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How to use Time Machine

I assumed that Time Machine was automatically backing up my computer. I didn't know you have to set it up??? It says to use a back up disc. My Mac doesn't have a disc drive. Can I use a flash drive?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Mar 4, 2022 7:58 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 5, 2022 5:14 AM

Back up your Mac with Time Machine – Apple Support (UK)


3 replies

Mar 5, 2022 10:20 AM in response to blondiejune

Do not back up to a flash drive. Most do not have sufficient capacity and they are not all that reliable and can fail. You should buy an external drive dedicated to backups. These days they are cost effective, compact, easy to install with a vendor provided USB cable and most do not require any external power although you may have to first reformat it. As noted, be sure the drive has sufficient storage capacity. Last, Time Machine does not automatically set itself up. Once it is set up it does its thing aotomatically, though.

How to use Time Machine

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