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Backing up your Mac is simple and important. We recommend it for everyone.

1. Icloud For Mac Desktop
2. Icloud Till Mac Air
3. Icloud For Mac Air Pro
4. Icloud Settings On Mac
5. Backup Mac To Icloud

You control all the settings for iCloud from Mountain Lion’s iCloud pane in System Preferences. Click the System Preferences icon in the Dock and then click the iCloud icon. At the sign-in prompt, enter your Apple ID and your password. System Preferences will then guide you through basic iCloud configuration with a number of questions. Since iCloud files are stored locally on your Mac, several third-party apps let you browse these files, in a more user-friendly manner than using the Finder. The free Plain Cloud is a simple app.

Back up with Time Machine

Time Machine is the built-in backup feature of your Mac. It’s a complete backup solution, but you can use other backup methods as well.

Store files in iCloud

You can also use iCloud and iCloud Drive to store files, such as your photos, documents, and music.

Restore your Mac from a backup

When you have a backup, you can use it to restore your files at any time, including after the original files are deleted from your Mac.

Prepare your Mac for service

Making a backup is an important part of preparing your Mac for service, especially because some types of repair might require erasing or replacing your hard drive.

How much space do I need for a backup?

To see the size of a specific file or folder, click it once and then press Command-I. To see storage information about your Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left of your screen. Choose About This Mac and click the Storage tab. For Time Machine backups, it's good to use a drive that has at least twice the storage capacity of your Mac.

Related topics

Free up storage on your Mac

macOS can save space by storing your content in the cloud. This isn't a backup, but it includes new tools to make it easier to find and remove large or unwanted files before you make a backup.

Erase or format a storage device

You can use Disk Utility if you need to erase or format a storage device.

macOS Community

Icloud For Mac Desktop

If you can't back up your Mac

We'll find the best support options for you.

Icloud Till Mac Air

For the best iCloud experience, make sure your device meets the minimum system requirements.

Use the latest version of macOS

Update to the latest version of macOS. Choose Apple menu  > About This Mac > Software Update. If you’re using macOS Mojave or earlier, choose Apple menu  > App Store. See if there’s an update available.

Icloud For Mac Air Pro

Sign in

Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Apple ID. If you’re using macOS Mojave or earlier, click iCloud. Enter your Apple ID. When you sign in, iCloud is turned on automatically.

Icloud Settings On Mac

Check your iCloud settings

Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Apple ID. If you’re using macOS Mojave or earlier, click iCloud. Choose the apps—like Notes, Photos, and iCloud Drive—that you want to use with iCloud.

Find the storage plan that’s right for you

Backup Mac To Icloud

One safe place for all your photos, files, and more