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How to Change iTunes iPhone Backup Destination Path (When C Drive Storage Is Limited)

Introduction

When an iPhone backup is taken using Apple iTunes, the software automatically stores the backup in a default destination path on the C drive. In many cases, especially for forensic investigators, analysts, or users handling large iPhone data, the C drive quickly runs out of storage space.

Unfortunately, iTunes does not provide any in-built option to change the backup destination path. However, using safe system-level techniques, we can redirect the iTunes backup location to another drive (such as D, E, or an external drive) without affecting backup integrity.

This article explains why iTunes saves backups to the C drive, the problem caused by limited storage, and the correct method to change the backup destination path.

Default iTunes Backup Location

Windows (Desktop Version)

C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup

All iPhone backups are stored inside this folder. Each backup is saved in a folder with a hashed name, representing a unique device.

Problem: Limited Storage on C Drive

In real-world scenarios:

iPhone backups can exceed 20–100 GB. Why ? Click Here
C drive is often reserved for OS and system files
Backup fails due to “Not enough disk space” error
Repeated backups further consume storage

Since iTunes does not allow users to choose a custom backup path, this becomes a serious limitation for:

Digital forensic investigators
Mobile forensic labs
Training environments
Users with small SSD system drives

Can We Change iTunes Backup Destination Path?

Important Note

Apple does not officially support changing the iTunes backup destination path. However, the backup location can be safely redirected using a Windows junction (symbolic link). This method is widely used and does not modify iTunes itself.

Method: Redirect iTunes Backup Folder to Another Drive

Step 1: Close iTunes

Ensure iTunes is completely closed before making any changes.

Step 2: Create a New Backup Folder

Create a folder on another drive, for example: D:\iTunes_iPhone_Backups

Step 3: Move Existing Backup Data (Optional but Recommended)

Move the existing Backup folder from:

C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\

to:

D:\iTunes_iPhone_Backups

Step 4: Create a Junction

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

mklink /j “C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup” “D:\iTunes_iPhone_Backups”

Note: This command tells Windows “Whenever iTunes writes data to the default path, redirect it to the new location.”

Step 5: Verify the Redirection

Run: dir “C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync” /AL

You should see: <JUNCTION> Backup [D:\iTunes_iPhone_Backups]

What Happens After Redirection?

iTunes still thinks it is saving data in the default location
Actual backup data is stored on the new drive
No change in backup structure or format
Fully compatible with forensic tools

Limitations & Cautions

Apple does not officially support this method
Deleting the junction will break access to backups
External drives must remain connected
Junction creation requires administrator privileges

Conclusion

While iTunes forces iPhone backups to be saved in the default C drive location, storage limitations make this impractical in many cases. By using a Windows junction, users and investigators can safely redirect the backup destination to another drive of their choice.

This approach is especially useful in digital forensics environments, where large backups and storage management are critical.