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Before installing a macOS beta, make a fresh Time Machine backup to a separate external drive and verify that it has finished. Keep that pre-beta backup available: Apple’s rollback instructions rely on a backup made before beta installation, with a macOS version that precedes the beta. A backup protects your files, but it does not preserve macOS itself.
Why you need a backup before installing a beta
Beta software can introduce problems, so Apple advises backing up first and installing beta software only on a non-production device that is not business critical. Its beta FAQ also suggests using a secondary system or partition. If you only have one Mac, a completed pre-beta backup gives you an important recovery option, but it does not make beta software risk-free.
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Time Machine backs up files outside macOS, including apps, music, photos, and documents. It does not back up macOS itself or apps installed as part of macOS installation. If you need to return to the earlier operating system, you may have to erase and reinstall macOS before restoring your data.
Choose an external backup destination
Use a separate external hard drive or SSD that connects to your Mac through a compatible port, such as USB-C or Thunderbolt. Apple recommends a backup disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity; its example is a 2 TB disk for a Mac with 1 TB of storage. Treat this as Apple’s sizing recommendation, not a guarantee that it will meet every user’s retention needs. See Apple’s Time Machine setup guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Apple’s standard setup is to use the selected disk for Time Machine backups. Setup may offer to erase the disk, so do not approve that prompt if it contains files you need. Choose another device or protect those files elsewhere before continuing. For supported destinations and compatibility details, see Apple’s backup disk guidance.
Can you use a network drive, iCloud, or copied files?
- Network Time Machine: Apple supports compatible network destinations, including NAS devices using SMB. Backup depends on network availability and device compatibility. Apple says AFP-based NAS backup is not recommended and will not be supported in macOS 27 or later.
- iCloud or manual copies: iCloud syncs selected information, and you can manually copy items such as photos, videos, and documents to an external device. These are useful extra safeguards, but Apple does not describe them as substitutes for the pre-beta backup in its beta rollback instructions. Apple’s Mac backup overview explains these options.
Set up Time Machine in macOS Ventura 13 or later
- Connect the external drive to your Mac.
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Time Machine.
- Choose Add Backup Disk or the Add button, select the external drive, then choose Set Up Disk. The exact labels can vary between macOS versions.
- If you enable backup encryption, save the password somewhere safe. Apple says you will need it to restore files.
- If macOS asks to erase the selected disk, stop unless you have confirmed that it contains nothing you need to keep.
For other macOS versions or updated labels, use Apple’s current Time Machine instructions.
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- Capacity Display Variance: 500GB external ssd often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 500 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
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Run the backup and confirm it is complete
- Choose Back Up Now from the Time Machine menu, or leave the Mac connected and wait for an automatic backup.
- Check Time Machine’s progress. Do not begin installing the beta while the backup is still running.
- When it finishes, check the latest-backup date and time in the Time Machine menu. Make sure it is the backup you just completed, not an older one.
Apple notes that the first backup can take longer than later incremental backups; the time depends on the backup and your setup. For a successful network backup, Apple describes an optional check: hold Option while choosing Verify Backups from the Time Machine menu. This is a network-backup troubleshooting or verification step, not a requirement Apple states for every external-drive backup. See Apple’s Time Machine troubleshooting guidance.
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Label or otherwise distinguish the backup made before beta installation, and keep its drive available. Avoid relying on a backup made after moving to the beta as your route back to the earlier macOS.
Rank #3
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
Apple’s restore instructions specify that the backup used in the rollback path must have been completed before beta installation and must come from the current operating system or an earlier version that precedes the beta. Restoring can involve erasing the Mac, reinstalling macOS, and then restoring data. The steps differ between Intel and Apple silicon Macs; Apple’s silicon instructions reference Apple Configurator. Check Apple’s current hardware-specific steps before starting. Turning beta updates off, or restoring files alone, should not be treated as a way to downgrade macOS.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NEARLY 2X FASTER THAN OUR PREVIOUS GENERATION(8) – move 1,000 high-res photos in under 60 seconds(6) with up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds(2).
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- POCKET-SIZED – fits easily in pockets and small bags.
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- 256-BIT AES ENCRYPTION(4) – helps keep private files secure with password protection.
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