Support and Frequently Asked Questions
The CloudChute Difference
How is this different from general backup tools?
Most general backup tools mirror your local drive. If a cloud-sync error "silently" deletes local file, that deletion propagates. CloudChute acts as a one-way versioned repository to prevent this.
Unlike standard sync clients, CloudChute pushes data into a restricted appDataFolder that the Google Drive app cannot see or modify. This isolates your backup from sync-engine glitches.
A note on File Versions: CloudChute protects against deletion, but it does track changes. If a file is corrupted or overwritten, the backup will detect the change and upload the new version. By default, we retain the last 3 versions of every file. To ensure a "permanent" history that survives multiple accidental saves, we recommend users increase the 'File Versions' setting or toggle it to "Keep all".
Why use CloudChute instead of Google Drive™ for Desktop?
Google Drive™ for Desktop is a synchronisation tool. If you delete a file on your Mac, it deletes it on Drive. If a file gets corrupted, the corrupted version syncs.
CloudChute is a Backup tool. It creates secure, immutable snapshots. If you delete a file on your Mac, your backup remains safe. We also use your existing storage, but keep backups in a hidden folder so they don't clutter your main Drive view.
CloudChute is a Backup tool. It creates secure, immutable snapshots. If you delete a file on your Mac, your backup remains safe. We also use your existing storage, but keep backups in a hidden folder so they don't clutter your main Drive view.
| Feature | Google Drive for Desktop | CloudChute |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | Two-Way (Mirroring) | One-Way (Archiving) |
| Local Deletion | Deletes from Cloud | Kept safe in Cloud |
| Purpose | Collaboration & Access | Data Protection & Recovery |
| Accidental Deletion | High Risk | Zero Risk |
| Security | Scanned by Google | End-to-End Encrypted |
Why should I trust CloudChute with my Google Drive™ data?
CloudChute is engineered for maximum isolation. Unlike standard sync tools, it utilises the restricted appDataFolder—a specific vault within your Google Drive™ that is invisible to other apps and the web interface. This ensures that even if your main Drive is compromised or a local sync error occurs, your backups remain untouched. Furthermore, CloudChute is a native Swift application with zero third-party tracking or telemetry.
Is my data secure?
Your privacy is built-in. CloudChute transfers files directly from your Mac to your Google Drive™—we never see, store, or access your content. For ultimate security, you can enable Zero-Knowledge Encryption. This ensures that even Google cannot read your files—only you hold the keys.
| 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 files are stored securely but remain readable by Google's systems. |
| Benefit | Total privacy. Not even Google can see your data. | You can use the 'Export to Drive' feature to make specific folders visible in your main Google Drive. |
| 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 (M1/M2/M3)?
Yes, absolutely. CloudChute is a Universal Binary, meaning it is natively compiled for both Apple Silicon and Intel-based Macs, ensuring maximum performance and battery efficiency.
Which permissions does CloudChute need?
When you connect, please ensure Select all is checked.
What these actually mean:
- Configuration Data: This allows us to save your backups into a secure, hidden vault so they don't clutter your main Drive.
- Specific Files: Allows us to export unencrypted files from CloudChute to your visible Google Drive (this permission is unused if CloudChute Encryption is enabled).
Note: We have absolutely no access to your emails, photos, or any other files on your Google Drive.
Does this work with Google Workspace (Business) accounts?
Yes. You can sign in with any Google-hosted email address, including personal Gmail accounts (@gmail.com) and paid Google Workspace business accounts (@yourcompany.com).
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 reconnected.
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 Google Drive™ storage lean and your backup windows short.
Where is my data stored?
Your data is stored directly in your own Google Drive™ account, in a dedicated, hidden Application Data folder. This keeps your main Drive view uncluttered while ensuring you retain full ownership of your data.
How It Works
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) with a single click, 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 Google Drive™?
By default, backups are stored in a hidden folder. You can make them visible using the "Export to Drive" option in settings, but this feature is hidden if Encryption is enabled.
Note: If you disable encryption, you must allow a new, full backup to complete first. Once unencrypted copies of your files have been uploaded, the option will become available.
Note: If you disable encryption, you must allow a new, full backup to complete first. Once unencrypted copies of your files have been uploaded, the option will become available.
What happens if my Google Drive™ runs out of space?
CloudChute will pause backups and notify you if your Google Drive™ storage is full. You can either upgrade your storage plan directly with Google or use the CloudChute app to manage and delete older backup versions to free up space.
I accidentally removed CloudChute from my Google Drive™ settings.
If you use the Google Drive™ "Manage Apps" settings to Disconnect CloudChute or Delete hidden app data, your backup is permanently erased immediately. Unlike standard files, hidden application data does not go to the Trash (Bin) and cannot be recovered. We strongly advise against touching 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.
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 Google Drive™ 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 Google Drive™ 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].