iTunes and make sure that your external storage device is connected to your computer.
Step 2: Press the "Windows" key + "R" to open the Run dialog box.
Step 3: Type "cmd" and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
Step 4: In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
"`
mklink /J "
"`
Replace `
Step 5: Once the symbolic link is created, open iTunes and it will use the new backup location.
Pros:
1. Allows you to store iTunes backups on any drive or location.
2. Changes take effect immediately without the need to restart iTunes.
3. Can be configured to automatically redirect backups to the new location.
Cons:
1. Requires using the Command Prompt and entering commands.
2. Involves manual configuration of the symbolic link.
Method 3. Changing iTunes Backup Location via Third-Party Software
If you’re not comfortable using the command line or prefer a more user-friendly approach, you can use third-party software to change the iTunes backup location. There are several software options available that simplify the process and provide additional features. One popular option is iMazing, which allows you to easily manage and transfer files between your iOS devices and computer. To change the iTunes backup location using iMazing, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and install iMazing on your computer.
Step 2: Launch iMazing and connect your iOS device to your computer using a USB cable.
Step 3: In the iMazing interface, click on the "Backup" tab.
Step 4: Click on the gear icon next to the "Backup Location" field.
Step 5: Choose the desired drive or external storage device where you want to store your iTunes backups.
Step 6: Click on "OK" to save the changes.
Step 7: Close iMazing and open iTunes. It will now use the new backup location.
Pros:
1. User-friendly interface with graphical options for changing the backup location.
2. Provides additional features for managing and transferring iOS device data.
3. Eliminates the need for manual configuration or using the command line.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading and installing third-party software.
2. May have limitations or restrictions depending on the software used.
Method 4. Changing iTunes Backup Location via Terminal (Mac)
If you’re using a Mac, you can change the iTunes backup location by using the Terminal application. Terminal is a built-in application that provides access to the command-line interface on macOS. To change the iTunes backup location using Terminal, follow these steps:
Step 1: Close iTunes and make sure that your external storage device is connected to your Mac.
Step 2: Open the Terminal application by clicking on the "Spotlight" icon in the menu bar and typing "Terminal". Then, press Enter.
Step 3: In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:
"`
ln -s "/Volumes/
"`
Replace `
Step 4: Once the symbolic link is created, open iTunes and it will use the new backup location.
Pros:
1. Allows you to store iTunes backups on any drive or location.
2. Changes take effect immediately without the need to restart iTunes.
3. Can be configured to automatically redirect backups to the new location.
Cons:
1. Requires using the Terminal application and entering commands.
2. Involves manual configuration of the symbolic link.
What to Do If You Can’t Change Your iTunes Backup Location
If you encounter any issues while trying to change the iTunes backup location, here are some potential fixes:
1. Check permissions: Make sure that you have the necessary permissions to make changes to the backup location. If you’re on a Windows computer, try running iTunes as an administrator. On a Mac, ensure that you have administrative privileges.
2. Quit iTunes Helper: Sometimes, the iTunes Helper process can interfere with changing the backup location. To quit iTunes Helper, follow these steps:
– Windows: Right-click on the taskbar and select "Task Manager". Look for "iTunes Helper" under the "Processes" or "Details" tab, right-click on it, and select "End Task".
– Mac: Press the "Command" + "Option" + "Escape" keys to open the Force Quit Applications window. Select "iTunes Helper" and click on the "Force Quit" button.
3. Disable iCloud backup: If you have iCloud backup enabled, it can prevent you from changing the iTunes backup location. Try turning off iCloud backup and then attempt to change the backup location again.
4. Update iTunes: Make sure that you’re using the latest version of iTunes. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues or prevent certain features from working correctly.
5. Seek professional help: If you’ve exhausted all options and are still unable to change the iTunes backup location, consider reaching out to Apple Support or consulting with a professional technician who specializes in Apple devices.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to further optimize your iTunes backup experience:
1. Regularly clean up old backups: Over time, iTunes can accumulate a large number of backups, especially if you have multiple devices. Periodically review and delete old backups that are no longer needed to free up additional storage space.
2. Consolidate backups: If you have multiple devices, consider consolidating their backups into a single location. This will help streamline the backup management process and make it easier to locate specific backups.
3. Use an external drive with ample storage capacity: When selecting an external storage device for your iTunes backups, choose one with sufficient storage capacity to accommodate all your backups, as well as any future backups you may create.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I change the iTunes backup location on both Windows and Mac?
A: Yes, you can change the iTunes backup location on both Windows and Mac computers by following the respective methods outlined in this blog post.
Q2: Will changing the iTunes backup location delete my existing backups?
A: No, changing the iTunes backup location will not delete your existing backups. However, it’s always a good practice to backup your backups before making any changes to ensure that your data is protected.
Q3: Can I store iTunes backups on a network-attached storage (NAS) device?
A: Yes, you can store iTunes backups on a network-attached storage (NAS) device. Simply configure the backup location to the network path or mapped drive of the NAS device.
Q4: What happens if the external storage device is disconnected while iTunes is running?
A: If the external storage device is disconnected while iTunes is running, iTunes will not be able to access or create backups. It’s important to reconnect the device or choose a backup location that is always accessible.
Q5: Can I change the iTunes backup location for individual devices or backups?
A: No, the iTunes backup location is a system-wide setting and applies to all devices and backups. You cannot choose different locations for individual devices or backups.
Final Thoughts
Changing the iTunes backup location is a simple yet effective way to optimize your computer’s storage space and enhance the performance of iTunes. Whether you choose to use the built-in preferences, symbolic links, third-party software, or the Terminal application, each method offers its own advantages and allows you to select a backup location that best suits your needs. By following the steps outlined in this blog post and considering the bonus tips provided, you can ensure that your valuable data is safely backed up and easily accessible when needed.