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When iPhone users connect their devices to their laptops or desktop computers, iTunes creates backup files for their phones automatically. However, these backups can accumulate over time and take up a considerable amount of storage space. Sometimes, users may want to delete the backup files to free up space. In this blog post, we will explore the challenges of deleting iPhone backup files stored on PC or Mac and provide some effective methods to do so.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenges of Deleting iPhone Backup Files Stored on PC or Mac
Deleting iPhone backups on PC or Mac may seem like a straightforward task, but it is not always easy. There are a few challenges that users may face while trying to delete these files.
First, iTunes may not allow users to delete certain backups as they are associated with a synced device. This can happen if the user forgets to release the lock on the backup. Apple protects these backups with encryption, and without unlocking them, their backups cannot be deleted.
Second, deleting the wrong backup can result in significant data loss. If users have multiple backups, they will need to choose carefully which backup to delete. Otherwise, all data associated with the specific backup will be lost.
Third, if users do not follow the proper method to complete the deletion process, the backup may still occupy space. So it is essential to use a reliable method to ensure that the backups are permanently deleted.
Method 1: Delete iPhone Backups on PC
Introduce:
This method applies to users who want to delete iPhone backups stored on their Windows computer. Follow the steps below to delete the iPhone backup stored on your computer.
Steps:
1. Open iTunes on your computer.
2. Click on the Edit option from the menu bar and choose Preferences. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl+, (comma) to open the same window.
3. Click on the Devices tab.
4. Find the backup file you want to delete.
5. To delete the backup file, click on it, and then press the Delete Backup button.
6. Confirm the action by clicking on the Delete button in the pop-up window to delete the selected backup.
Pros:
– Suitable for Windows users.
– Easy to use.
Cons:
– Needs iTunes software installed.
– If a backup is encrypted, it may be impossible to delete it.
Method 2: Delete iPhone Backups on Mac
Introduce:
This method applies to Mac users who want to delete iPhone backups stored on their computer. Follow the steps below to delete the iPhone backup stored on your Mac.
Steps:
1. Open iTunes on your Mac computer.
2. Click on the iTunes option from the menu bar and choose Preferences. Alternatively, you can press Command+, (comma) to open the same window.
3. Click on the Devices tab.
4. Find the backup file you want to delete.
5. To delete the backup file, click on it, and then press the Delete Backup button.
6. Confirm the action by clicking on the Delete button in the pop-up window to delete the selected backup.
Pros:
– Suitable for Mac users.
– Easy to use.
Cons:
– Requires iTunes software to be installed.
– If a backup is encrypted, it is impossible to delete it.
Method 3: Use a Professional iPhone Cleaner Tool to Delete iPhone Backups
Introduce:
This method applies to users who want to delete iPhone backups on both Windows and Mac computers. This method uses a professional iPhone cleaner software called iMyFone Umate Pro. This software allows users to erase backups, cache files, and other unnecessary files from their devices. Here are the steps to follow.
Steps:
1. Download iMyFone Umate Pro from their official website and install it on your computer.
2. Connect your iPhone to your computer, and launch the iMyFone Umate Pro software.
3. Click on the Erase Deleted Files option.
4. Scan for deleted files by clicking on the Scan button.
5. Preview the deleted files and select the ones you want to erase permanently.
6. Click on the Erase Now button and wait for the process to complete.
7. Find the backup files and select the ones you want to delete, and click on the Erase button to delete them.
Pros:
– Suitable for both Windows and Mac.
– Permanently erases data.
– Erases unnecessary files like cache and temp files.
Cons:
– Requires purchase of an additional software.
– May take longer to complete the process.
Why Can’t I Delete iPhone Backup File Stored on PC or Mac?
Here are a few reasons why you may not be able to delete an iPhone backup file stored on your PC or Mac.
1. iTunes may be currently syncing the device. In such a situation, you can either stop the sync process and then try to delete the backup file or wait for the sync to complete and then delete the file.
2. The backup file may be encrypted. In this case, you need to remove the encryption before trying to delete the file.
3. You may need to authorize your computer before you can delete the backup file.
Additional Suggestions of How to Delete iPhone Backup File Stored on PC or Mac
– Always use a reliable method to delete backup files.
– Check the backups before deleting to ensure that you are not deleting important data.
– Make sure the device is not syncing when trying to delete backups.
– Keep your iTunes software up to date.
FAQs
Q. Can I recover files after deleting an iPhone backup?
A. No. Once you have deleted an iPhone backup, it is impossible to recover the data associated with that backup.
Q. Can I delete iPhone backups on iCloud?
A. Yes. You can delete iPhone backups on iCloud following these steps:
1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Click on your name.
3. Click on iCloud -> Manage Storage -> Backups.
4. Tap the name of the device whose backup you want to delete.
5. Click on Delete Backup.
Q. Can I delete backup files on iTunes without uninstalling iTunes?
A. Yes. Follow the detailed steps mentioned above to delete the backup files stored on iTunes.
Q. Will iTunes automatically create a backup file again after I have deleted it?
A. Yes. iTunes will create a new backup file the next time you connect your device to your computer.
Conclusion
Deleting iPhone backups stored on your PC or Mac can be challenging, but with the methods mentioned above, it can be done without any hassle. Be sure to follow the steps carefully and regularly delete unnecessary backups to keep your device and computer running smoothly.