---
id: mac-storage-basics.how-do-i-delete-old-iphone-backups-on-a-mac
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-delete-old-iphone-backups-on-a-mac
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "iPhone and iPad backups and updates"
question: "How do I delete old iPhone backups from my Mac?"
alt_questions:
  - "delete iphone backup mac"
  - "remove ios backups finder"
  - "manage backups delete"
  - "clear old ipad backups mac"
  - "free space iphone backups mac"
short_answer: "Use Finder's Manage Backups (select a connected device, General tab) or the iOS Files info button in Storage settings, and delete backups you no longer need."
tags: ["iphone backup", "delete", "finder"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/where-are-iphone-backups-stored-on-a-mac", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-is-the-ios-files-category-in-storage-settings"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# How do I delete old iPhone backups from my Mac?

Either:

- Connect any iPhone or iPad, select it in Finder's sidebar, click **Manage Backups…** on the General tab, select the old backup and click **Delete Backup**; or
- Open **System Settings → General → Storage**, click the info button next to **iOS Files**, select old backups and delete them.

Only delete backups you're sure you won't need to restore a device. Backups stored in iCloud are separate and aren't affected. Archived backups (shown with a lock or date) are kept until you delete them.