iCloud is a cloud-based storage service provided by Apple. It is an excellent way to store your data and keep it safe. However, sometimes you might need to back up your iCloud data to an external hard drive, especially when you have a limited amount of storage space on your Mac.
Backing up your iCloud data to an external hard drive is not as easy as it sounds. It requires a few steps, and you need to pay attention to the process. This blog will guide you through the steps to backup iCloud to an external hard drive on your Mac.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
You will need the following things to backup iCloud to an external hard drive:
1. A Mac running macOS.
2. An external hard drive with enough storage to store your iCloud data.
3. A stable internet connection.
4. Enough time to complete the backup process.
5. Patience, as the process might take some time.
What Should I Pay Attention to?
Before you start the backup process, you need to pay attention to the following things:
1. Make sure that your Mac and external hard drive are connected to a power source.
2. Ensure that your internet connection is stable.
3. Verify that your external hard drive is formatted correctly.
4. Ensure that your external hard drive has enough space to store your iCloud data.
5. Be patient, as the backup process might take some time.
Method 1: Using Terminal
1. Open Terminal on your Mac by searching it on Spotlight or finding it in the Utilities folder in Applications.
2. Type the following command in Terminal: cd ~/Library/Mobile\ Documents/com\~apple\~CloudDocs/
3. Press Enter to execute the command.
4. Type the following command in Terminal: mkdir ~/Desktop/iCloudBackup
5. Press Enter to execute the command.
6. Type the following command in Terminal: rsync -av ~/Library/Mobile\ Documents/com\~apple\~CloudDocs/ ~/Desktop/iCloudBackup/
7. Press Enter to execute the command.
Pros
– Terminal is a built-in program in macOS.
– It is a robust method to backup iCloud data.
Cons
– It might not be suitable for non-technical users.
– Any mistake in the command can lead to data loss.
Method 2: Using iMazing
1. Download and install iMazing on your Mac.
2. Connect your external hard drive to your Mac.
3. Open iMazing and click on Backup.
4. Choose iCloud Backup and click on Next.
5. Sign in to your iCloud account.
6. Select the data you want to backup to your external hard drive.
7. Click on Next and choose your external hard drive as the destination.
8. Click on Backup Now to start the process.
Pros
– iMazing has a user-friendly interface.
– The backup process is simple and straightforward.
Cons
– iMazing is not a free tool.
– The backup process might take some time.
Method 3: Using iCloud.com
1. Open a web browser on your Mac and go to iCloud.com.
2. Sign in to your iCloud account.
3. Click on Settings and select Download a copy of your data.
4. Select the data you want to download.
5. Click on Next and choose the format of your data.
6. Click on Download to start the process.
7. Once the download is complete, connect your external hard drive to your Mac.
8. Copy the downloaded data to your external hard drive.
Pros
– iCloud.com is a free tool.
– You can download your data in various formats.
Cons
– The downloaded data might not be organized.
– The process might take some time.
Why Can’t I Backup iCloud Safely to External Hard Drive
1. The iCloud data might be encrypted, making it challenging to backup.
2. The backup process might fail due to a weak internet connection.
3. The external hard drive might not have enough space to store the iCloud data.
Fixes
– Use a reliable internet connection.
– Ensure that your external hard drive has enough space to store the data.
– Try using a third-party tool like iMazing to backup iCloud data.
Suggestions
1. Backup your iCloud data regularly to avoid losing any important information.
2. Verify that your external hard drive is formatted correctly before starting the backup process.
3. Use a reliable third-party tool to backup your data if you are not comfortable using Terminal.
5 FAQs
Q: Can I backup my iCloud data to multiple external hard drives?
A: Yes, you can backup your iCloud data to as many external hard drives as you want.
Q: Is it safe to backup iCloud data to an external hard drive?
A: Yes, it is safe to backup your iCloud data to an external hard drive if you follow the proper backup procedure.
Q: Can I use an external hard drive to transfer iCloud data to a new Mac?
A: Yes, you can use an external hard drive to transfer iCloud data to a new Mac.
Q: Can I backup my iCloud data to a USB drive?
A: Yes, you can backup your iCloud data to a USB drive if it has enough space to store the data.
Q: Will I lose any data during the backup process?
A: No, you will not lose any data during the backup process if you follow the proper backup procedure.
Conclusion
Backing up your iCloud data to an external hard drive is essential if you have a limited amount of storage space on your Mac. It is not as easy as it sounds, and you need to pay attention to the process. This blog provided you with three methods to backup your iCloud data to an external hard drive. You can choose the method that suits your needs the most. Ensure that you follow the proper backup procedure to avoid losing any important information.