---
id: mac-storage-basics.what-is-an-archived-iphone-backup
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-is-an-archived-iphone-backup
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "iPhone and iPad backups and updates"
question: "What is an archived iPhone backup?"
alt_questions:
  - "archive backup finder iphone"
  - "archived ios backup mac"
  - "keep old iphone backup"
  - "archive iphone backup before update"
short_answer: "A backup you've marked in Finder's Manage Backups so the next backup won't replace it — handy before updates. Each is a full copy, so delete old ones."
tags: ["iphone backup", "archive", "finder"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-delete-old-iphone-backups-on-a-mac"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What is an archived iPhone backup?

In Finder's **Manage Backups** list, you can right-click a backup and choose **Archive**. An archived backup is kept as it is and won't be replaced by the next backup — useful before a risky update.

Archived backups add up, because each is a full copy. Delete ones you no longer need from the same list.