Time Machine is the built-in
back up feature on your Mac.
It automatically makes
an up-to-date copy of your files
and stores them
on an external storage device.
We'll show you
how to set up Time Machine
and how to start a new backup.
Before you start,
you'll need
an external storage device
to store
your Time Machine backups.
Backups can require
a lot of storage space.
So it's a good idea
to pick a device
that is used solely for them.
Ready?
We'll start by setting up
Time Machine for the first time.
First, make sure
your external storage device
is connected to your Mac.
Now, open System Preferences
and click Time Machine.
To access Time Machine
more quickly in the future,
click "Show Time Machine
in menu bar."
Next, click Select Backup Disk
and choose your disk.
From here,
you can encrypt your backup
with a password if you like.
Then click Use Disk.
Depending on your setup,
you may see additional prompts
to help you add a password,
reformat your device,
or connect
to your network volume.
Now your Mac will prepare
your external device,
and your backup will begin
shortly after.
Depending on
how many files you have,
your first backup
may take a while.
But you can
continue using your Mac
while a backup is underway.
Once your backup is complete,
you'll see a notification.
When your external device
becomes full,
Time Machine
will delete the oldest backups
to make space for new ones.
After your first backup,
Time Machine
will run automatically,
as long as your Mac is connected
to your backup device
and connected to power.
You can also start a new backup
manually at any time.
To do this,
click the Time Machine icon on
the right side of the menu bar.
And then click Back Up Now.
Time Machine automatically makes
hourly backups up to 24 hours,
daily backups
for the past month,
and weekly backups
for all previous months.
You can open
the Time Machine menu
to check the status
of a backup in progress
or skip one altogether.
And now Time Machine is set up
and ready to make
regular backups.
For more helpful tips like this,
subscribe to
the Apple Support channel
or click another video
to keep watching.
♪
