How to Backup Mac in iCloud: Guide – Guide
Backing up your Mac is essential to protect your data in case of theft, damage or malware. We’ll explore the different types of backups available and how to set them up, including iCloud, Dropbox and external drives. Don’t wait until it’s too late - make sure you have a backup plan for your Mac today.
1. Upgrade your iCloud storage
Storing the majority of your computer’s files on iCloud will necessitate more than the 5 GB of free storage Apple provides.
To upgrade iCloud storage, Mac users can open System Preferences and select iCloud.
Click the “Manage” button at the bottom of the page, then select either “Buy more storage” or “Change storage plan” to purchase or adjust your current plan.
Choose from three storage options, ranging from 50 GB for $ 0.99 per month to 1 TB for $ 9.99 per month.
To determine how much iCloud storage you need, click the Apple logo in the menu bar, select About this Mac and click Storage. Keep in mind that your actual usage will be lower than what is shown due to system files and other unnecessary items.
To ensure your iCloud storage plan is up-to-date, take the necessary steps to update it and then go back to your settings.
2. Activate all iCloud services
To ensure you don’t miss out on any of the features offered by iCloud, make sure to click the checkmark for each service – particularly iCloud Drive and Photos. Additionally, activating iCloud Keychain will help you keep track of passwords and credit cards stored across all your devices.
Having all your content synced across devices now and in the future will save you time and hassle.
For those who don’t want to pay for a music streaming service, Apple Music with iCloud Music Library is an option. It stores all your music in the cloud and syncs it across devices for $9.99 per month. Alternatively, you can keep your music stored locally without subscribing.
3. Copy user files to iCloud Drive
Migrating to iCloud Drive is a two-step process. Start by copying all important files and folders, such as movies, local music, iMovie or GarageBand files, images, screenshots and downloads, to iCloud Drive using the Finder. To ensure successful transfer of data, use copy and paste rather than click and drag.
Mac users running macOS Sierra can now easily add their desktop files and documents to iCloud Drive with a few simple steps.
Make sure to copy all folders in their entirety or create new, clearly labeled ones. Avoid dragging files into the main iCloud Drive folder and creating a chaotic jumble.
Apple users should avoid transferring apps to iCloud Drive, as the process is more complex than it appears. Instead, they can move the associated application data, which will be discussed in the following section.
Don’t fret over system files, caches or messages - just concentrate on your own user files.
Adding folder shortcuts to the Finder sidebar is optional. Dragging and dropping iCloud Drive folders will do the trick, but it’s not necessary since most files are still accessed locally.
4. Copy the library files
Press and hold the Option key while clicking Go on the Finder menu bar to quickly access the Library folder.
To ensure your applications are properly backed up, copy and paste the scripts, support and containers into iCloud Drive. Additionally, if Safari is your primary browser, make sure to select it as well.
Copying the entire Library folder to iCloud Drive can provide peace of mind, even if most of it isn’t needed.
Reinstalling applications after a system reset is a time-consuming task, but if you get them from the Mac App Store, you can quickly download them again from the cloud. To make it easier, keep track of installation discs, license keys and download accounts in a note.
5. Restore
Buying a new computer is now much easier, thanks to iCloud Drive. All your user files, media, messages and more are stored in the cloud, so you can quickly copy them back to your local library with minimal effort.
You should ensure your applications are reinstalled correctly and your system settings are restored to your desired configuration.
Final note
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