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backup mac to icloud

How to Backup Mac to iCloud and Recover iCloud Backup

Your Mac contains some of the most important data. However, there is always a risk of data being lost, which is why you must learn how to backup Mac to iCloud.
Amy Dennis
Amy Dennis Originally published Feb 21, 25, updated Mar 07, 25

You may want to backup and recover data from your iCloud Backup, considering it is one of the safest places to store data. Once all your data has been backed up and stored, you can be sure that your data is safe and that no information is lost.

Irrespective of whatever situation you face for which you lost the data, you can work towards recovering it efficiently. iCloud works similarly to Google Backup, ensuring the recovery method is simple. However, you must understand how to backup Mac to iCloud without disruptions.

This blog will provide all the information on how to backup MacBook to iCloud and protect any sensitive data you may have on your device.

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In this article

Part 1: Getting Started: Backup Mac to iCloud Prerequisites

If you want to backup Mac to iCloud, you must meet all the system prerequisites. This is to ensure that the data can be backed up easily. Here are some of the key prerequisites for how to backup Mac to iCloud:

  • Stable internet connection
  • Apple ID
  • Cloud storage
  • Mac functioning on macOS 10.0 or above

To start backing up your Mac to iCloud, it is essential to keep your system updated. iCloud often may not have any extra space for data backup, so you must keep your system updated. You must also enable iCloud Drive in your system to automatically sync all the essential files for the backup.

backup icloud to mac

Here are some of the essential things you must remember to backup Mac to iCloud:

  • You must have the latest and updated Mac system.
  • It is necessary to have macOS 10.0 or above.
  • You must have a legitimate Apple ID that has access to iCloud services.
  • The internet connection should be strong enough to back up the data.
  • Check for enough storage in your iCloud storage plan to back up the data.

Part 2: What Data Does iCloud Backup?

iCloud backup is used to save a variety of data. It will help restore data such as home screen layout, device settings, messages, app data, photos, videos, and messages. For app data, it will also sync the data for apps that won't be synced with iCloud. It will also back up data that may not be directly synced with iCloud, such as notes, calendars, and contacts. It will also support data backup for third-party apps.

easy step for icloud backup

Any data which hasn't been synced to your device will also be stored in Backup. However, you will have to enable the Backup feature. iCloud will also take a snapshot of the data that is being saved to ensure that it can be quickly restored to the device. Regarding syncing and backing up, it is advisable to go for data backup. This plays an essential role in securing the data and provides the chance to recover the data.

Part 3: How to backup Macbook to iCloud: Step-by-Step Guide

If you do not want to lose data from your Mac device, back up all the data on iCloud. You must look into the steps to back up your Macbook on iCloud.

Apple offers a free storage of 5 GB for every Apple ID on iCloud. However, when you want to learn how to backup macbook air to iCloud and get extra space, you must buy some extra storage. Backing up your Macbook on iCloud will provide you the benefit of accessing the data from anywhere. However, you must ensure that you are using the latest or updated version of your Macbook to initiate the backup and get all the information.

You can follow the steps given below to understand how to backup macbook to iCloud:

Step 1: Click on the Apple icon at the top. Then, from the available menu, click on System Settings.

open apple settings

Step 2: A new screen will appear. In the right corner, you will have to choose the Apple ID option. If iCloud isn’t already selected, you will have to select it. Then, you will be prompted to log in to your Apple ID.

sign in with apple id

Step 3: A new screen will appear. If the iCloud section has not already been ticked in, you will have to click on it. The option will be selected and presented right next to 'Options'.

Step 4: In the new screen, select iCloud and then Options. After that, you must tick the box for every section you want to recover, such as Photos, Contacts, Emails, Messages, Calendars and more.

confirm icloud drive backup

Step 5: Visit your iCloud page once again and check for any additional information that you want to back up.

Step 6: The process of backing up files will begin. The storage bar contains the Manage option that you can select to manage the backups for your iCloud storage.

confirm the backup process

Part 4: How to restore from icloud backup?

Did you accidentally lose all your essential data from the device? That is nothing short of a nightmare. Many people face the problem of getting their data lost, even the most crucial ones. You can access iCloud backup from your Mac using the browser. If you restore from iCloud backup, you must have your Apple ID ready and stay connected to the internet.

You may follow the steps given below to recover icloud backup:

Step 1: Open iCloud.com on your browser.

Step 2: Sign in using your Apple ID and password to your iCloud account.

sign in with google id

Step 3: Navigate to the Settings icon upon logging in.

go to icloud main screen

Step 4: The iCloud settings menu will open. Scroll through the screen and click on the Advanced section. Then, choose the Restore Files option.

Step 5: All the available backups will pop up on your screen. Filter the date and time of the backup before initiating the restoration methods.

Step 6: Upon choosing the backup, iCloud will display all the data and file categories from which you can restore the data. You can restore different types of data, such as reminders, contacts, calendars, and more.

Step 7: Choose the category and file you want to restore and click the Restore option. All the respective files will start getting downloaded to your computer.

backup the files and download

You must have a high-speed internet connection because downloading the file may take some time, depending on its size. Stay connected to the internet throughout the download procedure. Once the file download is complete, it will be saved in your system.

You can check the downloaded files section to determine which files have been successfully recovered. You can use iTunes or Finder to transfer the downloaded data to an iOS device. You can just follow the on-screen prompts to initiate the process of transfer from Mac to other devices.

Part 5: Lost Important Data While Backing Up Mac? Try Recoverit Today!

While Mac backup is a very crucial process, there is a high chance that you may lose the data. You must be careful because it might lead to permanent data loss. You may feel like there's no way to recover the data. Therefore, you will have to indulge in the process of using reliable data recovery software such as Wondershare Recoverit.

Whether you have accidentally lost the data or intentionally, you must use Recoverit immediately. It prevents the risk of overwritten data, thereby ensuring the data is protected completely. Recoverit can help recover data across 500+ scenarios, meaning you can retrieve it using the software if you accidentally lose it during backup.

Recoverit boasts a 99.5% success rate in recovering data and offers complete security. It is available for free on Mac devices. You only need to download the software on your device and initiate the data recovery process. Once Wondershare Recoverit has been downloaded and installed on your device, you may follow the steps given below to restore from iCloud backup:

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Step 1: Launch Wondershare Recoverit in your system. Choose the device from which the device was lost.

open recoverit

Step 2: Once you have chosen the Hard Drive from which the data is lost, the software will begin scanning the drive.

select the drive to scan

Step 3: Recoverit will show the result of the different days that have been recovered. You can apply filters like file size, type and more to get more accurate details. Now, you can preview all the files. Click on Preview, and if the files are accurate, click on the Recover option.

verify and save the data

Step 4: Select the location in which you want the lost files to be restored. It is advisable to choose a new location. Click on the Recover option. The files will be saved in the final location.

Part 6: Pro Tips for iCloud Data Recovery

iCloud data recovery may seem difficult, but if you're taking certain preventive steps, you should be able to get them back in no time. It is advisable to monitor usage thoroughly to get all the information.

Below are some of the most efficient tips for iCloud data recovery:

  • You must always check the Recently Deleted Folder on iCloud. Most of these deleted photos, messages, and other such information are stored in this folder. However, this is only a temporary storage that allows you to recover the data.
  • Do not wait till the last to recover the data from iCloud. If you wait for too long, there's a very thin chance that the data will be retrieved.
  • If you are backing up the data, you will have to check if the data is being restored. This ensures that there is no problem and that all the required information is being stored.
  • Optimize a third-party backup schedule in your device to initiate the recovery method. It is advisable to set automatic backups so the files are backed up regularly. Moreover, optimize the data you want to backup for your device.
  • Before permanently deleting any files from your system, reviewing all the documents carefully is advisable.

Conclusion

With so many methods available, it is essential to adopt the proper method to understand how to back up a Mac on iCloud. While you may not be able to do it all in one go, you can use Time Machine or any extra storage space.

You will have to be extremely careful with the data recovery process. You must choose Wondershare Recoverit Data Recovery software to help you with iCloud data recovery. This applies if you have lost any data during the file recovery process. You should try to recover any data or files you may accidentally lose.

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FAQs

  • Can I back up my entire Mac to iCloud?
    iCloud only allows you to store particular data types on your device, such as photos, videos and documents. Therefore, you cannot backup your entire MacOS into iCloud. To save everything, you must opt for Time Machine backup. Sometimes, you must get additional iCloud space to store massive data.
  • Can iCloud backup files be recovered?
    You can recover the iCloud backup files for up to 30 days. However, if these files are permanently deleted from your device and iCloud, you won't be able to recover them. In that case, you must use data recovery software such as Wondershare Recoverit.
  • How do you back up and restore a Mac system?
    You must opt for Time Machine backup to back up and restore a Mac system. Time Machine is available on your Mac device. You can add the drive for which the files must be backed up. Then, you can opt for the restore feature.
  • Does Apple keep old backups?
    Yes, the old backups are available on Apple. These backups will be available for up to 180 days before being deleted. Once the backups are deleted from iCloud, they will be lost forever.
  • How do you recover permanently deleted files on Mac?
    You need to use data recovery software such as Wondershare Recoverit to recover permanently deleted Mac files. This software uses an advanced algorithm, which plays a crucial role in the easy and faster recovery of files.
Amy Dennis
Amy Dennis Mar 07, 25
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