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Turn off iCloud photo storage

If I turn off iCloud photo storage, how do I make sure I have all my photos still securely saved on my MacBook pro photo library? I also have an external lacie backup unit.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Feb 8, 2021 3:59 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 9, 2021 12:55 AM

Do you have "download originals to this mac" selected in icloud settings?


If so, and the sync status at the bottom of the all photos view shows "updated just now" without any outstanding activities, then you have all the photos on your mac.


To double check then turn of iCloud photo storage, and confirm they are all still in the photos app, and that you can open them full size for edit. (obviously you'll only be able to check some of them this way)


As you have hinted, you also need to make sure you have a good backup stratetgy in place. Time machine is good for this.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 9, 2021 12:55 AM in response to Clarity21

Do you have "download originals to this mac" selected in icloud settings?


If so, and the sync status at the bottom of the all photos view shows "updated just now" without any outstanding activities, then you have all the photos on your mac.


To double check then turn of iCloud photo storage, and confirm they are all still in the photos app, and that you can open them full size for edit. (obviously you'll only be able to check some of them this way)


As you have hinted, you also need to make sure you have a good backup stratetgy in place. Time machine is good for this.

Turn off iCloud photo storage

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