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How to tell when the last backup was on my MacBook

How to tell when the last backup was on my MacBook

I set up all of the check boxes to back up in iCloud but there is no button to "backup now" (like there is on the iPhone).

How can I tell what my most recent backup is?

MacBook

Posted on Mar 14, 2021 9:42 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 14, 2021 10:29 AM

To see the time of the last Time Machine backup to an external USB drive, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Time Machine.


Regarding iCloud:

Apple offers iCloud Backup for iPhones and iPads but not for Mac computers.


It is possible to sync data from a Mac to iCloud if you turn on those options (e.g., iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive including the Desktop & Documents option). Syncing has some of the benefits of a backup (and the benefit of being offsite) but is not the same as a backup. Major differences include the fact that not everything on your Mac can be synced and the fact that if you delete something, accidentally or otherwise, there is only a limited time period (30 days in most cases) during which it can be recovered.


Syncing occurs dynamically as data changes, not all at once like a backup.


Also see: How to back up your Mac - Official Apple Support

And more information on syncing in:

Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support

and

iCloud Drive FAQ - Apple Support

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 14, 2021 10:29 AM in response to Miguel40

To see the time of the last Time Machine backup to an external USB drive, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Time Machine.


Regarding iCloud:

Apple offers iCloud Backup for iPhones and iPads but not for Mac computers.


It is possible to sync data from a Mac to iCloud if you turn on those options (e.g., iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive including the Desktop & Documents option). Syncing has some of the benefits of a backup (and the benefit of being offsite) but is not the same as a backup. Major differences include the fact that not everything on your Mac can be synced and the fact that if you delete something, accidentally or otherwise, there is only a limited time period (30 days in most cases) during which it can be recovered.


Syncing occurs dynamically as data changes, not all at once like a backup.


Also see: How to back up your Mac - Official Apple Support

And more information on syncing in:

Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support

and

iCloud Drive FAQ - Apple Support

How to tell when the last backup was on my MacBook

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