Understanding iTunes Backup Folders and Files on iOS
When using iTunes to backup an iPhone, several folders and files get backed up, which can be a topic of curiosity among users. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of what gets backed up, how it’s done, and the implications for jailbroken devices.
Background: How iTunes Backups Work
iTunes uses a process called “snapshotting” to create a backup of an iPhone. When you connect your device to iTunes, it creates a snapshot of the current state of the device, including its settings, apps, data, and more. This snapshot is then stored in a folder on your computer.
The specific folders and files that get backed up can vary depending on the iOS version and device model being used. In this article, we’ll focus on the folders and files that are typically backed up with iTunes.
What Folders and Files Get Backed Up
According to various sources, including Apple’s documentation and Stack Overflow threads, here are some of the folders and files that get backed up when you use iTunes to backup an iPhone:
iOS 1.1 and Later
- Safari bookmarks, cookies, history, and currently open pages
- Map bookmarks, recent searches, and the current location displayed in Maps
- Application settings, preferences, and data
- Address Book and Address Book favorites
- Calendar accounts
- Wallpapers
- Notes
- Call history
- Mail accounts
- YouTube bookmarks
- SMS messages
- Saved suggestion corrections (these are saved automatically as you reject suggested corrections)
- Camera Roll (photos and screenshots taken by the iPhone)
- Voicemail token (This is not the Voicemail password, but is used for validation when connecting. This is only restored to a phone with the same phone number on the SIM card.)
- Web clips
- Network settings (saved Wi-Fi hotspots, VPN settings, network preferences)
- Paired Bluetooth devices (which can only be used if restored to the same phone that created the backup)
- Keychain (this includes email account passwords, Wi-Fi passwords, and passwords you enter into websites and some other applications. The keychain can only be restored from backup to the same iPhone or iPod touch. If you are restoring to a new device, you will need to fill in these passwords again.)
iOS 2.0 and Later (in addition to the above)
- Managed Configurations/Profiles
- List of External Sync Sources (Mobile Me, Exchange ActiveSync)
- Microsoft Exchange account configurations
- Nike + iPod saved workouts and settings
- App Store application data (except the application itself, its tmp and caches folder.)
iOS 3.0 and Later (in addition to the above)
- Videos in Camera Roll
- Per app preferences allowing use of location services
- Offline web application cache/database
- Voice Memos
- Autofill for webpages
- Trusted hosts having certificates that cannot be verified
- Websites approved to get the location of the device
- In-app purchases
New with iOS 3.1: Videos in the Camera Roll that are 2 GB or larger are not backed up (iOS 4 and later will back up videos 2 GB and larger)
Implications for Jailbroken Devices
When it comes to jailbroken devices, things get a bit more complicated. Since jailbreaking typically involves modifying the device’s file system, some of the folders and files that get backed up may not be restored correctly.
For example, if you have a jailbroken device with modifications to the Keychain folder, those changes may not be preserved when you restore from backup. Similarly, if you have modified the Safari bookmarks or history folder on your jailbroken device, those changes may not be restored when you backup and restore from iTunes.
To avoid these issues, it’s generally recommended that users who are jailbroken use a third-party backup solution instead of relying solely on iTunes. Some popular alternatives include:
- SBCLite: A command-line based backup tool for iOS devices.
- iMazing: A user-friendly backup and management tool for iOS devices.
- BackupBuddy: A lightweight, open-source backup solution for iOS devices.
Conclusion
When it comes to backing up an iPhone using iTunes, several folders and files get backed up. While the specifics can vary depending on the iOS version and device model being used, there are some common folders and files that tend to be included in backups. For jailbroken devices, however, things can get a bit more complicated, and it’s generally recommended to use a third-party backup solution instead of relying solely on iTunes.
By understanding what gets backed up with iTunes, users can better appreciate the importance of regular backups and take steps to protect their device data in case something goes wrong.
Last modified on 2024-09-28