Backup: "iMazing has found corrupted or missing files in your backup snapshot"

Updated on Apr 22, 2026

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iMazing has found corrupted or missing files in your backup snapshot

iMazing backups are incremental: each new backup session adds a snapshot that stores only the files that changed since the previous one. When this error appears, whether you are starting a backup or a restore, it means the backup currently stored on disk is corrupted or incomplete. iMazing cannot add new data to an invalid backup, and it cannot restore from one.

Common triggers:

  • The backup was interrupted before it completed
  • The device or disk ran out of storage during the backup
  • The USB cable was disconnected mid-backup
  • The backup files were moved, renamed, or modified outside of iMazing
  1. Repair the backup
  2. Delete the most recent snapshot
  3. Delete the entire backup

Repair the backup

This action analyzes the backup currently stored on disk and attempts to fix any inconsistencies. If the repair succeeds, the corrupted marker is cleared and the backup is usable again. Retry the backup or the restore.

Two ways to access this option:

  • In the device sidebar, go to Tools > Backup > Repair Backup.
  • Right-click your device in the Devices section and select Repair Backup.

Wait for the repair to complete, then retry your operation.

Delete the most recent snapshot

If repair does not resolve the issue, delete only the most recent snapshot.

Important: Before deleting, export the backup first. Use Export Backup as Folder to save your backup as a human-readable folder structure. Individual files remain accessible even if the backup cannot be restored.

Note: iMazing snapshots are independent from backups created by iTunes, Apple Devices (since Windows 11), or Finder (macOS Catalina 10.15 and later). Deleting an iMazing snapshot does not affect those backups.


  1. In the Tools section, under Backup, select Manage Backup Snapshots.
  2. Select the most recent snapshot (at the top of the list).
  3. Delete it.
  4. Retry the backup or restore.

Delete the entire backup

If deleting the most recent snapshot does not resolve the issue, delete the entire backup.

Important: This removes all snapshots for this device. Export the backup first if it contains data you want to preserve.

Export the backup:

  1. Right-click your device in the Devices section and select Export Backup as Folder.
  2. Choose a destination and confirm.

Then delete the backup:

  1. In the Tools section, under Backup, select Delete Backup.
  2. Confirm deletion.
  3. Run a new backup from scratch.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, contact iMazing support for further assistance.

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