iCloud as backup only

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Level 1

4 points

iCloud as backup only

The mistake I've made is probably common. I uploaded files to iCloud in order to make more space on my local drive. But now, iCloud appears as part of my local drive and I have created no additional space on the local drive. I want files sent to the cloud to be separate from my local files. Is this possible. In other words, I want the files I send to the cloud to simply be stored there and not constantly synced to my local drive. Then I want to delete the same files from my local drive to make more space on the local drive. How can I accomplish this? Thanks!

Posted on Sep 10, 2023 4:11 PM

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Answer 1

kotodama56 Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 10, 2023 5:40 PM in response to kotodama56

Sincere thanks for your replies. I understand now. How can I get my files off of iCloud to solely rely on my local drive(s) again? iCloud is too convoluted for my purposes. I just want a way to open up space on my system drive by keeping older files elsewhere. Period.

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Answer 2

muguy

Level 10

82,357 points

Sep 10, 2023 4:33 PM in response to kotodama56

iCloud is primarily a synchronization service. Anything in iCloud is also on your device. you can elect to optimize files. If your device needs space, then the oldest/least accessed/largest files will be offloaded to the cloud only.

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Answer 3

FoxFifth

Level 10

472,203 points

Sep 10, 2023 4:35 PM in response to kotodama56

That isn't an option with iCloud Drive.

The most that you can do to get closer to that is to turn on the Optimize Mac Storage option for iCloud Drive. With that option on, all iCloud Drive files will have a local copy on your Mac you have enough space but if you are low on space older files will be stored only on iCloud.

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Answer 4

muguy

Level 10

82,357 points

Sep 10, 2023 5:45 PM in response to kotodama56

The easiest way is to drag any folders out of iCloud Drive and onto your desktop or into your documents folder (provided you do not sync desktop and documents), then turn off syncing. If you sync desktop and documents, drag your folders to some other location in your home folder temporarily first. Then turn off sync and move your files wherever you would like.

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Answer 5

FoxFifth

Level 10

472,203 points

Sep 10, 2023 6:12 PM in response to kotodama56

kotodama56 wrote:

Sincere thanks for your replies. I understand now. How can I get my files off of iCloud to solely rely on my local drive(s) again? iCloud is too convoluted for my purposes. I just want a way to open up space on my system drive by keeping older files elsewhere. Period.

There are other cloud services that have options to do that. I believe Dropbox and OneDrive have that option and possibly also Google Drive.

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iCloud as backup only

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