Email archive/backup on macOS

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Level 1

10 points

Email archive/backup on macOS

My email provider, Ionos, has advised that I am running low on storage. I have created a local archive folder on my MacBook which has resolved the storage issue on my mail server but I would like to ensure that this folder is also backed up in the cloud. What is the simplest way to achieve this? For info, I do run regular Time Machine backups but it would seem that it is not straight forward to retrieve mail from this backup.

Any help or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance. 😃

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Mar 21, 2023 10:59 AM

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Answer 1

Liz S Author

Level 1

10 points

Mar 23, 2023 5:46 AM in response to Dorain1

Thanks for your reply. My apologies if I was not clear in my original question. I am already backing up my laptop running macOS Monterey 12.6.3 on a regular basis using Time Machine and I am confident in retrieving regular files from TM. I am less confident and need advice on how to 1. Back up a local email (non Apple email) archive folder using iCloud and 2. Retrieving accidentally deleted files using TM as the folders in Library/Mail/V.9 are named using non recognisable names.

Fingers crossed that there is someone who can point me in the right direction. 🤞

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Answer 2

Dorain1

Community Specialist

Mar 22, 2023 12:54 PM in response to Liz S

Hello Liz S,

We're happy to help all we can with your question about archiving emails.

To begin, your Mac Mail is going to be part of the Time Machine back up that you are doing, and this would include your archived mail. See Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support for details on backing up.

iCloud does not backup data from your Mac, it does back up on your iOS devices. iCloud shares the data between your devices. To learn what iCloud backups include, see What does iCloud back up? - Apple Support.

Let us know if you have further questions.

Take care!

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Answer 3

ryane77

Community Specialist

Mar 23, 2023 7:29 AM in response to Liz S

Hi Liz S,

Got it. To clarify, iCloud is great for syncing content and for backing up iOS devices, but there's not a way to back up an email account from a Mac to iCloud. However, it might be possible to export the mailbox and store the file in iCloud Drive.

Import or export mailboxes in Mail on Mac - Apple Support

Access and manage your files in iCloud Drive - Apple Support

You mentioned you're using Time Machine, and that's the best way to back up your content. If you're concerned about how to restore content, we recommend reviewing this resource for details: Restore items backed up with Time Machine on Mac - Apple Support

Take care.

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Email archive/backup on macOS

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