Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

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Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

2024-12-31 13:08:57

Hi and happy the new year!

Is there any way to backup on a Windows 11 PC all those flac albums I'm listening with my iPhone in order to transfer them exactly as they are whenever iPhone crashes? Please note that I know how to transfer those files by using iTunes. However I' interesting only in transferring them from iPhone to PC as a backup.

Many thanks in advance!

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #1 – 2024-12-31 13:29:07

Why not set the Music folder on your SD card as your Media Library?
Same as other DAP sensations.

You can use SD cards with a USB-C/Lightning compatible SD card reader.
Just insert the SD card into Windows and drag and drop the Music (Album, Track).
Alternatively, use the foobar2000 Playlist View context menu File Operations > copy it to the SD Card.
You can read it with foobar2000 Media Library.

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #2 – 2024-12-31 14:13:12

Quote from: Thomas Brelin on 2024-12-31 13:08:57

Is there any way to backup on a Windows 11 PC all those flac albums I'm listening with my iPhone in order to transfer them exactly as they are whenever iPhone crashes? Please note that I know how to transfer those files by using iTunes. However I' interesting only in transferring them from iPhone to PC as a backup.

From what you have described, aren't these FLAC files already on your PC from before you transferred them to your iPhone?

You can run a full iTunes backup of your iPhone while connected by wire to a PC, this can include your images and music files. It will take significantly longer than a typical backup though. I'd recommend instead to ensure you have the original files on your PC so you always have them ready for whatever situation may come up. And have a backup of that just in case.

Last point though, what is causing your iPhone to crash? I have Foobar Mobile on my iPhone12 with 1000's of music files and have never had this problem in the 3 years I have been using it. I certainly can't think of anything that would affect the storage of the contents after a reboot.

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #3 – 2025-01-01 12:10:42

At first I thank everybody for your replies! According to apple support for iPhones, they cannot guarantee that even with the full backup option files from software not designed by apple will be backed up either on iCloud or PC. In fact they said that only in action you can find out. Therefore could Mr MotleyG kindly reply if it actually happened to him and they were really saved? Not once only but 3 times I've had my iPhones loosing all data during installing updates especially via iTunes. And yes I've been transferring all those albums from my PC, however considering I have a huge music library I can't remember which ones I've passed to my iPhone. Regarding SD cards, sorry but I'm not familiar at all with those "techniques" and I need further step by step guidance. In fact I've never used an SD card in my life. Thanks anyway, and I'm waiting for MotleyG reply. Happy new year to everybody!!!

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #4 – 2025-01-01 13:14:54

I may be behind the times here, but I have been reluctant to use iTunes for anything like that because once iTunes imports music it won't export it (to enforce copyright). I use an Android phone for that reason (iOS didn't used to allow access to external storage except for very limited purposes such as importing photos, but I don't think that's the case now).

However, I don't think modern phones have SD slots any more. Nonetheless, there are plenty of ways to get files onto an iPhone/iPad without going through iTunes (eg Dropbox).

Quote from: Thomas Brelin on 2025-01-01 12:10:42

however considering I have a huge music library I can't remember which ones I've passed to my iPhone.

That is just a lack of organisation on your part. Start afresh and maintain adequate records, eg create a folder on the PC and create links in it to the album folders you want on the phone (the files will appear to be in both places, but only occupy one lot of storage space).

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #5 – 2025-01-01 15:36:23

I use TuneFusion to transfer files to iphone, to play on foobar2000 mobile. Fantastic app by the creator of dbpoweramp.

https://www.dbpoweramp.com/tunefusion.htm

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #6 – 2025-01-01 18:26:39

Quote from: Thomas Brelin on 2025-01-01 12:10:42

According to apple support for iPhones, they cannot guarantee that even with the full backup option files from software not designed by apple will be backed up either on iCloud or PC. Not once only but 3 times I've had my iPhones loosing all data during installing updates especially via iTunes. And yes I've been transferring all those albums from my PC, however considering I have a huge music library I can't remember which ones I've passed to my iPhone.

The backup process through iTunes is the most complete. It is my understanding that you need to enable the encrypted option for a true full backup to be done. I would be more concerned about the loss of data you are describing during OS updates. This is unusual for it to happen even once, never mind three times.

Quote from: Thomas Brelin on 2025-01-01 12:10:42

Regarding SD cards, sorry but I'm not familiar at all with those "techniques" and I need further step by step guidance. In fact I've never used an SD card in my life.

No iPhone has external storage options built in. But there are Lightning and USB-C adapters that can use storage media. These are also accessed through the Files app and can even be used to transfer media from the card to the iPhone internal memory.

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #7 – 2025-01-02 05:40:05

@MotleyG
Sorry but you still haven't reply to my question: Did you actually backup foobar2000 files saved in your (new model) iPhone to a PC even with the encrypted option enabled?

To my experience iTunes is the crappiest software ever as it's always loosing connection with iPhone, although the PC (Win 11 Device Manager) shows it's connected alright! Loosing data occurs when installing updates and device is disconnected. 'Apple Devices' software is much better regarding backups, however it doesn't have yet all the features of iTunes. Regarding SD cards sorry but I'm not willing to buy and learn this procedure only for backing up files which I delete and transfer all the time. However I back up the complete iPhone daily as it's crucial to my work and it would be soooo nice somehow if foobar is being backed up together!!!!
@fooball
Not at all as I delete and transfer flacs to my iPhone all the time. It would be a pain if I do the same thing in PC as well. Sorry but no time to be organized the way you mean it!!!

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #8 – 2025-01-02 06:16:05

I'm being completely ignored, but I'd like to offer a bit of advice.

> Regarding SD cards sorry but I'm not willing to buy and learn this procedure only for backing up files which I delete and transfer all the time. However I back up the complete iPhone daily as it's crucial to my work and it would be soooo nice somehow if foobar is being backed up together!!!!

This isn't a big deal.
Of course, since the data remains on the PC, that would be the backup.
From now on, just drag and drop it to the SD card. I hope I have provided the answer to make your next task easier.

Transferring using foobar2000
Just save the transferred playlist.
use the foobar2000 Playlist View context menu File Operations > copy it to the SD Card.

It should also be in iTunes (Playlist). If the album you want to transfer to the SD card is managed by foobar2000, it's easier to use foobar2000.

Also see @garym's answer.
Works with foobar2000 mobile.
The developer of dbpoweramp is one of the foobar2000 mobile staff.
------
It's strange that the iPhone crashed three times. Could this be when playing with foobar2000 mobile?
From reading the question and the reply, I don't know if foobar2000 mobile is related. I don't know under what circumstances it crashes.
If I don't know what the cause is, I think it will crash again.

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #9 – 2025-01-02 08:14:04

Quote from: Thomas Brelin on 2025-01-02 05:40:05

Sorry but no time to be organized the way you mean it!!!

Go figure.

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #10 – 2025-01-02 11:57:04

Quote from: Thomas Brelin on 2025-01-02 05:40:05

@MotleyG
Sorry but you still haven't reply to my question: Did you actually backup foobar2000 files saved in your (new model) iPhone to a PC even with the encrypted option enabled? To my experience iTunes is the crappiest software ever as it's always loosing connection with iPhone, although the PC (Win 11 Device Manager) shows it's connected alright! Loosing data occurs when installing updates and device is disconnected. 'Apple Devices' software is much better regarding backups, however it doesn't have yet all the features of iTunes. Regarding SD cards sorry but I'm not willing to buy and learn this procedure only for backing up files which I delete and transfer all the time. However I back up the complete iPhone daily as it's crucial to my work and it would be soooo nice somehow if foobar is being backed up together!!!!

I have several backups stored, but frankly I can't tell you if they have 100% of my media files because I have never needed to use any of them. Ever. You should be able to tell by the file size of the backup though. It should be roughly the same as the total storage on your iPhone if it has all of the data included.

Check your cables or connectors if you are losing connections during the backup. Again, I've never had this happen on my side. And with this many issues with your phone and also the PC connection, I really have to think there is something else going on here.

As to your organization of the music you are moving on and off your device, perhaps you can change the workflow here to make it easier to restore this more easily without using more space for the backup. Create a folder on your PC in separate location. Use this folder to copy the files you want to use on your phone, and remove them when you don't want them there any longer. And then simply sync that entire folder with your phone whenever you want it refreshed. And should you need to restore your phones backup, you can sync this folder again without fear of losing it or if it was truly backed up.

You've asked for suggestions but aren't willing to try any of the several that have been offered by other users. No point in asking further if you are going to question or reject every one without trying them.

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #11 – 2025-01-02 12:47:50

At first, I thought this was just about backing up foobar2000 mobile and music files, but since the main point of the question seems to be about backing up an iPhone, this is the wrong forum.

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #12 – 2025-01-02 14:16:00

@Air Ken
Sorry if I've made you feel like that but I thought my reply to the other members covered you. I have no time and money to spend only for foobar music while files in 'Music' software included into iPhone by default can be backed up normally. Just thought it would be nice if foobar for iPhones could be backed up same way as all the rest of the data included.
@MotleyG
Nothing to do with cables and connectors as I've told you already that iPhone is detected by the computer alright. It's just iTunes software and Apple is aware about this issue as I had them remotely connected to both my iPhone and MacBook multiple times. As said I transfer and delete flacs to iPhone all the time (depending on my mood) not necessarily saved already to my PC. After all music is (supposed to be) entertainment not first class priority! However I still thank you for that suggestion of encryption as I've never tried it before, seems strange though that Apple support haven't suggested it before you. Perhaps it's because foobar2000 is not an Apple software and they don't bother...
To conclude I thank everybody for spending your precious time on my request and I ensure you that I didn't mean to be rude to any of you! Have a great new year!!!!

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #13 – 2025-01-02 14:31:29

It doesn't seem to be related to foobar2000 mobile and playing music.
It's not causing the crashes.
Just a question about backing up the iPhone.

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #14 – 2025-01-02 14:47:31

I've made that quite clear from the very beginning!!! Data loss during installing new OS have to do with iTunes not foobar2000!!! However it would be nice when re-installing from a backup to include foobar music files as in every other software installed not necessarily created by Apple. And I remind you that files from every other software installed can be backed up normally. Only those by foobar2000 cannot!!!

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #15 – 2025-01-02 15:13:01

> Only those by foobar2000 cannot!!!
I'm finally getting a clearer idea of ??what your question is.
But what specifically can't I back up, like foobar2000 mobile and music files?
There are already a lot of answers out there.

Reply #8
> Also see @garym's answer.
> Works with foobar2000 mobile.
> The developer of dbpoweramp is one of the foobar2000 mobile staff.

foobar2000 mobile Browse Screen "Setting icon" tap > Sync with TuneFUSION

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #16 – 2025-01-02 15:57:32

Quote from: garym on 2025-01-01 15:36:23

I use TuneFusion to transfer files to iphone, to play on foobar2000 mobile. Fantastic app by the creator of dbpoweramp.

https://www.dbpoweramp.com/tunefusion.htm

My question is not about transferring music files to iPhone! This can be done perfectly by iTunes!!! My question is about backing up and re-installing the exact files directly from a backup!!!

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #17 – 2025-01-02 16:04:56

> My question is about backing up and re-installing the exact files directly from a backup!!!
We all understand that.

You should send it in for repair.
Unless you know what's causing the crashes.

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #18 – 2025-01-02 16:16:19

I repeat!!!! When iTunes software is used for installing new OS, SOMETIMES it may cause data loss due to disconnect from the device. Apple is aware about this issue. This data loss includes EVERYTHING not only foobar2000. When re-installing OS from a backup either from a PC or iCloud foobar is re-installed normally as well but WITHOUT THE MUSIC FILES SAVED!!! Every other software is re-installed from the aforementioned backup but with all files included before data loss. ONLY FOOBAR2000 DOESN'T!!!! Hopefully I'm quite clear this time

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #19 – 2025-01-02 16:23:20

Yes. Looks like I'll have to ask Peter.

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #20 – 2025-01-02 16:24:14

I thank you so much!!!

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #21 – 2025-01-02 18:01:18

Quote from: Thomas Brelin on 2025-01-02 16:16:19

When iTunes software is used for installing new OS, SOMETIMES it may cause data loss due to disconnect from the device. Apple is aware about this issue. This data loss includes EVERYTHING not only foobar2000. When re-installing OS from a backup either from a PC or iCloud foobar is re-installed normally as well but WITHOUT THE MUSIC FILES SAVED!!! Every other software is re-installed from the aforementioned backup but with all files included before data loss. ONLY FOOBAR2000 DOESN'T!!!! Hopefully I'm quite clear this time

Your ask has been clear since the first post. I still cannot believe this is a widespread Apple issue that has yet to be resolved, or there would be many more complaints online about it.

The reason the music files for Foobar may not be included is due to where these are stored. If you are using the "Files" transfer method to move them to your phone, I do not believe this location gets backed up since Apple expects this information to be externally managed. Apple Music on the other hand is stored within the sandbox of the internal "Apple Music" app and should be backed up normally, so these are restored using a backup archive. [Note that both "BTR AMP" and "Neutron" music players on iOS also use the external storage area for music files and I would expect these also will not get their music files backed up for the same reason.]

Fix options:
1. Wait until Apple resolves the issue for you. (Don't hold your breath)
2. Change your workflow and update the Foobar music folder separately as I recommended earlier. There is an added benefit to this method, as you can also easily manage your music folder more often this way whether it is for backup or just making content changes on the fly.

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #22 – 2025-01-02 18:17:29

I thought I was quite clear that iTunes is the problem, not a solution. Keep banging on about iTunes and you'll get nowhere.

iTunes is Apple's gatekeeper to defend copyright, far too aggressively. Put music into iTunes and it doesn't come out again.

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #23 – 2025-01-02 18:52:41

Quote from: fooball on 2025-01-02 18:17:29

I thought I was quite clear that iTunes is the problem, not a solution. Keep banging on about iTunes and you'll get nowhere.
iTunes is Apple's gatekeeper to defend copyright, far too aggressively. Put music into iTunes and it doesn't come out again.

@fooball I know iTunes is easy to beat on, but I'm not sure what you mean with this. What gatekeeping, copyright, and how aggressively? If you rip your own music from CD there is no protection. And if you have bought music from Apple in the last 15 years, there is no DRM as they abandoned that music industry enforcement long ago in 2009. I happily use iTunes to serve my local music and movies to several AppleTV devices at home. And the same music files are on both my Android DAP and iOS iPhone12 without any issues - not transferred by iTunes. For my DAP I simply copy my main Music folder that is managed as Albumartist\Album\Song to my SD card. And for my iPhone I use the Remote Desktop app and copy that way. No issues.

Regardless, the issue in this thread for the OP is how to back up music files that are being used by Foobar Mobile on an iOS device. There are many roads that can get you there, but not the one that the OP is currently trying to take.

Re: Foobar2000 for iPhone music files backup

Reply #24 – 2025-01-02 19:19:40

@MotleyG
That's very detailed. This is very helpful.

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