This wikiHow teaches you how to back up data and files on a Mac computer to an external hard disk and/or Apple's cloud-based storage service, iCloud.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using Time Machine
Step 1. Connect your Mac computer to a formatted external hard disk
Connect the hard drive to the computer using the cable that came with the product purchase (usually a USB, Lightning, or eSATA cable).
Step 2. Click the Apple menu
This menu is indicated by the icon in the upper-left corner of the screen.
Step 3. Click System Preferences
It's in the second segment of the drop-down menu.
Step 4. Click Time Machine
It's in the bottom-center of the window.
For MacOS and Time Machine with earlier versions, make sure the “Time Machine” switch is set to the on position (“On”)
Step 5. Click Select Backup Disk…
This option is in the right pane of the dialog box.
Step 6. Click the disc
Select an external hard disk that is already connected to the computer.
Step 7. Click Use Disk
It's in the lower-right corner of the dialog box.
- Check the "Back Up Automatically" option in the left pane of the dialog box if you want the computer to make regular backup copies.
- Check the "Show Time Machine in menu bar" option to create a Time Machine backup preferences and status shortcut on the menu bar.
Step 8. Click Options…
It's in the lower-right corner of the window.
- Check the "Back up while on battery power" option so Time Machine can make a backup copy when the computer is not charging.
- Check the "Notify after old backups are deleted" option if you want Time Machine to send a notification after the old backup is deleted to make room for the new one.
Method 2 of 2: Copying Data to iCloud
Step 1. Click the Apple menu
This menu is indicated by the icon in the upper-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Click System Preferences
It's in the second segment of the drop-down menu.
Step 3. Click iCloud
It's on the left side of the window.
- If you're not automatically signed in, enter your Apple ID and password.
- To view the remaining storage space according to the plan you purchased, or to upgrade the service plan, click the “ Manage… ” in the lower right corner of the dialog box, then click “ Change Storage Plan… ” in the upper-right corner of the dialog box.
Step 4. Check the box next to "iCloud Drive"
This box is at the top of the right pane. Now, you can store files and documents in iCloud.
- Save the file or document by selecting "iCloud Drive" in the "Save" dialog box. You can also drag files or documents to the “ iCloud Drive ” in the left pane of the Finder window.
- Select the app that gets permission to access iCloud Drive by clicking the “ Options ” next to the "iCloud Drive" option in the dialog box.
Step 5. Select the type of data you want to save to iCloud
To select it, check the boxes under the "iCloud Drive" option.
- Check " Photos " if you want to back up and access photos in iCloud.
- Check "Mail" to sync and store emails in iCloud.
- Check "Contacts" to save a copy of the contacts in iCloud.
- Check "Calendars" to keep a copy of the calendar in iCloud.
- Check "Reminders" to make a copy of the reminder in iCloud.
- Mark "Safari" to keep a copy of Safari data (e.g. browsing history and favorite sites) in iCloud.
- Mark " Notes " to make a copy of the notes in iCloud.
- Mark " Keychain " to share a copy of your password and encrypted payment data to all devices that use your Apple ID.
- You may need to scroll through the screen to see all the available options.
Tips
- Demonstrate a proactive attitude and check backup devices periodically to ensure their integrity. Also check if the data stored is up-to-date and find out about new data backup methods that may be better or more effective.
- Prioritize the data you copy to ensure you can protect the most valuable and irreplaceable content.
- Keep any of the backup media (either iCloud or an external hard disk) away from your computer. This way, you can get your data back in case something bad happens near your computer.
- iCloud may not offer enough space to store all copies of your data, especially if you store a lot of music, videos, and photos. In this situation, you may need to use another internet storage program or service such as Google Photos or Microsoft OneDrive.
- Keep backup copies of data in several places, including external hard drives and iCloud services, to make sure you select multiple options if one of the backup media is unable to restore data or documents to your computer.
- Save the backup data on a CD, DVD, or flash drive as a complementary backup medium.
