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Can I use icloud to backup my Macbook?

What is the process to carrying this out? I want to make sure when I purchase a new device, I have everything.

Posted on Jul 31, 2021 10:23 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 31, 2021 10:32 AM

If you want to backup everything you will want to use Time Machine (or 3rd party backup software such as Carbon Copy Cloner) and an external drive. See: Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support


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.


Also see: https://support.apple.com/mac-backup


And more information on syncing in:

Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support

and

Access and manage files in your iCloud Drive - Apple Support

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 31, 2021 10:32 AM in response to dangglong

If you want to backup everything you will want to use Time Machine (or 3rd party backup software such as Carbon Copy Cloner) and an external drive. See: Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support


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.


Also see: https://support.apple.com/mac-backup


And more information on syncing in:

Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support

and

Access and manage files in your iCloud Drive - Apple Support

Can I use icloud to backup my Macbook?

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