How to back up your Mac properly
Time Machine, iCloud and an external drive: how to set up a Mac backup that will actually get your files back when you need them.
Published 25 September 2026
Time Machine
Time Machine is built into macOS and backs up your whole Mac automatically to an external drive or a compatible network drive. Connect a drive, open System Settings, choose General then Time Machine, and add the drive as a backup disk. Keep it connected, or plug it in regularly, so backups keep running.
iCloud is not a full backup
iCloud Drive and iCloud Photos keep your files in sync across devices, which is useful, but syncing is not the same as backing up. If you delete a file or it gets damaged, that change can sync everywhere. Use iCloud alongside Time Machine, not instead of it.
Why it matters more on newer Macs
On recent Macs, the storage is built into the logic board and can't be removed. If the board fails, getting your data back means a board-level repair. A regular backup means you never have to rely on that.
Test your backup
Every few months, open Time Machine and restore a file or two to make sure the backup works. A backup you have never tested is only a hope.
If it's too late
If your Mac won't start and you have no backup, bring it in. See Mac repair and data recovery.