If you’re struggling with limited storage space on your Mac, one simple solution is to move your iPhone or iPad backup to an external hard drive. This tutorial will show you how to do just that, freeing up valuable space on your computer.
Changing iPhone Backup Location on a Mac
There are three methods to change your iPhone backup location on a Mac:
Method 1: Trick iTunes into using an external drive
- Using Terminal on your Mac, navigate to the MobileSync directory:
cd ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync
. - Rename the existing iTunes backup directory with the command
mv Backup old-itunes-backup
. - Create a new iTunes backup folder on your external drive with the command
mkdir /Volumes/pingo/ios-backup/Backup
. - Create a symbolic link with the command
ln -s /Volumes/pingo/ios-backup/Backup ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup
. - Move the old iTunes backup from your Mac to the external drive with the command
mv old-itunes-backup /Volumes/pingo/ios-backup/
. - Start a new iTunes backup of your iPhone.
- Check the newly created backup folder on your external drive in Finder to ensure iTunes has successfully processed the backup to the new location.
Method 2: Backup to iCloud
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network on your iPhone.
- Go to your iPhone Settings, touch your name or Apple ID, then touch iCloud.
- Enable iCloud Backup.
- Tap “Backup Now” to transfer your data to your iCloud account.
Method 3: Change iTunes Backup Location on a Mac
- Open iTunes on your Mac.
- Click on the iTunes menu at the top, then select Preferences.
- Select the Device Preferences dialog.
- Select your iPhone backup and click “Show in Finder.”
- Close iTunes and open a new Finder window in the backup folder.
- Move the existing folder to the new location and enter your password to verify.
- Rename the new backup directory.
Conclusion
Moving your iPhone backup to an external drive is an easy way to free up space on your Mac. Use one of these methods to change your iPhone backup location on your Mac and make the most of your storage space.
FAQs
1. Why should I change my iPhone backup location?
Changing your iPhone backup location to an external drive can free up valuable space on your Mac’s hard drive, making it run more efficiently.
2. What is the MobileSync directory?
The MobileSync directory contains backup files for iOS devices on your Mac.
3. Can I use a flash drive as an external drive?
Yes, you can use a flash drive as an external drive to store your iPhone backup files.
4. Can I backup my iPhone to both iCloud and my Mac?
Yes, you can back up your iPhone to both iCloud and your Mac simultaneously.