Use Time Machine without Internet?

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Use Time Machine without Internet?

I have a Time Machine that I am not using as an internet router but would like to still continue to use as a backup disc for my MacBook. Right now I have El Capitan on the MacBook and am not sure what version of the Time Machine I have, but it has 3 modem outlets, 1 USB outlet and 1 ethernet outlet.

I tried connecting the MacBook USB-C to the USB Type A outlet on the Time Machine but the only thing that happened is my computer started charging. It doesn't recognize the Time Machine automatically nor does it find it when I open Time Machine preferences and click "back up now". The MacBook says it cannot find the Time Machine. Perhaps I need a more advanced cable?

Thanks for your help,

CF

MacBook, OS X 10.11

Posted on Jun 5, 2021 9:00 AM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

185,462 points

Jun 5, 2021 9:45 AM in response to lucybeagle007

I tried connecting the MacBook USB-C to the USB Type A outlet on the Time Machine

This won't work.......because the USB port on the Time Capsule is there only to add another USB hard drive for additional storage.

Connect an Ethernet cable from your Mac to one of the three LAN <--> Ethernet ports to establish a connection between the Mac and Time Capsule.

If your MacBook does not have an Ethernet port, you will need to use a USB-C to Ethernet adapter and an Ethernet cable to set up the connection between the MacBook and Time Capsule. Search for something like the Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet adapter, for example.

Note......depending on how your MacBook has been configured, you may need to temporarily turn off the WiFi on the MacBook to allow the wired Ethernet cable connection to be active. Once the backup is done, you can turn the WiFi back on at the MacBook and disconnect the Ethernet cable, so he MacBook will operate normally on your network.

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Use Time Machine without Internet?

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