How to Back Up iPhone Directly to External Hard Drive on Windows 10
Backing up your iPhone directly to an external hard drive on Windows 10 involves connecting your iPhone to your computer, changing the default backup location in iTunes, and using Command Prompt to create a symbolic link. This allows iTunes to save the backup files directly to your external hard drive.
Step-by-Step Tutorial to Back Up iPhone Directly to External Hard Drive on Windows 10
Here’s how you can back up your iPhone directly to an external hard drive using Windows 10.
Step 1: Connect Your iPhone and External Hard Drive
Plug your iPhone and external hard drive into your Windows 10 PC.
Make sure both devices are recognized by your computer. Your iPhone should prompt you with "Trust This Computer?" which you need to accept. Your external hard drive will show up in File Explorer.
Step 2: Open iTunes
Launch iTunes on your Windows 10 computer.
Ensure that iTunes is up-to-date. If not, update it. iTunes will automatically detect your iPhone, showing it on the top bar.
Step 3: Locate Backup Folder
Navigate to the default backup location in iTunes.
Usually, it’s located at "C:Users[Your Username]AppleMobileSyncBackup". This folder contains all your iPhone backups.
Step 4: Copy Backup Folder Path
Copy the path to your external hard drive.
Open File Explorer, find your external hard drive, and create a new folder for the iPhone backup. Right-click and choose "Properties" to get the folder path. Copy this path.
Step 5: Open Command Prompt
Launch Command Prompt as an administrator.
You can do this by typing "cmd" in the search bar, right-clicking the Command Prompt app, and selecting "Run as administrator".
Step 6: Create Symbolic Link
Input the command to create a symbolic link.
Type: mklink /J "C:Users[Your Username]AppleMobileSyncBackup" "[Path to External Hard Drive Folder]". Press Enter.
Step 7: Backup iPhone in iTunes
Go back to iTunes and choose to back up your iPhone.
Select "Back Up Now" from the Summary tab. iTunes will now save the backup directly to your external hard drive.
Once you have completed these steps, iTunes will save all future backups to your external hard drive, freeing up space on your computer’s internal drive while ensuring your data is safe.
Tips for Backing Up iPhone Directly to External Hard Drive on Windows 10
- Make sure your external hard drive has enough space to store your iPhone backup.
- Regularly check for updates for iTunes to avoid compatibility issues.
- Label your backup folder clearly on the external hard drive to avoid confusion.
- Safely eject your iPhone and external hard drive to avoid data corruption.
- Periodically verify the backup files on your external hard drive to ensure they are complete and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my external hard drive is not recognized?
First, ensure it’s properly connected. Try different USB ports or restart your computer. If it’s still not recognized, you may need to update your drivers.
Can I use this method for multiple iPhones?
Yes, you can back up multiple iPhones to the same external hard drive. Just make sure each iPhone has its own designated backup folder.
What happens if I delete the symbolic link?
If you delete the symbolic link, iTunes will revert back to using the default backup location on your computer’s internal drive.
Can I restore my iPhone from the external hard drive backup?
Yes, you can restore your iPhone using the backup stored on your external hard drive via iTunes.
Is it safe to back up my iPhone to an external hard drive?
Yes, it’s safe as long as you properly eject your devices and ensure the external hard drive is in good working condition.
Step-by-Step Summary
- Connect your iPhone and external hard drive.
- Open iTunes.
- Locate the backup folder.
- Copy the backup folder path.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Create a symbolic link.
- Backup iPhone in iTunes.
Conclusion
Backing up your iPhone directly to an external hard drive on Windows 10 is a great way to ensure your data is safe without clogging up your computer’s internal storage. By following the above steps, you can easily configure iTunes to save backups on your external drive. This not only helps in managing space but also provides an easy way to transport your backup files.
Remember to regularly check your backups and keep your software up to date. If you run into any issues, the tips and FAQ sections above should help you troubleshoot common problems. For a more detailed guide or additional assistance, consider checking out Apple’s support page or other tech forums. Happy backing up!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.