What an app backup saves
Copying an app saves the program itself. It does not save your documents, settings, or the app's separate data.
This is especially useful before replacing an app with a newer download. Re-downloading an App Store purchase does not guarantee that you can get the old version back.
An installer may change more than the app. Check the developer's instructions before assuming that a copied app is enough to recover.
Option 1: Copy the app in Finder
- Save your work and quit the app.
- Open Applications in Finder, or the folder where the app is installed.
- Select the app and press Command-C.
- Paste it into a separate backup folder or an external drive.
- Label the backup with the version and date so you can find it later.
Keep the complete app together. Do not mix files from different versions.
Option 2: Use Time Machine
Check that Time Machine has completed a backup from before the update. Make sure the app and its important data are included.
To recover an older copy, open its folder in Finder, use Time Machine to choose the earlier backup, and restore it. Follow Apple's restore instructions.
Option 3: Let macCurrent save the app
For supported direct app replacements, macCurrent can save the old app before updating it. The backup appears in that app's details.
You can choose how many app backups to keep, up to three per app identity. Backups track the installed copy's location. Restore applies to the selected app, not your whole Mac.
This does not replace a backup of your data. Read how backups and restore work for the limits.
Before restoring an older app
First check whether the newer version changed your files or its own database. The older app may not be able to open them.
- Back up your current data before trying to go back.
- Quit the app, including any menu-bar part of it.
- Keep the current app copy separately while you try the older one.
- Restore the complete older app, not individual files inside it.
- Open it only if macOS accepts it. Check that your files and normal features still work.
For App Store apps or apps with a separate installer, follow the developer's recovery instructions. A manual copy may not restore purchases, shared components, or data changes.
What else you need to back up
Save important documents and use the app's own export or backup tools when available. Time Machine can also protect app data, provided those folders are included.
Restoring the old program does not restore old data automatically. Some updates change data in a way the old version cannot read. Ask the developer before restoring app and data copies together.
Optional technical checks and data locations
App settings and data often live in ~/Library/Preferences, ~/Library/Application Support, or ~/Library/Containers. Do not delete or replace those folders just to reinstall an app.
Experienced users can ask Gatekeeper to check a restored app. Replace AppName.app with its actual name:
spctl -a -vv "/Applications/AppName.app"For a notarized direct-download app, an accepted result may show Notarized Developer ID. A rejection can have several causes. Do not bypass it; contact the developer or use a supported download.
A simple rule to remember
Back up the app if you want the option of using an older version. Back up your data if you want to protect your work. You may need both.
See how to update Mac apps for the next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Does copying an app save my files and settings?
No. It saves the program itself. Back up documents and app data separately, using the app's own tools or an included Time Machine backup.
Can I always restore an older app?
No. A newer version may change data that the older version cannot read. An installer may also change shared components. Check the developer's recovery instructions.
What if macOS rejects the restored app?
Do not bypass the warning. A rejection can have several causes. Contact the developer or use its supported download.
Can I re-download an older App Store version?
Do not rely on that. Re-downloading a purchase does not give you a general choice of older versions.