Time Machine is the backup system built into macOS. After you choose a backup disk, it automatically saves copies of apps, files, photos, settings, and system data so you can restore one item or rebuild a Mac later.
This guide applies to recent macOS versions on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
Does This Affect You?
Use Time Machine if you want a local full-Mac backup, not just cloud syncing, before a repair, upgrade, reinstall, or everyday accident.
Set Up Time Machine
- Connect an external hard drive or SSD with enough space. A drive two to three times larger than your Mac data gives a longer history.
- If macOS asks to use it for Time Machine, choose Use as Backup Disk.
- If no prompt appears, open System Settings > General > Time Machine.
- Click the plus button, select the disk, and set it up.
- Enable backup encryption if the drive might ever be lost or stolen.
- Let the first backup finish. It can take much longer than later hourly backups.
Restore Files or a Whole Mac
- To restore a file, open the folder where it used to live in Finder.
- Open Time Machine and browse the timeline.
- Select the file or folder and click Restore.
- To restore a whole Mac, use Setup Assistant or Migration Assistant and choose a Time Machine backup as the transfer source.
- Keep the Mac powered and the backup drive connected until the restore completes.
Time Machine Notes
Backup Schedule
Time Machine keeps hourly backups for the past day, daily backups for the past month, and weekly backups as long as the drive has room.
Disconnected Drives
If the backup drive is not connected, Time Machine waits and resumes when the drive returns.
Network Backups
Some NAS devices and older Time Capsule hardware can store Time Machine backups over Wi-Fi if configured for it.
Time Machine vs iCloud
Time Machine creates a full local backup on a disk you control. iCloud syncs selected data such as Photos, Desktop, Documents, and passwords. Many users benefit from both.
Sources
- Apple Support: Back up your Mac with Time Machine
- Apple Support: Set up a Time Machine backup disk
- Apple Support: About Time Machine backups