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How to Back Up a TerraMaster NAS to an External Drive or Cloud Storage

Use USB Copy for a removable local backup and Duple Backup for a cloud copy. Learn how to choose a mode, set up a task, and verify a restore.
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For a removable local copy, use USB Copy; for an off-site copy, use Duple Backup and choose a compatible cloud destination. Pick a backup mode based on whether you need changed-file copies, a mirror of the current NAS state, or recoverable historical versions. App and connection support can vary by NAS model and TOS version, so check availability on your device before setting up a task.

Choose the right TerraMaster backup tool

Goal Tool What it does Important qualification
Keep a local copy on removable storage USB Copy Copies data between TNAS and USB or SD storage, with backup modes and scheduling. The device must use a filesystem TNAS recognizes, and support for a particular drive or port can vary by NAS model.
Keep an off-site copy Duple Backup Backs up volumes, shared folders, or iSCSI LUNs to supported cloud storage, file servers, or another TNAS; it also supports schedules and restore tasks. Cloud providers set their own storage and transfer limits. Available backup modes depend on the destination.
Keep files synchronized with a cloud service CloudSync Provides one-way or bidirectional synchronization workflows. Synchronization is not an independent recovery copy: changes or deletions may propagate to the other endpoint.

For disaster recovery, use a backup workflow rather than treating synchronization as a backup. TerraMaster distinguishes synchronization from backup in its backup-tool selection FAQ.

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Choose a backup mode

Mode names describe different recovery and storage trade-offs. USB Copy documents incremental, mirror, and multi-version modes; Duple Backup also documents hybrid mode and notes that some mode-and-destination combinations are unavailable.

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Mode What is copied or retained Best suited to Trade-off
Incremental New and changed files are copied. Recurring backups where you want to avoid copying unchanged files each time. Does not by itself mean that earlier file states are retained; check the task’s version behavior.
Mirror The destination copy is aligned with the source tree. Keeping a destination that reflects the current source state. A mirror is not a historical archive. It should not be your only protection against accidental deletion or unwanted changes.
Multi-version Independent full versions are stored. Recovering earlier states after a file change or deletion. Uses more storage than approaches that share data between versions.
Hybrid Backup data is shared among versions. Versioned backups where the selected Duple Backup destination supports this mode. Compatibility depends on the target; confirm the available choices in the task setup.

If you need protection from accidental deletion or ransomware, use version retention where available and keep a separate offline or off-site copy. No single configuration should be treated as invulnerable.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
TERRAMASTER D4-320 External Hard Drive Enclosure 4-Bay (Diskless)
  • High-Speed Data Transmission: The D4-320 hard drive enclosure (a DAS, NOT a NAS) utilizes the USB 3.2 Gen2 protocol, achieving high-speed data transmission of up to 10Gbps. When equipped with four hard drives, the actual read/write speed can reach up to 1,016 MB/s (combined read/write with four SATA III HDDs of 8TB each). With just one SSD installed, the read speed effortlessly reaches 510 MB/s (SATA III 1TB SSD). The D4-320 supports a single HDD up to 30TB, with a total capacity of 120TB, and is compatible with various hard drives, including 3.5-inch SATA hard drives, 2.5-inch SATA hard drives, and 2.5-inch SATA SSDs
  • Plug-and-Play Compatibility: The D4-320 USB storage supports 4 individual disks (NO RAID function), and is plug-and-play, eliminating the need for drivers. It is highly compatible with MAC, Windows, and Linux operating systems. The USB Type-C interface supports various computer interfaces, including USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB 3.2, Thunderbolt 3, and Thunderbolt 4
  • Hot Swappable Convenience: The D4-320 HDD enclosure supports hot swapping, allowing users to replace hard disks without powering off the device. This feature enhances convenience and efficiency in data transfer processes
  • Tool-Free Hard Drive Management: Featuring a tool-free hard drive tray design, the D4-320 external HDD enclosure enables easy installation and removal of hard drives without requiring additional tools. Furthermore, the D4-320 incorporates TerraMaster's unique Push-lock design, automatically securing the hard drive tray upon insertion, preventing the hard drive from falling out or disconnecting
  • Efficient Heat Dissipation and Quieter Operation: The D4-320 direct attached storage incorporates an intelligent temperature-controlled fan for optimal heat dissipation. Additionally, specialized sound-absorbing panels and vibration damping measures contribute to a quieter operation, with noise levels reduced by up to 50% compared to the previous generation. In standby mode, the noise level drops below 21 dB(A), creating a remarkably quiet user environment

Back up to a USB or SD device with USB Copy

  1. Check compatibility. Confirm that your NAS model supports the connection you plan to use and that USB Copy is available in its TOS version. TerraMaster notes that hardware and software support can vary in its FAQ.
  2. Prepare the destination. Connect a USB or SD device formatted with a filesystem TNAS recognizes. The TOS 7 USB Copy documentation lists FAT32, NTFS, ext3, ext4, exFAT, btrfs, and vfat. That list does not guarantee that every drive, capacity, or port works with every NAS model.
  3. Create a task. Open USB Copy and create a task. Choose the backup path, source, destination, mode, any file filters, and a schedule. Confirm the direction is from the TNAS to the external device if you are making a NAS backup.
  4. Set device handling if useful. The TOS 7 guide documents options to mount the device before a task and eject it after successful completion. Automatic eject can help keep a removable backup offline between runs, if your workflow and device support it.
  5. Check the result and recovery path. Review the task status and logs, then restore a test file or folder to confirm that the copy is usable.

Back up to cloud storage with Duple Backup

  1. Create a task and choose the source. Open Duple Backup, create a task, and select the volume, shared folder, or iSCSI LUN to back up.
  2. Select a supported destination. The TOS 7 Duple Backup documentation lists Alibaba Cloud OSS, Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, Baidu Netdisk, Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, Mega, OneDrive, OpenDrive, and pCloud. The available providers and features for your region, account, and TOS version may differ.
  3. Connect the account and choose a compatible mode. Enter the credentials required by the provider, then select a backup mode available for that destination. Configure the task details and schedule, and confirm the task.
  4. Check the provider’s terms for your account. Verify current storage quota, transfer policies, pricing, and account requirements directly with the provider; TerraMaster notes that providers differ in storage and transfer limits.
  5. Verify the backup. Check task status and logs, use Duple Backup’s integrity-check feature, and test its restore workflow so you know how to retrieve data.
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How to tell whether a backup is usable

  • Confirm the task completed successfully rather than assuming a scheduled run worked.
  • Review task logs and version information where available.
  • Use the built-in integrity check when offered.
  • Perform a restore test suited to your needs: restore a representative file or folder, or validate a more complete recovery procedure for critical data.
  • For important files, consider keeping both a local copy and an off-site copy. TerraMaster’s FAQ recommends local plus off-site backup for critical data and describes the 3-2-1 approach as a backup recommendation, not a guarantee.

TerraMaster describes Duple Backup as a disaster-recovery tool with backup and restoration functions in its TOS 7 documentation. Its USB Copy documentation describes data backup between TNAS and USB storage devices. These are TOS 7 instructions; confirm the app and options shown on your own NAS before relying on a specific workflow.

Best Value
Sale
TERRAMASTER D4 SSD NVMe Enclosure 40Gbps 4Bay USB Storage Type-C (Diskless)
  • Ultra-Fast 40Gbps Speeds for Demanding Workflows: The D4 SSD NVMe enclosure delivers 40Gbps speeds, and it's compatible with Thunderbolt 5/4/3, USB 4/3.2/3.1/3.0/2.0. It delivers speeds up to 3,224MB/s with 4x 990 PRO SSDs, or 1,608MB/s with a single SSD, suitable for 4K video editing and large file transfers. Note: No built-in RAID; supports four individual disks (soft RAID via third-party tools)
  • Massive 32TB Storage Capacity in a Compact Design: With support for four M.2 NVMe 2280 SSDs (up to 8TB each), this NVMe SSD enclosure provides up to 32TB of high-speed storage. Its book-sized, lightweight form factor fits seamlessly on desks, shelves, or in travel bags
  • Whisper-Quiet Operation with Intelligent Cooling: An advanced active cooling system with temperature-controlled fans keeps the NVMe external enclosure silent (19dB(A) in standby) even under heavy loads. Four internal temperature sensors ensure optimal heat dissipation, protecting your SSDs while maintaining a distraction-free environment
  • Universal Compatibility: The D4 SSD M.2 NVMe enclosure works as a plug-and-play storage expansion for Mac mini, a bootable macOS drive, or a high-speed Windows/Linux external drive. Comes with a 12V/2A power adapter and features wide voltage input compatibility (12V-20V), ensuring stable operation with various devices including Mac mini, Windows PCs, and mini-computers
  • Automated Data Protection & Easy Backup: The included TDAS Mobile App lets you wirelessly back up photos/videos from iOS/Android devices, while TPC Backupper software enables scheduled Windows backups. Power-loss recovery ensures auto-restart after outages, making it server/NAS-ready
Rank #4
Sale
Seagate IronWolf 4TB NAS Internal Hard Drive CMR 3.5 Inch SATA 6Gb/s 5400 RPM 64MB Cache for RAID Network Attached Storage Rescue Services (ST4000VNZ06/006)
  • IronWolf internal hard drives are the ideal solution for up to 8-bay, multi-user NAS environments craving powerhouse performance
  • Store more and work faster with a NAS-optimized hard drive providing ultra-high capacity up to 16TB and cache of up to 256MB
  • Purpose built for NAS enclosures, IronWolf delivers less wear and tear, little to no noise/vibration, no lags or down time, increased file-sharing performance, and much more
  • Easily monitor the health of drives using the integrated IronWolf Health Management system and enjoy long-term reliability with 1M hours MTBF
  • Three-year limited warranty protection plan included and three year Rescue Data Recovery Services included
Rank #3
Sale
TERRAMASTER D2-320 USB RAID Enclosure 2-Bay (Diskless) | USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type C Direct Attached Storage Supports RAID 0, 1, Single, JBOD (Diskless)
  • High Speed Data Transmission: The D2-320 hard drive enclosure (a DAS, NOT a NAS) adopts USB 3.2 Gen2 protocol for high-speed data transmission up to 10Gbps. With 2 hard drives in RAID 0, the read/write speed can reach up to 521MB/s (SATA III HDD 8TB x 2). With 2 SSD's in RAID 0, the read speed can reach 1075MB/s (SATA III 1TB SSD x 2)
  • Multiple RAID Configurations: The D2-320 is a hardware RAID enclosure and it supports RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD and SINGLE which can better satisfy various demands of users. In RAID 1, data will be in a mirror backup. When there is a damaged hard drive, you can directly replace the hard drive, and the data will be recovered automatically. This provides an absolute security for the data
  • Super-Large Storage Capacity: The D2-320 USB storage enclosure can support up to two 3.5" and 2.5" SATA HDD, as well as 2.5" SATA SSD, with a maximum capacity of 22TB per drive, providing users with up to 44TB (22TB x 2) of storage space
  • Intelligent Temperature Control: The D2-320 HDD enclosure has an intelligent temperature-controlled and low-noise fan that automatically adjusts its speed based on the temperature of the hard disk. This feature ensures that the hard disk operates at its best temperature and provides better heat dissipation
  • Tool-Free Hard Drive Installation: The D2-320 external hard drive enclosure features a tool-free hard drive tray design that allows for easy installation and removal of hard drives without the need for any tools. Furthermore, the D2-320 incorporates a brand new Push-lock unique design from TerraMaster, which automatically locks the hard drive tray when you insert the hard drive, preventing the hard drive from falling out or disconnecting
Rank #2
Sale
TERRAMASTER D6-320 External Hard Drive Enclosure 6-Bay (Diskless)
  • High Speed Data Transmission: The D6-320 hard drive enclosure (a DAS, NOT a NAS) adopts USB 3.2 Gen2 protocol for high-speed data transmission up to 10Gbps. With 6 hard drives installed, the read/write speed can reach up to 1,030MB/s (SATA III HDD 8TB x 6). With one SSD installed, the read speed can reach 510MB/s (SATA III 1TB SSD x 1)
  • Super-Large Storage Capacity: The D6-320 HDD storage enclosure can support up to six 3.5" and 2.5" SATA HDD, as well as 2.5" SATA SSD, with a maximum capacity of 22TB per drive, providing users with up to 132TB (22TB x 6) of storage space. Note that the D6-320 does not support arrays and only works with individual disks
  • Plug and Play Compatibility: The D6-320 das storage is a plug-and-play device that doesn't require drivers to work. It is highly compatible with MAC, Windows, and Linux operating systems. It has a USB Type-C interface and comes with a USB type C-type C cable. The device is compatible with various computer interfaces, including USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB 3.2, Thunderbolt 3, and Thunderbolt 4
  • Hot Swappable Functionality: The D6-320 USB enclosure supports hot swapping, which allows you to replace the hard disk without having to power off the device. This feature makes data transfer more convenient and efficient
  • Intelligent Heat Dissipation System: The D6-320 USB storage has an intelligent temperature-controlled and low-noise fan that automatically adjusts its speed based on the temperature of the hard disk. This feature ensures that the hard disk operates at its best temperature and provides better heat dissipation

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.

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