macOS · Storage & Backup
Request an export of your Apple ID data
Request a downloadable archive of the personal data associated with your Apple ID, including iCloud content, purchase history, and account details, through the Data & Privacy portal.
How to open Download a Copy of Your Data
- Open System Settings and click your name (Apple ID)
- Select Privacy & Security, then scroll to Get a copy of your data
- Choose the data categories to include
- Submit the request and wait for the download notification
What you should know
- Initiated from Apple ID → Privacy & Security → Get a copy of your data
- Lets you choose specific categories of data to include
- Delivered as a downloadable archive after a processing period
- Separate from local Time Machine or iCloud Drive backups
Why it matters
This feature gives users a way to obtain a portable copy of everything Apple holds under their account, supporting transparency and easing migration away from Apple services if desired. It's also useful for personal archiving of purchase history, iCloud content, and account activity that isn't otherwise easily exportable. Because the request can take time to prepare, it's best used proactively rather than during an urgent data-loss situation.
Best practices
- Select only the data categories you actually need to keep the archive manageable
- Download the archive promptly once ready, as the link expires after a set period
- Use a secure, encrypted location to store the exported data given its sensitivity
Common problems and fixes
- Request is taking a long time to prepare
- Large accounts with extensive iCloud content can take several days; this is expected.
- Download link expired
- Submit a new data request through the Data & Privacy portal.
- Archive is missing certain content
- Confirm the relevant category was selected when the request was submitted.
Tips and tricks
- Request smaller, category-specific exports if you only need particular data
- Cross-check the archive against Time Machine backups for a complete personal record
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as an iCloud backup?
No, this is a one-time data export for transparency and portability, not a restorable backup.
How long does Apple take to prepare the archive?
It can take up to seven days, depending on the amount of data requested.
Can I request this from a Mac without an iPhone?
Yes, the request can be made through System Settings on a Mac or via appleid.apple.com.
Related settings
- iCloud+ FeaturesEnable and configure premium iCloud+ features such as iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, and HomeKit Secure Video storage tied to your paid iCloud storage plan.
- iCloud DriveiCloud Drive keeps your files in sync across every device signed into the same Apple ID, and can automatically include your Desktop and Documents folders so they're backed up and accessible from any Mac, iPhone, or iPad. Files sync in the background and are accessible from the Finder sidebar or iCloud.com.
More Storage & Backup guides for macOS
- Time Machine BackupTime Machine automatically backs up your entire Mac — apps, accounts, preferences, and files — to an external or network drive, so you can restore individual files or your whole system if something goes wrong.
- Storage ManagementStorage settings show a visual breakdown of exactly what's using space on your Mac's disk, plus built-in recommendations — like storing files in iCloud or automatically emptying the Trash — to free up space without manually hunting for large files yourself.
- Optimize StorageOptimize Storage is a set of Apple-recommended actions — like storing files in iCloud, auto-emptying the Trash, and removing watched TV shows and movies — that free up local disk space with minimal effort. It's found inside About This Mac's Storage settings.
- External StorageExternal Storage covers how macOS handles USB, Thunderbolt, and network-attached drives connected to your Mac — formatting them, choosing a file system, ejecting safely, and deciding which ones are eligible for Time Machine backups. Disk Utility is the main tool for managing these drives.
- Documents & Desktop iCloud SyncAutomatically upload the contents of your Desktop and Documents folders to iCloud Drive so they stay backed up and accessible from other signed-in devices.
- Migration AssistantMove apps, files, user accounts, and settings from another Mac, a Time Machine backup, or a Windows PC onto your current Mac using the built-in Migration Assistant utility.