How to Backup Gmail Account on Mac – Guide
Google’s Gmail service provides free email accounts with plenty of storage, quick search and access from any web browser. However, storing all your emails in the cloud can be risky. Network issues or server failures could lead to temporary or permanent loss of your emails. To protect yourself, back up the content of your Gmail account.
To use Gmail’s backup features, you must first enable IMAP in your account settings. Log into Gmail, click the gear icon in the upper right corner and select ‘Email Settings’. Then, under ‘Forwarding and POP/IMAP’, make sure ‘Enable IMAP’ is selected. If not, select it and click ‘Save Changes’.
What could go wrong?
Cybersecurity experts warn that using the same password in multiple places can leave users vulnerable to hackers. To protect against this, two-factor authentication tools such as Google Authenticator are available, though they do not guarantee complete security.
Ensure your online security by setting up two-factor authentication. Our guide provides instructions on how to configure Google Authenticator or an alternative like Authy. Don’t miss this important step!
If you use Gmail for school or work, it’s important to back up your emails in case you lose access when you graduate or change jobs. Mac users don’t need to worry, as their emails are already backed up.
Google Takeout
Google Takeout can help you back up your emails. Go to the Download your data page and select your Mail account, then download all of your data in either .zip, .TGZ or .TAR format. If the file size is more than 2 GB, Google will divide it into several files. Extra backups are always a good idea.
Google will send you a link when your files are ready for download, but adding them to your Google Drive won’t protect you if your account is blocked. This strategy only guards against accidental email deletion.
Having multiple Gmail accounts can be a hassle when it comes to backing them up. While the process is relatively inexpensive, it requires manual effort each time you want to make a copy of your data.
Enable POP access
Backing up your Gmail is simple and free when you use an email client. Downloading emails to the client will copy them to your Mac, plus give you access even when offline.
To enable POP access for your email client, click the gear icon in the upper right corner of the Gmail page in your browser. Select “Forwarding and POP/IMAP” and choose “Enable POP for all emails.” Then follow the instructions to configure your email client.
I disable notifications for new emails to take advantage of the ability to use multiple Gmail accounts and have messages show up in Spotlight searches.
CloudPull
For years, CloudPull has been a reliable backup solution for Gmail users. It’s available for $24.99, but offers a 30-day free trial. To get started, simply enter your Gmail address and name/password into the program.
Ensure your account is secure by enabling two-factor authentication and granting CloudPull permission to access your Gmail account.
Backing up your Gmail messages is now easier than ever: Google’s new feature allows users to automatically download their emails in the background, as well as other Google data such as contacts, calendar and drive.
CloudPull provides users with the ability to customize their backup options upon registration. However, be aware that the initial download of new messages can take time and use up your bandwidth.
Set the message limitation level to Conservative and back up your system every hour until the initial backup is complete for faster browsing without sacrificing message delivery.
I recommend that he back up his changes daily, as it only takes a few minutes. Unfortunately, there is no way to specify when the backup will occur.
Backing up your data shouldn’t be left to Gmail; take control and do it yourself.
Final note
If you have any questions about backing up your Gmail account on Mac, we’re here to help. Show your appreciation by sharing this guide with your friends.
