TidyMacMobileSync/Backup holds full backups of iPhones and iPads made with Finder. Each backup folder is a complete copy of a device. Remove old backups only for devices that also back up to iCloud or that you no longer have; use Finder’s Manage Backups so you can see which is which.
Location: ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup
What’s inside
- One folder per backup
- Info.plist with device name and date
The safe way
Connect any device or open Finder, select a device, click Manage Backups, pick the old backup and delete it. TidyMac shows the device name and date for every backup, even without connecting it.
Find every folder like this on your Mac
TidyMac lists big folders outside its library, checks which app owns each one and whether that app is still installed, and explains it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I delete MobileSync/Backup?
Check first: This may be the only copy of something. Look at the details before removing. MobileSync/Backup holds full backups of iPhones and iPads made with Finder. Each backup folder is a complete copy of a device. Remove old backups only for devices that also back up to iCloud or that you no longer have; use Finder’s Manage Backups so you can see which is which.
Where is MobileSync/Backup on my Mac?
~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup. In Finder choose Go › Go to Folder and paste the path.
How big does MobileSync/Backup get?
Usually 5 – 100 GB.