A Guide to Backing Up Your Mac Using Time Machine

Did you know that your Mac has a built-in utility for backing up your entire system? Thanks to this tool, called Time Machine, you can either do a one-time backup or back up all of your files without the hassle!  

Time Machine: A Step-By-Step Guide to Backing Up Your Mac  

Step 1: Choose An External Storage Device

An external storage device is required to create your backup. You can find a plethora of options that offer your choice of storage capacity and drive type. If you’re looking to make occasional backups, all you need is a hard disk drive (HDD). If you want a faster alternative to HDD, go for a solid-state drive (SSD).

Step 2: Connect to an External Storage Device

Is it your first time using an external storage device? Check your connector cables/adapters and make sure they’re appropriate for your Mac.  

Step 3: Set Your Storage Device As Backup Disk

As soon as you connect your Mac to your external storage device, you’ll be asked if you choose to use it with Time Machine. Be sure to select Encrypt Backup Disk before clicking Use as Backup Disk.  

In case you’re not asked, you may also add your external hard drive manually. Simply go to Apple Menu ˃ System Preferences before clicking on Time Machine. Next, click Select Backup Disk. Once you see a list of external storage devices, select your external hard drive from that list. Next, click to choose Encrypt Backups before clicking Use Disk.  

If you’re using a new disk or previously used it to back up a Windows machine, you may need to format it. Therefore, the contents of your disk will be erased. Click Erase as soon as you’re prompted to do so.  

Step 4: Choose Between Automatic Backups and Manual Backups

Time Machine will automatically save backups once you’ve set a backup disk. Your external device’s storage space sets the limit to the number of old backups you can create. So, the oldest ones will be deleted to make room for your newest.  

If you prefer manual backups, click to toggle off Back Up Automatically. Go to System Preferences ˃ Time Machine and click Back Up Now.

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