Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Can you the same external HDD for backup and storing other data?

Hello!

I intend to buy an external HDD for backing up my data on my mac with time machine, but I was wondering if I could store other data on it as well.


MacBook Pro Retina

Posted on May 16, 2020 1:53 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best answer

Yes, you can as long as you don't save your data in Time Machine's folder Backups.backupdb. You can either save in a folder next to Backups.backupdb or in a different partition.


Keep in mind that Time Machine will grow backup after backup, so maybe saving your data in a different partition is a more logical choice.


Another thing to consider is that if you read/write your data alongside a Time Machine running process the HDD will be more "stressed" (two concurrent tasks).

Posted on May 16, 2020 2:55 AM

1 reply
2 replies
Question marked as Best answer

May 16, 2020 2:55 AM in response to catalinqwe

Yes, you can as long as you don't save your data in Time Machine's folder Backups.backupdb. You can either save in a folder next to Backups.backupdb or in a different partition.


Keep in mind that Time Machine will grow backup after backup, so maybe saving your data in a different partition is a more logical choice.


Another thing to consider is that if you read/write your data alongside a Time Machine running process the HDD will be more "stressed" (two concurrent tasks).

Can you the same external HDD for backup and storing other data?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.