The iTunes backup process while syncing takes a large chunk of time when syncing with an Apple device. If you don’t give a hoot about backing up your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch data, you can permanently disable the backup process in iTunes using these steps.
Windows
- Close out of the iTunes application.
- Hold the Windows Key and press “R” to bring up the Run dialog box.
- Type the following depending on whether you have 32 or 64 it Windows:
- 64-bit:
"C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunes.exe" /setPrefInt DeviceBackupsDisabled 1 - 32-bit:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes\iTunes.exe" /setPrefInt DeviceBackupsDisabled 1
- 64-bit:
- Press “Enter” or select “OK“.
When you launch iTunes again, backups for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices will be disabled. If you wish to enable backups again, use the same command as above, but replace the “1” with a “0”.
Note: If you copy and paste this command, you may need to retype the quotes.
MacOS
- Close iTunes.
- Open the “Utilities” folder and launch “Terminal“.
- Type:
defaults write com.apple.iTunes DeviceBackupsDisabled -bool true - Press “Enter“.
If you wish to enable backups again, use the terminal command defaults write com.apple.iTunes DeviceBackupsDisabled -bool false to turn backups back on.
Note: If you’re using Apple Music, replace “iTunes” with “Music” in the command.
gary wasserman says
This is 10/8/2022 ITunes from Microsoft store version 12.12.5.8
I ran commands in RickRussellTx post perfectly and without any issues. However, my iTunes still does automatic backups when I sync. What has changed.
C:\>cd “C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\AppleInc.iTunes_12125.8.57037.0_x64__nzyj5cx40ttqa”
C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\AppleInc.iTunes_12125.8.57037.0_x64__nzyj5cx40ttqa>iTunes.exe /setPrefInt DeviceBackupsDisabled 1
RickRussellTX says
FYI, if you’re using the Windows Store version of iTunes, it will be at a different path but the command appears to work (at least it doesn’t kick back an error).
I opened an Administrative command prompt and searched:
C:>dir /s iTunes.exe
Found it here:
C:Program FilesWindowsAppsAppleInc.iTunes_12113.17.53090.0_x64__nzyj5cx40ttqa
did a
cd “C:Program FilesWindowsAppsAppleInc.iTunes_12113.17.53090.0_x64__nzyj5cx40ttqa”
then ran
..iTunes.exe /setPrefInt DeviceBackupsDisabled 1
I hope it worked. No errors, at least.
lain says
It worked! Thank you!
Bernie says
thank you so much – this has been driving me apesh*t. I love iTunes, overall, but it is certainly not without its quirks!!
Dan says
On macOS 10.15 Catalina, changing the ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync folder to being “Read-only” will prevent the backup being taken. However, this will also disable backups until “Read-write” permissions are restored. The sync process will try to backup but then will move on to the sync process.
Craig says
If you are on Catalina, just make sure your iPhone is set to iCloud backup, and it won’t trigger the manual sync process when you connect your iPhone.
Eric says
Second the question above. How do we prevent the backup from taking place in Catalina? Thanks!
Jay says
Any update on how to disable the auto backup in macOS Catalina? I tried your suggestion with no result. Thanks!
Sai says
Thanks a lot…It worked
ron says
WOW, this if the first out of a hundred articles that actually disabled the godawful endless backup process that prevents me from syncing a couple d*mn albums onto my iPhone. Sometimes, Apple really has their head up their a**.
Oluwadare Michael Omotosho says
worked perfectly! thank you!
Mitch Bartlett says
Delete and replace the quotation marks. They might be pasted as different quotes.
Julian Galvin says
“C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunes.exe” /setPrefInt AutomaticDeviceBackupsDisabled 1
I used cut and paste exactly as above but got an error message saying – cannot find “c\Program – what am I doing wrong, help please?
alaa says
hi.
once i press ok the command is hidden so how i can know that the backup are in process?
nasra says
Thank you so much! This is really helpful.
rajm says
if its itunes from the store, just use
iTunes.exe /setPrefInt DeviceBackupsDisabled 1
Nick says
How do you do this now that iTunes is downloaded through the Windows Store?
Stephen Hartley says
Thank you very much for sharing, the MacOS instructions work perfectly! As others have commented, it would be nice if Apple had included this as a configurable option within iTunes.
Kirk says
thank you, thank you, thank you. was losing my mind, take an hour just so i could copy over a song or audio book. what were they thinking.
Zorro-non-of-your-business says
THANK YOU SOOOO MUCHHHHH for Sharing this bud… gone mad with this waiting (especially if you have high storage with loads of photo and videos) Before uploading anything, took forever to backup… now goes straight away. Should make an option for this directly in itunes. THANKS AGAIN !
Mubi says
If someone want to copy paste it.
“C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunes.exe” /setPrefInt AutomaticDeviceBackupsDisabled 1
Martinez says
Thanks a lot. Only place i could find the real solution. Keep up the good work!
208s says
Perfect, thanks! FYI if you have installed 64 bit iTunes on 64 bit Windows then use the instructions under “32-bit”
Manuel says
Awesome, finally I can transfer data in 2 minutes instead of 20.
Thanks!
Hosein says
It works!
Thank you so much.
Anik Mankar says
check where you have installed itunes.exe. use that path. rest of the command should be same
Kat says
Hi
I have followed the instructions for both 32bit and 64bit windows and get this error message:
” C:programfiles(x86)\itunes\ is unavailable. If the location is on this PC, make sure the device or drive is connected or the disc is inserted and then try again. if the location is on a network make sure you’re connected to the network or internet then try again. if the location still cant be found, it might have been moved or deleted. ”
Now i can see itunes in the programfiles folder in the c:….?! Help?!