← Back to all guidesApple holds some of the most sensitive personal data of any company: Health records, location history, iCloud Photos, messages, and years of App Store and Siri activity. The export process runs through privacy.apple.com and is less well-known than Google Takeout, but it covers a surprisingly broad range of data.
What Apple knows about you
- iCloud Drive files
- iCloud Photos
- Health and Fitness data — steps, heart rate, sleep, workouts
- Location history
- Apple Maps searches and directions
- Siri interactions and voice data
- App Store purchase history
- Apple TV and Music activity
- Game Center records
- Calendar and Contacts
- Notes
- Reminders
- Safari history
- Sign in with Apple connections
- Financial transaction history — App Store, Apple Pay
Two separate exports — privacy.apple.com and iCloud content
There are two separate ways to get your Apple data, and they cover different things.
The privacy.apple.com export does NOT include your actual iCloud Photos library or Drive files. For those you need a separate iCloud download.
- privacy.apple.com data request — structured archive of account data and activity
- iCloud content backup — actual files: photos, documents, notes
How to request from privacy.apple.com
- Go to privacy.apple.com.
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
- Select "Get a copy of your data".
- Choose which data categories to include.
- Click Continue.
- Choose your maximum file size.
- Submit the request.
- Wait for the email notification — can take up to 7 days.
- Download the archive before the link expires.
How to download your iCloud content
- Photos: go to iCloud.com, select all photos, and download — or use the Photos app on Mac
- Drive files: go to iCloud.com > iCloud Drive and download
- On Mac: ensure iCloud sync is enabled and download all content locally
What is inside the archive
The privacy.apple.com archive is a ZIP containing structured folders for each data category.
- Apple ID account info
- App Store activity — purchases, subscriptions, ratings
- Apple TV playtime
- Game Center data
- Health export — XML file, the most detailed section
- iCloud Bookmarks
- Maps search history
- Siri interactions
- Sign in with Apple apps list
The Health export explained
The Health export is a single XML file (export.xml) containing every health data point ever recorded on your Apple devices.
It is large and not human-readable directly. Apps like Apple Health Auto Export or Health Export CSV can convert it into usable formats. Similar to Fitbit health data, the most valuable health wearables export.
How long it takes
- privacy.apple.com archive: up to 7 days to prepare
- Download link expires after a short window once ready — download promptly
- iCloud content: immediate if already synced locally, otherwise depends on library size
What to do after downloading
Quick version
If you want the short checklist instead of the full guide, use the service page.
FAQ
Does the privacy.apple.com export include my iCloud Photos?
No. iCloud Photos require a separate download via iCloud.com or the Photos app on Mac.
How long does Apple take to prepare the export?
Up to 7 days.
What is the Health export file format?
XML. It needs a converter app like Apple Health Auto Export or Health Export CSV to read it in a useful way.
Does exporting delete my Apple data?
No. Exporting creates a copy. Your data stays on Apple servers unless you separately request deletion.
Can I export data for a family member?
No. Each Apple ID must submit its own request separately.
How do I download iCloud Photos?
Go to iCloud.com, select all photos, and download. On Mac, you can also use the Photos app with iCloud sync enabled.
Is my iMessage history included?
Limited metadata only — full messages are not included in the privacy.apple.com export.
How big is a typical Apple export?
It varies widely. The Health XML can be 100MB or more for long-term users. iCloud Photos can be hundreds of GB and must be downloaded separately.