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Where Is iCloud Data Stored On a Time Machine Backup?

Hey Gary,

I know that time machine captures files saved in iCloud if storage optimization is turned off. I have created a time machine back up of my m1 MacBook Air but am unable to locate the iCloud files on my time machine backup. Where are these located within the external drive?

Thank you Gary!

I want to be sure that I have a physical copy of my files to follow the 3-2-1 rule of backups. Thank you Gary!
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Nathaniel

Comments: 3 Responses to “Where Is iCloud Data Stored On a Time Machine Backup?”

    3 years ago

    What are you doing to "locate" the files?

    Go to the folder you want, choose the Time Machine icon in the Menu Bar, Enter Time Machine. Then you can look through your past files by going "back" in time to see what you have. The timeline on the left will be your guide too.

    Do not use the Finder to try to make sense of the files stored on a Time Machine drive. And NEVER use the Finder to try to access, move or delete them.

    Nathaniel
    3 years ago

    Understood. I was attempting to search by name on the drive and was unable to verify the files were there using this method. I just don't have another Mac to look at the drive and this is what is making my wary.

    When viewing time machine are the files exclusive to that of the data on the drive? Is this a good way to verify? I believe once I was able to search through a "mobile documents" folder if I remember correctly.

    Thank you for your time Gary!

    3 years ago

    Nathaniel: If you see your files have a history, then you know they are being backed up. The history would be the versions of those files on the Time Machine drive.

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