How to export your data from Apple

medium Wait: up to 7 days (Apple emails you when it is ready)

Apple is required to give you a copy of the data it holds about you, including photos, videos, purchase history and files. The request itself is free, and arrives as one or more .zip files, split into chunks you choose (1-25 GB each). Typical wait: up to 7 days (Apple emails you when it is ready).

Apple Data & Privacy portal ->

Step by step

  1. Sign in at privacy.apple.com

    Use the same Apple ID whose data you want. This is the official GDPR / data-portability portal, separate from iCloud.

  2. Choose "Get a copy of your data"

    Then "Get started" under Obtain a copy of your data.

  3. Select what to include

    Tick iCloud Photos to get full-resolution originals. You can also select purchase history, files, and more. Photos are usually the largest category by far.

  4. Pick a maximum file size

    Apple splits the export into chunks. Larger chunks = fewer files to download. Pick the largest your disk can handle (up to 25 GB).

  5. Submit and wait

    Apple verifies the request and prepares the archive. This can take several days. You will get an email with time-limited download links.

  6. Download every part

    Download all chunks before the links expire. Keep them together in one folder - Muletto can open them as a set.

Worth knowing

This export gives you your full-resolution original photos and videos, not the compressed previews some sync tools leave behind.
Your download links expire after a few days, so save every part promptly.
A large photo library can arrive as several multi-gigabyte files. Keep them together in one folder and Muletto opens them as a single library.

What Muletto does with this export

Once your download arrives, open it in Muletto. The file is read in your browser, on your own machine - nothing is uploaded. You get a breakdown of what is inside, duplicate detection, and a browsable view of your photos, messages, timeline and records.

Open your export ->