Local device backups can be large and may contain data no longer present on the device.
Use Finder’s device-management interface or the supported Apple workflow to identify backup device, date, encryption, and status.
Review backups in diCleaner
Open Cleanup → Backups. Both editions can list supported local iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch backups. The Direct edition can also list supported Time Machine local snapshots; local snapshots are not shown in the Mac App Store edition. You can search the available results and sort them by name, size, or date.
Device-backup sizes are calculated in the background and may take time to appear. Local-snapshot sizes are estimates because macOS manages shared and purgeable snapshot storage dynamically.
If device backups are missing, allow access to the MobileSync Backup folder when requested and scan again.
Understand permanent removal
Backup Manager removes selected device backups and, when available in the Direct edition, selected local snapshots permanently. These items are not moved to Trash.
For a device backup, use its name, device type, operating-system version, encryption status, date, and size to confirm its identity. For a local snapshot, remember that macOS can create, merge, or remove snapshots automatically.
Do not use the displayed estimated savings as the only reason to remove a snapshot. Actual free space can differ after macOS updates its storage accounting.
Keep a backup when:
- It is the only recovery point.
- The device is unavailable or damaged.
- It contains data deleted elsewhere.
- You need it before an update, migration, or repair.
Encrypted backups require their password. Deleting the backup does not recover that password or affect an iCloud backup.
Remove an obsolete backup only after confirming a newer tested recovery path exists.
After removal, open Finder’s device-management interface or run a fresh Backups scan to verify the remaining recovery points.