I recently moved from a PC to a MacBook Air and had been using symlink to backup my devices to an external drive. With the limited memory on my MacBook it’s really quite important to backup the devices on a connected SSD. I have seen methods of using Finder to backup to external drives with OS’s prior to Ventura. I’ve tried using these methods without success, is this still possible?
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 13.0
The iPhone can not be Backed Up Directly to an External Drive
You can Backup to the Connected Computer
link below
Backup methods for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support (CA)
There after, maneuver to the iPhone back on the computer.
Copy or Move the iPhone to the external Drive
link below
Locate backups of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
Thanks for the link. I was hoping for an example of a symlink command that accomplishes the backup to an external drive. I have been successful at getting the box with the arrow indicating that a symlink was created, however the backup doesn't get created in the external drive, it is placed in the normal backup folder with the symlink. I have used examples that work prior to adopting macOS Ventura, however post Ventura the examples fail and I'm not technical enough to understand what I need to change in the terminal command.
It's actually an external drive connected to my MacBook. The symlink's purpose is to have the MacBook backup placed on an external drive connected to the Mac. This has been working in the past although its not been something that Apple promoted (they would rather you backup to the iCloud instead of a SSD plugged into the Mac so they can charge you monthly for the use).
The Original Question in part " How to back up iPhone to an external hard drive. . . "
That aspect has had a possible solution offered.
There has been sufficient advise offered for the User to make an informed and educated choice what the next course of action is required for this computer.
The suggestions have been put forth on a volunteer basis, in good faith and in the best interests of the computer
Have you tried this? Hope this one works for you.
How to back up iPhone to an external hard drive in macOS Ventura using symlink
