iPad Pro Is there any way to reduce backup file size?

[snerkler]

I've been trying to clear out some space on my MacBook flash drive and noticed that my iOS device backups are taking up nearly 100GB, with the iPad Pro 256GB backup being over 80GB. Is there any way to reduce this file size, or is it just a case of subscribing to a monthly iCloud plan if I want the backups to stop taking up computer storage?

Are there any pros or cons to using iCloud backups rather than backing up to the Mac?

 

[AutomaticApple]

Is there any way to reduce this file size

By compressing them?

 

[ericwn]

Personally I’ve switched to iCloud backup a while ago and have not regretted it.

With your current system have a look at the data you store on your devices to see if you have the same files somewhere else as well. Maybe you’re backing up stuff that doesn’t need to.

 

[snerkler]

Personally I’ve switched to iCloud backup a while ago and have not regretted it.

With your current system have a look at the data you store on your devices to see if you have the same files somewhere else as well. Maybe you’re backing up stuff that doesn’t need to.

A lot of it is music and video that I do have backup up, can you specify what gets backed up then when using iTunes, so I could just have the apps and 'system' settings backed up rather than backing up music and videos etc?

 

[VineRider]

A lot of it is music and video that I do have backup up, can you specify what gets backed up then when using iTunes, so I could just have the apps and 'system' settings backed up rather than backing up music and videos etc?

here is a good article about what is backed up in the cloud and to a computer. I don’t think you can specify what gets backed up, but maybe this article will help you choose the backup method that is best for your situation.

Backup methods for iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

A backup allows you to copy and save the information from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. If you replace your device, you can use a backup to transfer your information to a new device.

support.apple.com

 

[snerkler]

here is a good article about what is backed up in the cloud and to a computer. I don’t think you can specify what gets backed up, but maybe this article will help you choose the backup method that is best for your situation.

Backup methods for iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

A backup allows you to copy and save the information from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. If you replace your device, you can use a backup to transfer your information to a new device.

support.apple.com

Thanks