HT201318: iCloud storage upgrades and downgrades

Learn about iCloud storage upgrades and downgrades
wzywilde
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Backup all computer files to icloud

Hi there, am new to iCloud with my new iphone 5 and very impressed with ease of use and other features. It occurred to me that I might be able to buy extra iCloud storage to use for regular complete computer backups.  Does anyone know if this is possible and, if so, how to do it?  Thanks in advance.

Mac Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Mar 26, 2013 3:36 AM

by mende1,Solvedanswer
mende1 mende1
Level 10 (93,329 points)
Desktops
A:

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities

 

Unfortunately, you can't back up a Mac onto iCloud. You need an enormous amount of storage to back up a Mac, and it may take days or weeks to upload everything stored on the computer.

 

Instead of making backups, what you can do is to store files onto iCloud if you are using an app which is compatible with iCloud. Just open System Preferences > iCloud, and tick "Documents & Data", so all iCloud-enabled apps will show you the option to store files on iCloud.

 

However, to store files on the cloud or make backups of your Mac, I don't recommend iCloud, so you may consider a cloud backup service as CrashPlan, that will allow you to make backups, if you want, of your computer on the cloud, but as I told you, it's better to get an external drive and store backups there

Posted on Mar 26, 2013 3:40 AM

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wzywilde

Q: Backup all computer files to icloud

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  • by mende1,Solvedanswer

    mende1 mende1 Mar 26, 2013 3:40 AM in response to wzywilde
    Level 10 (93,329 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 26, 2013 3:40 AM in response to wzywilde

    Welcome to the Apple Support Communities

     

    Unfortunately, you can't back up a Mac onto iCloud. You need an enormous amount of storage to back up a Mac, and it may take days or weeks to upload everything stored on the computer.

     

    Instead of making backups, what you can do is to store files onto iCloud if you are using an app which is compatible with iCloud. Just open System Preferences > iCloud, and tick "Documents & Data", so all iCloud-enabled apps will show you the option to store files on iCloud.

     

    However, to store files on the cloud or make backups of your Mac, I don't recommend iCloud, so you may consider a cloud backup service as CrashPlan, that will allow you to make backups, if you want, of your computer on the cloud, but as I told you, it's better to get an external drive and store backups there

  • by wzywilde,

    wzywilde wzywilde Mar 26, 2013 5:16 AM in response to wzywilde
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 26, 2013 5:16 AM in response to wzywilde

    Thanks very much for the fast response, will certainly have a look at Crash Plan and continue with the hard drive. Western Dig here I come. 

  • by mende1,

    mende1 mende1 Mar 26, 2013 5:16 AM in response to wzywilde
    Level 10 (93,329 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 26, 2013 5:16 AM in response to wzywilde

    You are welcome