Backing up your MacBook protects your files, photos, and settings so you can recover them if the machine is lost, stolen, or damaged. The built-in Time Machine tool makes automatic backups to an external drive with minimal effort.
What you'll need
- A MacBook
- An external hard drive or SSD with enough free space
Step by step
- Choose a backup drivePick an external drive with more storage than the data on your Mac, ideally two or more times the used space so it can keep a history of versions.
- Connect the drivePlug the external drive into your MacBook. If macOS asks whether to use it with Time Machine, click to accept.
- Open Time Machine settingsOpen System Settings, then find Time Machine (under General on newer macOS versions). Click Add Backup Disk if it did not prompt you already.
- Select the disk and encrypt itChoose your external drive from the list. Turn on Encrypt Backup and set a password so your backup is protected if the drive is lost.
- Start the first backupLet the initial backup run. It can take a while the first time because it copies everything, so keep the drive connected and the Mac awake.
- Keep it runningLeave the drive connected when possible. Time Machine then backs up automatically in the background and only copies what changed.
Handy tips
- For extra safety, also use an offsite or cloud backup so a single fire or theft cannot destroy both copies.
- Write down the encryption password and store it somewhere safe, because you cannot restore an encrypted backup without it.
- You can exclude large folders you do not need in Time Machine options to save space.
Heads up
- Setting up a drive for Time Machine can erase it, so move any existing files off the drive first.
- If you lose the encryption password, the encrypted backup cannot be recovered.
FAQ
Do I need a special drive for Time Machine?
No. Almost any external USB hard drive or SSD works. macOS can format it for Time Machine when you set it up.
How do I restore files from a backup?
Connect the drive, open Time Machine, browse to the date you want, select the files, and click Restore. You can also restore the whole system from macOS Recovery.
Is iCloud the same as a full backup?
Not quite. iCloud syncs certain files and photos but does not create a complete system backup the way Time Machine does. Using both gives you stronger protection.