Backups & recovery
Guides for backing up and recovering data: Time Machine, cloud sync, deleted files, and restore procedures.
Common issues
- Set up backups
- Restore from backup
- Recover deleted files
- Cloud sync fails
Start here
Best entry points for this topic.
- How to back up your computer Create a backup of your files using an external drive or cloud service so you can restore if the computer fails or data is lost.
- How to restore from backup Restore files from a File History, Time Machine, or cloud backup when data is lost, corrupted, or the computer was reset.
- How to recover deleted files Get back deleted files from the Recycle Bin, File History, cloud version history, or backup before they are overwritten.
- Fix Time Machine that will not backup Time Machine on Mac fails to backup—"Backup failed" or backup never completes. This guide helps you rule out disk connection, space, and format, then fix exclusions or recreate the backup—or call a pro when needed.
All guides
Troubleshooting
- Fix backup that fails with error Backup fails with an error message—Time Machine, Windows Backup, File History, or cloud sync. This guide helps you check space, permissions, and destination health, then fix common causes or call a pro when needed.
- Fix backup that is too slow Backup runs but takes too long—Time Machine, Windows Backup, File History, or cloud sync. This guide helps you exclude large folders, check connection speed, and optimize what gets backed up—or call a pro when needed.
- Fix Dropbox that will not sync [Dropbox](#term-dropbox) does not [sync](#term-sync), shows errors, or files stay in "syncing" state. This guide helps you check sign-in, storage, sync settings, and connectivity—on Windows, Mac, or web—or escalate when needed.
- Fix Google Drive that will not sync [Google Drive](#term-google-drive) does not [sync](#term-sync), shows errors, or files stay in "syncing" state. This guide helps you check sign-in, storage quota, connectivity, and sync settings—on Windows, Mac, or web—or escalate when needed.
- Fix iCloud that will not backup iCloud Backup on iPhone or iPad fails—"Backup Failed" or backup never completes. This guide helps you check sign-in, storage, Wi‑Fi, and backup settings, then fix common blockers or escalate when needed.
- Fix OneDrive that will not sync [OneDrive](#term-onedrive) does not [sync](#term-sync), shows errors, or files stay in "syncing" state. This guide helps you check sign-in, storage, sync settings, and connectivity—on Windows, Mac, or web—or escalate when needed.
- How to restore a phone from backup Restore an iPhone or Android phone from an iCloud, Google, or computer backup after a reset, upgrade, or new device. Covers setup flow, Wi‑Fi, and account sign-in.
- How to restore Windows from backup Restore files from File History or perform a full system restore from a Windows backup image when the PC fails or data is lost.
How-to
- How to back up a phone Back up an iPhone or Android phone to iCloud, Google, or a computer so you can restore data after a reset, upgrade, or loss. This guide covers iCloud and Finder for iPhone, Google One and manufacturer tools for Android.