My MacBook Pro is backed up to the Cloud. Is this sufficient before I bring my computer in for service?

My MacBook Pro is backed up to the Cloud. Is this sufficient backup before I bring my computer in for service?

iPad 2, iOS 9

Posted on Jun 24, 2022 1:42 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 24, 2022 1:47 PM

MacBooks cannot be backed up to iCloud. You may have synced some files but you do not have a backup.


backup your Mac using Time Machine and an external drive How to back up your Mac - Official Apple Support


2 replies

Jun 24, 2022 1:51 PM in response to Saraswati9

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.


Regarding taking a computer into service (or even risking loss of data at any time due to any issue), only you can determine if you have something on your Mac that you wouldn't want to lose and that isn't synced with iCloud.

But if you have any question about that, I will be glad to try to help.


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

Access and manage your files in iCloud Drive - Apple Support

and

Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive - Apple Support


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

My MacBook Pro is backed up to the Cloud. Is this sufficient before I bring my computer in for service?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.