Mac OS will remove your files from iCloud if you have low space

[Astrohunter]

Hi,

I've iCloud set to keep original files always downloaded.
I've noticed that when I was running out of space, iCloud removed a lot of downloads from my iCloud folder.
When I had enough space again, I believe it downloaded those files again.

Not sure if it's a bug, but I guess it's good to keep in mind, as perhaps it could not make proper TimeMachine backup, but I'm not sure.

 

[adrianlondon]

The feature can be disabled - or is this the bug you mean?

 

[Astrohunter]

I don't think you've worded this right.

MacOS doesn't delete iCloud files. It leaves them in iCloud but removes them from your Mac if your Mac runs low on space.

This is assuming you sync your Documents folder. The feature can be disabled.

View attachment 2516834

Well yes I didn't mean it will delete files from the cloud, but from the drive.
And this happened to me even though "Optimise Mac Storage" was disabled.

 

[adrianlondon]

Well yes I didn't mean it will delete files from the cloud, but from the drive.
And this happened to me even though "Optimise Mac Storage" was disabled.

I decided to change my reply, which you quoted very quickly

Yeah, with that option disabled, no files should be deleted from the laptop at all. Definitely a bug.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Hi,

I've iCloud set to keep original files always downloaded.
I've noticed that when I was running out of space, iCloud removed a lot of downloads from my iCloud folder.
When I had enough space again, I believe it downloaded those files again.

Not sure if it's a bug, but I guess it's good to keep in mind, as perhaps it could not make proper TimeMachine backup, but I'm not sure.

Yeah, macOS tries not to let you sabotage yourself 😉

 

[Astrohunter]

Yeah, macOS tries not to let you sabotage yourself 😉

What do you mean? 🤔

 

[gilby101]

And this happened to me even though "Optimise Mac Storage" was disabled.

What macOS version? Since macOS 14 (Sonoma), if Optimise Mac Storage is disabled, all files will be stored locally (also called "Replicated" mode). If Optimise Mac Storage is enabled, local files may be evicted - but can still be "pinned". For in depth discussion https://eclecticlight.co/2023/11/21/icloud-drive-in-sonoma-fileprovider-and-eviction/ and https://eclecticlight.co/2024/09/30/how-icloud-has-changed-in-sequoia-pinning-and-more/

For older versions of macOS, there are issues with Optimise Mac Storage.

I have Optimise Mac Storage enabled, but "pin" a lot of folders so that they remain on the local system.

Not sure if it's a bug, but I guess it's good to keep in mind, as perhaps it could not make proper TimeMachine backup, but I'm not sure.

Time Machine backs up files which are currently stored on your Mac. It does not backup the content of files which are, at that moment, cloud-only. So, not a bug, it is by TM design (arguably a bad design).

Whilst I like and use Time Machine for a basic backup and restore tool, there are alternatives which are better for cloud storage. For example, Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC) has an option to force the download (also called materialise) of cloud-only files, back them up and then release the local version (allowing macOS to make them cloud-only again).

As well as iCloud Drive, CCC's method works for other cloud storage which uses Apple's File Provider Framework - e.g. One Drive and Dropbox.

 

[Astrohunter]

What macOS version? Since macOS 14 (Sonoma), if Optimise Mac Storage is disabled, all files will be stored locally (also called "Replicated" mode). If Optimise Mac Storage is enabled, local files may be evicted - but can still be "pinned". For in depth discussion https://eclecticlight.co/2023/11/21/icloud-drive-in-sonoma-fileprovider-and-eviction/ and https://eclecticlight.co/2024/09/30/how-icloud-has-changed-in-sequoia-pinning-and-more/

For older versions of macOS, there are issues with Optimise Mac Storage.

I have Optimise Mac Storage enabled, but "pin" a lot of folders so that they remain on the local system.


Time Machine backs up files which are currently stored on your Mac. It does not backup the content of files which are, at that moment, cloud-only. So, not a bug, it is by TM design (arguably a bad design).

Whilst I like and use Time Machine for a basic backup and restore tool, there are alternatives which are better for cloud storage. For example, Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC) has an option to force the download (also called materialise) of cloud-only files, back them up and then release the local version (allowing macOS to make them cloud-only again).

As well as iCloud Drive, CCC's method works for other cloud storage which uses Apple's File Provider Framework - e.g. One Drive and Dropbox.

Happened on Sonoma.
I did even select all folders and files and clicked “Keep downloaded”.