Backups & updatesMacLast reviewed 24 Oct 2026
Back up a Mac with Time Machine or iCloud
Keep a copy of your files in case something goes wrong.
Time Machine (needs an external drive)
- Plug in an external drive.
- Open System Settings → General → Time Machine.
- Click Add Backup Disk and choose the drive.
iCloud Drive
Open System Settings → [your name] → iCloud and turn on iCloud Drive and Desktop & Documents Folders.