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downingp

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jun 26, 2006
640
3
I have noticed that if I delete an app on one of my iOS devices, I receive a notice warning me that all data will be deleted from the device. I was wondering, is there a way to delete an app, say within iTunes and not directly on the iOS device, and keep the data stored in backup? I ask this as I am running out of space on my iPad and don't want to delete any of my games in fear of losing my in-game progress. I figured down the road, if I ever wanted to play a previously deleted game, it would be nice if my save data was still available.

Thanks.
 
Your computer keeps backups of your programs, .ips files I think. I'm pretty sure that if you delete the app, these files stay on your machine as long as you don't consolidate your iTunes library or delete them manually.
 
There .IPA files but you were close enough lol, you could also do a backup of your iPad in iTunes which will do a back up of all files and settings including save files so you can always backup from that if worse came to worse.
 
I understand that a backup will store the app files as well as the data, but I don't want to have to restore an entire backup just to retrieve one app with a game save on it. Then, theoretically, if I have another game on my current iOS and backup to an older version that game will actually revert back to an old game save. Isn't there a better way?
 
I have noticed that if I delete an app on one of my iOS devices, I receive a notice warning me that all data will be deleted from the device. I was wondering, is there a way to delete an app, say within iTunes and not directly on the iOS device, and keep the data stored in backup? I ask this as I am running out of space on my iPad and don't want to delete any of my games in fear of losing my in-game progress. I figured down the road, if I ever wanted to play a previously deleted game, it would be nice if my save data was still available.

Thanks.

Yes, unluckily if the game goes, so does your saved games and progress.
 
It's a shame more game makers don't use cloud data backup. I have a couple of games that either use their own servers and save your data linking it to Game Center, or just use iCloud to store game saves.
 
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