Every Mac user should understand the importance of backing up their device. Most Mac users use their Macs to store tons of digital files and folders and access them whenever required. However, even though Macs feature top-tier components that offer exceptional safety and security, they are also susceptible to data loss. As per Investopedia, data loss happens when valuable information on any computer is compromised due to theft of the device, cyber attacks, malware, human error, or numerous other reasons.
Experiencing data loss could lead to grave repercussions that can negatively impact users in numerous ways. Hence, every Mac user should know all the ins and outs of backing up their Mac’s data. Thankfully, macOS offers numerous methods following which users can efficiently back up their data and access it in times of need. This article will shed light on the top three ways following which users can back up their MacBook or any other Mac without hassle. Let us dive right into it:
- Using Time Machine
Time Machine is a native macOS utility that facilitates users to back up all types of data present on their Apple computer. It creates a “snapshot” of the user’s Mac, which refers to a compressed file that contains everything present on the Mac at the time of backing up. Besides restoring data, Time Machine backups can also be utilized to boot a new device or refresh a Mac after factory resetting it.
The native utility functions in the background; thus, it offers users a simple way to back up the data on the device. Most macOS users utilize the native functionality when booting up new Macs. Whenever a macOS user uses a Time Machine backup, it makes them feel as if they picked up where they left off.
If you are wondering how to use Time Machine on Mac to automatically back up data, follow the given steps:
Step 1 – Click on the Apple logo present in the menu bar.
Step 2 – Click on the “System Preferences” option in the drop-down menu.
Step 3 – Click on “Time Machine.”
Step 4 – Select the “Automatic Backups” option present on the left side of the Time Machine window.
Step 5 – Select the disks you wish to use to store the backup.
Once you have completed the aforementioned steps, the Time Machine utility will automatically create and save a backup to the disk you have designated on a schedule.
- Using a Third-Party Cloning Application
Even though macOS’s native Time Machine utility offers users a simple and easy way to back up the data and settings on their Mac, some individuals do not prefer using the app to get the job. If you belong to the category of users who do not wish to use Time Machine, it would be best if you use a third-party Mac-cloning application. Even though most good third-party cloning applications are paid, their advanced features justify the price tag.
A great application using which you can back up your Mac’s data is by using Carbon Copy Cloner. It is a paid application that allows users to back up their Mac’s data with a few clicks. However, users who wish to try the application can use the paid app for free for a limited period. To clone your Mac using Carbon Copy Cloner, follow the steps mentioned below:
Step 1 – Download and install the application on your Apple computer.
Step 2 – Launch Carbon Copy Cloner and click on the Tasks option present on the sidebar.
Step 3 – Click on the icon situated under the “Source” option and choose the drive where you wish to store the backup.
Step 4 – Click on the icon under the “Destination” option and select the precise location to store the backup.
Step 5 – If you want, you can also schedule the backup for a particular time and click on the icon present under the “Automation” option to choose the option you prefer.
Step 6 – Click on the “Start” option on the screen’s bottom-right.
- Using iCloud
iCloud is Apple’s cloud storage platform and facilitates users to back up any data on their Mac. All users need to create an iCloud account is their Apple ID and a password. Apple offers 5 GB of free iCloud storage to all Apple users; thus, it is a great outlet for users to securely backup any data. The best part about using iCloud to backup data is that users can conveniently access any file from any Apple device without hassle. All users need to do to backup data on their iCloud account is open the app, add the files they wish to backup, and start the process.
If you own a MacBook and wish to back up important files and folders, you can choose any of the aforementioned methods to get the job done conveniently.
