Key Highlights
- Mac comes with a built-in backup feature called Time Machine
- You’ll need an external storage device to use Time Machine
- You can also use iCloud to store your data and documents
You probably don’t think about backing up your PC on a regular basis. Even if it hasn’t been in your thoughts recently, it will inevitably start to matter. If you’re like the majority of Mac users, your machine’s storage devices house a lot of highly critical documents and files. The consequences of a catastrophic data loss could be severe and have an influence on you in a number of different ways. It’s one of the risks we must acknowledge if we wish to benefit from the digital world.
In this post, let’s learn how to back up your Mac so that your important data is secure in the case of an unexpected circumstance that results in data loss.
How To Backup Your Mac Using Time Machine
Your Mac comes with a built-in backup feature called Time Machine. It automatically makes hourly backup versions of your computer that cover the preceding 24 hours, daily, and weekly for the previous month and all previous months, respectively.
Additionally, everything keeps the style you gave it, allowing you to look back on your setup rather than having to recreate it exactly as you remember it.
However, in order to use Time Machine to actually create backups, you’ll need an external storage device and, of course, a method of connecting it to your computer, whether that be by using an AirPort Time Capsule or a physical wire to an external hard drive. To begin, follow the listed steps:
Step 1: Plug the drive into your Mac and wait for the prompt to use it with Time Machine.
Step 2: By checking or unchecking the box (it is recommended to encrypt), you can decide whether to encrypt your backup disc. Then, click ‘Use as a backup’ to proceed.
How To Backup Your Mac Using iCloud
Using iCloud to store your data and documents is another option for backing up your Mac. You must set it up first before you can begin:
Step 1: Make sure your Mac is fully updated by choosing ‘Updates’ in the left sidebar after selecting ‘App Store’ from the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen. You first need to log in using your Apple ID.
Step 2: Select ‘System Preferences’ and then ‘iCloud’ from the Apple menu in the upper left corner of the screen.
Step 3: Sign in with your Apple ID and accept the terms of service.
Step 4: You can decide whether or not to use iCloud for your data and documents and the use of Find My Mac.
Following the steps explained above, you’ll be able to see which apps you can add to or remove from your iCloud account as well as how much of your 5GB of free storage space is presently being used by your data. If necessary, you can subscribe to a more expansive iCloud account for a variety of monthly costs.
