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can I use a thumb drive to backup with time machine

Can I backup my Mac hard drive to a thumb drive using Time Machine

Mac Studio, macOS 13.2

Posted on Apr 14, 2023 8:28 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 14, 2023 8:42 AM

Betsey Hansell wrote:

Can I backup my Mac hard drive to a thumb drive using Time Machine



Using a thumbdrive as a TM backup...(?) not recommended.


Not as stable/dependable/capacity limitations do not make is as desirable as a dedicated external drive.



Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 14, 2023 8:42 AM in response to Betsey Hansell

Betsey Hansell wrote:

Can I backup my Mac hard drive to a thumb drive using Time Machine



Using a thumbdrive as a TM backup...(?) not recommended.


Not as stable/dependable/capacity limitations do not make is as desirable as a dedicated external drive.



Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support


Apr 14, 2023 8:39 AM in response to Betsey Hansell

Slow performance, poor reliability, and limited capacity makes this a bad idea.


I use and recommend external Crucial X8 SSDs that are fast, reliable, and compatible with my M2 Mac mini pro, my 16-in M1 MBP M1 Pro, and your Mac Studio — all running Ventura. You want a TM drive formatted as APFS and sized to 2 - 3 times the capacity of your internal drive that you are backing up.

can I use a thumb drive to backup with time machine

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