Backing up an iPhone to a Mac creates a local copy that does not use iCloud storage. It can include apps, settings, messages, photos stored on the device, and other device data, making it useful before repairs, resets, upgrades, or phone replacements.
These steps apply to iPhones running iOS 17 or iOS 18 and Macs running macOS Catalina or later, where Finder handles iPhone backups.
Does This Affect You?
Use this guide if you want a full local iPhone backup on your Mac instead of relying only on iCloud. Since macOS Catalina, Finder replaced iTunes for this job.
Back Up with Finder over USB
A cable backup is the most dependable option, especially for the first backup or a phone with a lot of data.
- Connect the iPhone to the Mac with a USB or USB-C cable.
- Open Finder and select the iPhone under Locations in the sidebar.
- If the iPhone asks whether to trust this computer, tap Trust and enter the device passcode.
- On the Finder General tab, choose Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.
- Click Back Up Now.
- Keep the iPhone connected and unlocked until Finder finishes. A first backup can take a long time.
Enable Wi-Fi Syncing for Later Backups
After a first cable setup, the iPhone can appear in Finder over Wi-Fi when it is on the same network as the Mac.
- With the iPhone connected by cable, select it in Finder.
- On the General tab, turn on Show this iPhone when on Wi-Fi.
- Click Apply.
- For future backups, keep both devices on the same Wi-Fi network, plug the iPhone into power, wake its screen, select it in Finder, and click Back Up Now.
Encrypt the Local Backup
Encrypted backups include sensitive data that an unencrypted backup leaves out, such as saved passwords, Wi-Fi settings, and Health data.
- Select the iPhone in Finder and open the General tab.
- Check Encrypt local backup.
- Create a password and store it safely. Apple cannot recover this password if you forget it.
- Click Back Up Now. Future backups to this Mac will use the same encryption password.
Backup Checks and Troubleshooting
Confirm the Backup Finished
With the iPhone selected in Finder, look for Latest Backup on the General tab. The date and time should match your most recent successful backup.
Where Backups Are Stored
Local iPhone backups are stored under ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/. The folders are backup databases, so they are not meant to be browsed like ordinary photo or document folders.
Manage Old Backups
In Finder, select the iPhone and click Manage Backups. You can review stored backups by device, date, and size, then delete older ones you no longer need.
If the iPhone Does Not Appear
Try a different cable, because some cables charge only. Unlock the iPhone, tap Trust if prompted, keep it on the Home Screen, and restart both the Mac and iPhone if Finder still does not list it.
Sources
- Apple Support: Back up your iPhone
- Apple Support: Use Finder to back up iPhone on Mac
- Apple Support: If you cannot back up your iPhone