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

hudsonmi Author

Level 1

4 points

is a flash drive ok to use for backup with the Time Machine app on a Mac?

Is a flash drive ok to use for backup with the Time Machine app on a Mac?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 20, 2020 12:17 PM

Reply

Best reply

Community+ 2024

Level 10

113,057 points

Posted on Nov 20, 2020 12:26 PM

If you are talking thumb drives, then no. If you are talking SSD, and the newer 1Gbps external SSD drives, then yes. Sizing should be 2.5 - 3x the size of your startup drive. Big Sur and earlier expect a HFS+ Journaled (case insensitive) formatted Time Machine drive. Big Sur can also create and use APFS (case insensitive) formatted Time Machine drives, but these are not backwards compatible with Time Machine on earlier macOS implementations.

View in context

Similar questions

1 reply

Best reply

Community+ 2024

Level 10

113,057 points

Nov 20, 2020 12:26 PM in response to hudsonmi

If you are talking thumb drives, then no. If you are talking SSD, and the newer 1Gbps external SSD drives, then yes. Sizing should be 2.5 - 3x the size of your startup drive. Big Sur and earlier expect a HFS+ Journaled (case insensitive) formatted Time Machine drive. Big Sur can also create and use APFS (case insensitive) formatted Time Machine drives, but these are not backwards compatible with Time Machine on earlier macOS implementations.

Reply

is a flash drive ok to use for backup with the Time Machine app on a Mac?

Welcome to Apple Support Community

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

Learn more Sign up