Apple Intelligence is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac!

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple unveils the new iMac with M4, supercharged by Apple Intelligence and available in fresh colors. Learn more >

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple’s all-new Mac mini is more mighty, more mini, and built for Apple Intelligence. Learn more >

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

Move Time Machine ext drive?

New 24”iMac replaces old iMac.  Ext. drive for Time Machine from old iMac okay on new?  Simply move it and plug into new iMac?  Will new iMac add back-ups, leaving old iMac backups accessible intact?  Complete Data Migration before/after TimeMachine?

iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, 2 ports)

Posted on Dec 17, 2022 10:30 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 17, 2022 12:32 PM

If the old Time Machine drive is 5 years old or older you would be wise to replace it. With HDs it is not a matter of if it will fail but when. With a back up drive it’s smart to replace them every 4-5 years as a precaution!

2 replies

Move Time Machine ext drive?

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