Using USB stick connected to router for Time Machine backups

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Using USB stick connected to router for Time Machine backups

I recently got a new MacBook Air and I am wishing to backup the laptop using Time Machine. I have plugged in the USB stick into the router and the laptop is able to see, read and write to the USB stick. However I am unable to use it as a place for Time Machine backups. It simply doesn't show up as a suitable network device.

So is it possible to do this?

If it is possible, would you tell me how to accomplish it? I am completely fine with reformatting/erasing the USB stick.

If it is not possible to do this, is there any other way to automatically backup my laptop to an external drive without me having to plug an external drive into my laptop and do it manually?

Thanks :)

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.2

Posted on Dec 30, 2024 10:50 PM

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HWTech

Community+ 2026

Level 9

72,884 points

Dec 31, 2024 12:57 PM in response to Polai010

There are a couple of things wrong with this setup.

First, a USB stick is a terrible device for storing data because the quality of USB sticks is extremely poor. And while a TM backup doesn't need a fast drive, it needs a drive that is faster than most USB sticks (even a USB3 rated USB stick probably is going to be at best writing at 40MB/s). USB sticks are best used for creating bootable USB installers and for limited transfer of data between computers or people.

Second, using the router's USB port to network a USB drive is prone to problems, especially with Time Machine. Router manufacturer's are not known for providing robust quality firmware.

Third, networked Time Machine backups require network storage devices that are made to be compatible with Time Machine backups. These types of devices are expensive. One of the more popular network TM backup devices are a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device from Synology although there are a few other brand options as well.

Here is an Apple article regarding networked Time Machine backups:

Backup disks you can use with Time Machine - Apple Support

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Using USB stick connected to router for Time Machine backups

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