Connect a compatible external drive, add it in Time Machine settings, and let the first backup finish. Apple recommends a backup drive with at least twice your Mac’s storage capacity; check its contents carefully before setup, because Time Machine may offer to erase and reformat it.
Before you start: choose and connect a drive
Use an external storage device that connects to a port on your Mac. Apple gives USB-C and Thunderbolt as examples; the right cable or adapter depends on the ports on both the Mac and drive. See Apple’s Time Machine setup and backup guidance and Mac port information.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How much storage do you need?
Apple recommends a backup device with at least twice the storage capacity of your Mac. For example, Apple says a 1 TB Mac ideally has a 2 TB backup disk. This is a recommendation, not a guarantee of a particular backup history: the amount of data on your Mac and how much history you want to retain affect how long backups fit. When the backup disk fills, Time Machine deletes the oldest backups to make room for new ones.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSet up Time Machine on macOS Ventura 13 or later
- Connect the external drive to your Mac. If the connectors do not match, use an adapter compatible with both devices.
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Time Machine.
- Click Add Backup Disk or Add, select the external drive, then choose Set Up Disk. These are the steps and labels Apple specifies for macOS Ventura 13 or later.
- Review any prompt to erase or reformat the drive before accepting it. Erasing removes existing data. If the drive contains files you want to keep, cancel setup and copy them elsewhere, or choose another disk or volume. Apple’s preferred formats for Time Machine are APFS and APFS Encrypted; see its setup instructions.
- Choose whether to enable Encrypt Backup. Encryption is optional. If you enable it, save the password somewhere safe: Apple says you need it to restore files from that backup.
- Allow the initial backup to complete. Apple notes that the first backup may take longer, and you can continue using the Mac while it runs. Later backups include changed files and are faster.
For a different macOS version, check the instructions for that version; settings paths and labels can differ.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
What happens after setup?
Time Machine backs up automatically. It backs up changed files after the initial backup, and resumes its schedule when you reconnect a disconnected backup disk. Before unplugging the drive, eject it or shut down your Mac.
Time Machine backs up personal files and other content, but Apple says it does not back up system files or apps installed as part of macOS installation. Treat it as a way to restore backed-up data, not as a bootable clone or a replacement for every macOS recovery step.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Apple also documents hourly local snapshots on APFS disks, retained for up to 24 hours or until space is needed. Those snapshots are stored locally on the Mac; they are not a substitute for the external backup described here.
Recommended Free Tools
Restore files from the backup
Open Time Machine and choose Browse Time Machine Backups to find and restore selected items. Apple says a backup can restore some or all files to the same Mac or another Mac. Backups made on macOS 12 or later can be restored only to a Mac running macOS 11 or later, according to Apple’s Time Machine guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
