Support and Frequently Asked Questions
The CloudChute Difference
How is this different from general backup tools?
Most traditional backup tools "sync"—meaning if a file is accidentally deleted or corrupted on your Mac, that error is mirrored in the cloud. CloudChute is a one-way vault. It creates an independent archive that ignores local deletions, ensuring your data remains safe even if your local drive is wiped.
Unlike standard cloud apps, CloudChute stores your data in a protected, application-specific directory. This isolates your backup from the sync-engine glitches and file-system conflicts that plague traditional providers.
A note on File Versions: While CloudChute protects against deletion, it actively tracks file changes. If a file is modified or corrupted, a new version is uploaded. By default, we retain the last 3 versions of every file. For permanent history, you can increase this limit or select "Keep All" in the app settings.
Why use CloudChute instead of my provider’s official app?
Official apps from Google, Dropbox, and Box are designed for mirroring. Whether they "sync" or "stream," their goal is to make your cloud match your Mac. If you delete a file to save space, or a file becomes corrupted, that change is immediately sent to the cloud.
CloudChute is a vault, not a mirror. It is a one-way backup tool that ignores local deletions. When you send a file through the Chute, it stays in the cloud regardless of what happens to the original on your Mac. We use your existing storage but keep your backups in a protected, hidden directory to avoid cluttering your main file view.
CloudChute is a vault, not a mirror. It is a one-way backup tool that ignores local deletions. When you send a file through the Chute, it stays in the cloud regardless of what happens to the original on your Mac. We use your existing storage but keep your backups in a protected, hidden directory to avoid cluttering your main file view.
| Feature | Official Apps (Google Drive, Dropbox, Box) | CloudChute |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | Two-Way Sync / Streaming | One-Way (Archiving) |
| Local Deletion | Deletes from Cloud (Sync) or Vanishes from View (Stream) | Kept safe in Cloud |
| Purpose | Collaboration & Access | Data Protection & Recovery |
| Accidental Deletion | High Risk Mistakes are mirrored instantly | Zero Risk |
| Security | Scanned by Provider | End-to-End Encrypted |
Why should I trust CloudChute with my data?
Unlike standard sync tools that mingle with your active files, CloudChute operates in a dedicated vault. It uses a specific, isolated directory within your cloud account that other apps and sync engines aren't invited to. This ensures that even if your main folders are hit by a sync error or a local wipe, your backups remain untouched and segregated.
As a native Swift application, CloudChute is built for performance with zero third-party tracking or telemetry. Your data, and how you use it, stays private.
As a native Swift application, CloudChute is built for performance with zero third-party tracking or telemetry. Your data, and how you use it, stays private.
Is my data secure?
CloudChute creates a direct, encrypted tunnel between your Mac and your storage provider. We never see, store, or have access to your content. For total privacy, our Zero-Knowledge Encryption ensures that not even Google, Dropbox, or Box can read your files. You hold the keys; we just move the data.
| CloudChute Feature | Encrypted The Hidden Vault (Recommended) | Standard The Visible Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Description | By enabling Zero-Knowledge Encryption, CloudChute encrypts your files locally before they leave your Mac. | If you leave encryption disabled, your data is readable by your provider, their AI, business cost saving algorithms and possibly their staff. Your provider can see your files, their names, their sizes, and their contents. |
| Benefit | Total privacy for files. | Providers use "delta syncing" to save themselves bandwidth and storage costs. They scan your files to find only the "chunks" that have changed—but they can only do this if they can read your data. |
| Trade-off | Absolute responsibility. If you lose your Recovery Phrase and must reinstall macOS, your backups are mathematically locked. Since we hold no keys, there is no recovery. | Your data is not "Zero-Knowledge" encrypted. |
Does CloudChute replace Apple Time Machine?
We recommend using both. Time Machine is excellent for local system recovery. However, it relies on a physical drive that can fail, be stolen alongside your Mac, or be destroyed in a fire or flood. CloudChute provides essential "off-site" protection, ensuring your files are safe in the cloud regardless of what happens to your physical hardware.
Technical Specs & Setup
Does CloudChute work on Apple Silicon?
CloudChute is a Universal Binary, meaning it is natively compiled for both Apple Silicon and Intel-based Macs, ensuring maximum performance and battery efficiency.
Why does CloudChute ask to "See and Manage" files?
When you connect your account, your provider will ask you to check a few boxes. Please ensure "Select All" is checked. While the language sounds broad, your provider technically restricts CloudChute’s access to only the files it creates. Here is what those permissions actually do:
- Create the Vault: Allows the app to set up a dedicated, isolated directory for your backups so they don't clutter your main folders.
- Secure Transfer: Enables the "one-way chute" to move encrypted data from your Mac to your cloud storage.
- Total Isolation: CloudChute has zero access to your data.
Does CloudChute work with Business or Workspace accounts?
Yes. CloudChute is fully compatible with Google Workspace, Dropbox Business, and Box Business accounts. Because we use official provider authentication, your vault is treated as a secure, professional-grade extension of your existing corporate storage. See volume licensing information below.
Can I back up external hard drives?
Yes. As long as the external drive is connected to your Mac, you can add folders from it to your CloudChute backup list. If the drive is disconnected, CloudChute simply skips those files until the drive is re-connected.
Can I exclude specific folders from my backup?
Yes. You can define Custom Ignore Paths within the application settings. By specifying folder names—such as "node_modules" or ".git"—CloudChute will skip these directories during the backup process. This prevents the upload of unnecessary build artifacts, keeping your cloud storage lean and your backup windows short.
Where is my data stored?
Your data stays exactly where it belongs: in your own Google, Dropbox, or Box account. CloudChute creates a dedicated, isolated vault for your backups, ensuring your main file view remains uncluttered. You retain 100% ownership and control of your data.
How It Works
Can I use Cloudchute on multiple machines?
Yes. Cloudchute supports up to three active installations for users on our annual and biennial plans.
To ensure the highest level of data integrity, each installation must interface with a unique storage provider (for example: Google Drive on your home iMac, and Box on your office PC).
Why this approach? Cloudchute is designed as a professional gateway to your data, not a background sync utility. This structure prevents versioning conflicts and ensures your connection to each provider remains direct, fast, and secure.
To ensure the highest level of data integrity, each installation must interface with a unique storage provider (for example: Google Drive on your home iMac, and Box on your office PC).
Why this approach? Cloudchute is designed as a professional gateway to your data, not a background sync utility. This structure prevents versioning conflicts and ensures your connection to each provider remains direct, fast, and secure.
How do I restore my files?
Restoration is handled securely within the CloudChute app. You have two levels of control: you can restore entire folders (including all contents), or browse individual files to select a specific historical version. When viewing a file, versions are listed with the newest at the top, allowing you to easily roll back to the exact copy you need.
Can I view my backup files directly in my cloud provider?
It depends on your provider and your encryption settings:
- Google Drive: No. Backups are stored in a restricted "App Data" vault that is invisible to the Google Drive web interface and other apps, regardless of encryption.
- Dropbox & Box: Yes, provided encryption is disabled. Your backups are stored in a dedicated folder that you can browse and share via their web or mobile apps.
- With Encryption Enabled: Regardless of your provider, your files will appear as unreadable data and can only be accessed through the CloudChute Restore View on your Mac.
What happens if my cloud storage runs out of space?
CloudChute will pause backups and notify you if your storage is full. You can either upgrade your storage plan directly with your provider or use the CloudChute app to manage and delete older backup versions to free up space.
What happens if I disconnect CloudChute or delete its data?
Your backup will be permanently erased. Unlike standard files, data stored in restricted application vaults (Google) or via direct API deletion (Dropbox/Box) does not go to the Trash or Bin. Once disconnected or deleted from your provider's settings, the data is unrecoverable.
Warning: Do not modify these settings unless you intend to completely wipe your backup history.
Warning: Do not modify these settings unless you intend to completely wipe your backup history.
Plans & Billing
Do I need a credit card to start the trial?
No. You can establish your professional backup vault immediately without providing any payment details. We believe the performance of our native Swift engine should speak for itself before any commitment is made.
By keeping our operational infrastructure lean, we are able to focus our resources entirely on the core engineering and security of the backup engine. Most importantly, we do not harvest, profile, or sell user data of any kind. Our business model is built on transparent maintenance fees for professional-grade software, not the monetisation of your information.
If you choose to continue after the 10-day evaluation, you can simply select a plan and subscribe via the application or this website.
By keeping our operational infrastructure lean, we are able to focus our resources entirely on the core engineering and security of the backup engine. Most importantly, we do not harvest, profile, or sell user data of any kind. Our business model is built on transparent maintenance fees for professional-grade software, not the monetisation of your information.
If you choose to continue after the 10-day evaluation, you can simply select a plan and subscribe via the application or this website.
Do you offer volume licensing for teams?
Yes. For organisations requiring 10 or more seats, we provide managed accounts with unified billing and dedicated support. Please contact us at [Show Email] to discuss your requirements and setup.
How do I cancel my subscription?
You can cancel anytime via the "Manage Subscription" link in the app or on our website. Your scheduled backups will continue to run until the end of your current billing period.
After that, no new backups will be performed, but CloudChute remains fully functional for restores. You can continue to use the app to browse and download files from your storage vault indefinitely. We provide the tools to access your data even if you are no longer a subscriber.
After that, no new backups will be performed, but CloudChute remains fully functional for restores. You can continue to use the app to browse and download files from your storage vault indefinitely. We provide the tools to access your data even if you are no longer a subscriber.
Additional Support
How do I contact support?
If you have a question that is not answered here, or if you need help with something else, please contact us at [Show Email].