What data is included in an iPhone or iPad backup?

What data is included in an iPhone or iPad backup?

A backup is a snapshot of the current state of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. An iOS backup contains the following datasets and settings:

DatasetsAccounts, settings, other
messages icon phone icon music icon addressBook icon calendar icon Notes icon safari icon messages icon photos icon calendar iconPreferences Home Health Preferences Accounts Keychain

Backup content

  • iOS backups are made in a specific format set by Apple. iMazing cannot control the backup process itself. Learn more about it on our dedicated guide.
  • Backups do not include :
    • Your iTunes Media Library (Music, iTunes U, Podcasts, Ringtones, Books and Movies synced or purchased on iTunes). These data is usually already synced via iTunes, Apple Music or iCloud Music Library. Have a look at our Music section to transfer those data to your computer.
    • Your Photos synced or transferred to your device from iTunes or iMazing. Those data will not be included and should be synced separately if needed. Have a look at our Photos section to transfer those data to your computer.

Backup size

Backups are always substantially smaller than reported disk usage on your device, mainly because they do not contain:

  • The Operating system (iOS)
  • Apps - since iOS 9 backups include user data of apps, but not the apps themselves. They are re-downloaded from the App Store when restoring a backup.
  • Your iTunes Media Library (Music, iTunes U, Podcasts, Ringtones, Videos and Movies from the 'Videos' and 'TV' app). This data is usually already synced via iTunes / Apple Music or iCloud Music Library.
  • Your Photos manually synced or transferred with iTunes or iMazing. Those data will not be included and should be synced separately if needed.

Important: Safari data, Health data and passwords (Keychain) are only backed up if backup encryption is enabled. iMazing fully supports encrypted backups, and will encourage you to use this vital security feature.

Browse backup

Unlike iTunes, iMazing snapshots your backups automatically and lets you: