I store my documents in I-cloud.

If I do a backup on time-machine, will it back up icloud drive?

Posted on Jan 5, 2021 10:56 AM

Reply
Question marked as ⚠️ Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 5, 2021 11:35 AM

Time Machine will only backup things that have a local copy on your Mac.

If you don't have Optimize Mac Storage turned on at Apple menu > System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud then your documents will have a local copy. If you don't have Optimize Mac Storage turned on at Photos app > Photos menu > Preferences > iCloud then your photos will have a local copy.

If you do have those options turned on then some or all of your documents and photos may not have a local copy and would not be included in a Time Machine backup.

More information on those Optimize options is in: Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive - Apple Support and Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support

4 replies
Sort By: 
Question marked as ⚠️ Top-ranking reply

Jan 5, 2021 11:35 AM in response to sleuthkmw

Time Machine will only backup things that have a local copy on your Mac.

If you don't have Optimize Mac Storage turned on at Apple menu > System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud then your documents will have a local copy. If you don't have Optimize Mac Storage turned on at Photos app > Photos menu > Preferences > iCloud then your photos will have a local copy.

If you do have those options turned on then some or all of your documents and photos may not have a local copy and would not be included in a Time Machine backup.

More information on those Optimize options is in: Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive - Apple Support and Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support

Reply

Jan 5, 2021 12:59 PM in response to sleuthkmw

If the only copy is in iCloud (i.e., there is no local copy) there is no way to back them up. You are relying on Apple. The following has information that may help, but it isn't about backing up directly from iCloud. Archive or make copies of the information you store in iCloud - Apple Support

Reply

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.

I store my documents in I-cloud.

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