Home / Blog / How to View iPhone Backup Files in iCloud or Computer

How to View iPhone Backup Files in iCloud or Computer

8 min read
Published:
Updated:

iPhone backups hold all your essential data.

In case you lose your phone, you know the data is always safe and can be recovered quickly through the backup! However, how do you view your iPhone backup files on iCloud or your computer?

iPhone files are usually backed up into compressed, encrypted file formats. One solution to view them is to extract them through iTunes. However, the concern is that they must all be restored through iTunes before you can access them.

Can I View My iPhone Backup Files on iCloud or My Computer?

View iPhone Backup Files Icloud

Fortunately, with the introduction of other helpful apps like AltTunes, one can easily view their iPhone backup files without even scanning. Only one dedicated software can help you view and browse the iPhone backup files.

With AltTunes, you can access multiple files on multiple devices simultaneously. iTunes doesn't offer this facility and facilitates only one backup per device. Therefore, AltTunes can be the best tool for viewing your iPhone backup files on your computer.

What Content Can I View In My iPhone Backup On Computer?

Alt Tunes Apps

Regardless of whether your device is connected to your computer through USB or Wi-Fi, the user can gain access to view several datasets of iPhone backup files on AltTunes, such as:

  • Messages
  • Calendars
  • Photos
  • Notes
  • Apps and App Files
  • Contacts
  • File System
  • Safari History and Bookmarks
  • Ringtones
  • Voicemail and Call History

Some of the content still may require a connected device.

How to View iPhone Backup Files On Computer

1. Install AltTunes

This app is a perfect tool for creating backups of your Apple device and exporting any data from it to your computer, be it music, videos, photos, notes, or anything else.

AltTunes Windows Visual

The app offers a free trial. You can request a trial code via email during the app's startup.

logo-alt

An Alternative to iTunes That We Always Wanted

AltTunes for Windows Small Banner

2. Launch the App and Connect Your Device

Alt Tunes Connect

Once AltTunes is launched you can connect your device via cable. Be sure to tap 'Trust' for this computer when prompted.

3. Creating First Backup or Finding Previous Ones

Alttunes Device 1.png

Once your device is connected, you will be asked to create a first 'control' backup. If you used AltTunes previously, it will automatically locate the backups you created with it.

You can create them at the default place or pick your own location for storage.

Locate backups from other apps

To locate those backups you need to know the default place they pick for creating them. Usually it's located on the 'system disk' and precise place can be found by checking out the corresponding product website.

Locate backups from iTunes

The default path looks like this: “C:\Users\Your username\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\”

Important Note: You must enable hidden folder visualization to see the AppData folder. You can do this via Windows Explorer.

First: Open my computer and access file settings. Steps showcased on Windows 10.

View iPhone Backup Enable Hidden Folders Image 1

Second: Find 'Hidden files and folders' option and click on 'Show them' option.

View iPhone Backup Enable Hidden Folders Image 2

4. Open Desired Backup

Backup and Restore iPhone Alttunes Backups

Once you know where the backups are located navigate to this place with AltTunes and choose it for restoration or viewing option.

How Can I View iPhone Backup Files on iCloud?

There are two ways on how to pull data from iCloud backups. Let's check on both.

Method 1: How to View iCloud Backup File on Computer via iCloud Website

By visiting icloud.com, you can access the iCloud backup file. You can sync Numbers, Contacts, Reminders, Pages, Keynote, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and Notes on your iCloud storage from your iPhone. This can be done by enabling the sync option on your iOS device linked with your iCloud account. Follow these steps to allow easy access:

Step 1. Go to the Settings Menu, Tap on [your name], Select "iCloud," and permit the iCloud storage sync of iPhone files.

Step 2. Type icloud.com on your browser. Type icloud.com > Sign in with your iCloud ID and password.

View iPhone Backup Files Icloud Image 2

Step 3. You will gain access to view all types of backup files by clicking on your Computer.

Note: However, this method only works for a few iOS files. For a much better insight into backing up your iPhone files, you can try method 2.

Method 2: How To View iCloud Backup Files By Restoring Backup To An iOS Device

An alternative approach to viewing iCloud backup files is restoring the iCloud backup file to the iPhone. To accomplish this, you are required to wipe out your device first. Only then can you restore your device from an iCloud backup.

Step 1. Delete all content by clicking settings on your iPhone > Click on General tab > Select Reset > Erase Entire Content and Settings.

Step 2. To restore your iPhone from iCloud backup, Set up your device > Choose the option "Restore from iCloud Backup"> Sign in with your iCloud email and password > Select a backup file to restore.

View iPhone Backup Files Icloud Image 3

TIP: Before you proceed, make sure to have a copy of your iPhone files at hand so you don't lose anything important. 

Bottom Line

Here you go. That is how you can easily view your iPhone backup files on iCloud or your computer! From important contacts, memorable messages, photos of your favorite dog, or any memories you want to keep saved can be backed up and viewed quickly.

To have a hassle-free experience, your files from the backup can be transferred and viewed on your PC by using AltTunes.

It is fair to rely on these programs when you get precisely what you require: to view your important data from your backup. Hence, if you are searching for an upfront yet operative solution, AltTunes is a great choice.

That is our systematic guide to viewing your iPhone backup files on your computer or iCloud. After going through this guide, you can access your iCloud backup virtually and in no time. If you think this guide is useful to you or can support any of your friends who happen to run into the same difficulties, share it with them and get excited for more!🔥

logo-alt

AltTunes

For Windows

A Better, Simpler Way to Manage Your iPhone

Get AltTunes to browse iOS backups, extract SMS messages, and export music, videos, & photos to a folder on your computer.

AltTunes for Windows Large Banner