Frequently asked questions
Can’t find what you need? Email support@export-icloud.com.
What is Export iCloud?
Export iCloud is a desktop app for Windows and macOS that downloads your iCloud Photos library — photos and videos in original quality — to a folder on your computer or an external drive. It can optionally delete each item from iCloud after it is saved, so you can free up iCloud storage without paying for a bigger plan.
How does it work?
- Download and install the app for Windows or Mac.
- Sign in with your Apple ID and enter the two-factor code if asked.
- Check the photo and video count, choose an export folder, start position and number of items.
- Pick Export Only or Export and Delete, then start. Progress and quota update live.
Want screenshots? See the step-by-step usage guide.
Are photos and videos exported in full resolution?
Yes. The app requests the original file from iCloud for every photo and video — HEIC, JPEG, PNG, RAW, MOV or MP4 — so nothing is recompressed. Each file is saved with its capture date in the name, e.g.
2024-07-14_18-32-05_IMG_4821.HEIC.Is it safe? Do you see my photos or password?
Your photos are downloaded directly from Apple to your own computer and are never uploaded to our servers. Your Apple ID session is cached locally on your device so you don’t have to sign in every time; you can remove it at any time from the app. Our server only handles your subscription and file quota.
How does "Export and Delete" work?
In this mode each item is removed from iCloud only after it has been downloaded successfully. If a download fails, the item stays in iCloud. Deleted items go to iCloud’s Recently Deleted album, where Apple keeps them for up to 30 days. We still recommend checking your local copy before emptying Recently Deleted.
How are files counted?
Plans count photo files and video files together. 1 photo = 1 file, 1 video = 1 file, so 300 photos + 20 videos = 320 files. Quota is checked before an export starts and deducted in small batches only for files that were exported successfully.
How much does it cost?
You can start free with 200 files per month. Plus is $9.99/month for 10,000 files, Pro is $19.99/month for 50,000 files, and a one-time 5,000 Files Pack costs $6.99 with no subscription. See pricing for details.
Can I cancel my subscription?
Yes. Subscriptions are billed through Stripe and can be cancelled at any time from the subscription dialog in the app, which opens the Stripe customer portal.
Do one-time packs expire or replace my plan?
One-time packs add extra files on top of your current Free Trial or subscription balance. They are bought directly inside the app.
Which payment methods are accepted?
Checkout is handled securely by Stripe, which accepts major credit and debit cards. We never see or store your card details.
Is there a Mac version?
Yes. Export iCloud runs on both Windows and macOS. Get both from the download page.
macOS says the app "cannot be opened". What should I do?
The Mac build is not yet notarized by Apple, so Gatekeeper may block the first launch. Right-click (or Control-click) the app and choose Open, or go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and click Open Anyway. The download page shows each step with screenshots, and there is also a PDF guide.
Windows SmartScreen shows a warning. Is that normal?
New installers without an established reputation can trigger SmartScreen. Click More info → Run anyway to continue. You can also use the portable ZIP version, which needs no installation.
What are the system requirements?
Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), or a recent version of macOS. You need an internet connection, your Apple ID with access to two-factor codes, and enough free disk space for the photos and videos you export.
How do I update the app?
Open Help in the app and click Check for updates. If a new version is available the app opens the download for you. You can also always grab the latest version from the download page and see what changed in the changelog.
How do I get help?
Email support@export-icloud.com. Including the app version from Help → About helps us respond faster.
Take your photos back from iCloud
Download your whole iCloud Photos library to your computer in original quality — then free up the space you're paying for.