Back up Files from Mac to NAS Using Time Machine: How to Attain

This MiniTool guide demonstrates how to back up your Mac to a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) device using Time Machine. A NAS offers centralized storage, backup, restoration, and file sharing capabilities, expanding your storage capacity as needed. Popular NAS options include QNAP and Synology.

Time Machine Overview

Time Machine automatically backs up your macOS system and user data (documents, photos, music, applications) at regular intervals (hourly, daily, weekly). It also creates local snapshots for quick file restoration, stored on the same drive as the originals (up to 24 hours or until space runs out; APFS required).

Backing Up Your Mac to NAS with Time Machine

This process involves configuring your NAS and then connecting it to Time Machine.

Step 1: NAS Setup (DSM)

1. Log into your DiskStation Manager (DSM) using an administrator account.
2. Access the Control Panel, navigate to Shared Folders, and click "Create."
3. Name the shared folder, select a location, and click "Next." Configure advanced settings if needed.
4. Enable the SMB service (File Services > SMB [DSM 7.0 ] or SMB/AFP/NFS [DSM 6.2-]).
5. Under Advanced settings, enable "Bonjour Time Machine broadcast via SMB" and specify the newly created shared folder as a Time Machine folder. Save your changes.

Step 2: Connecting to Time Machine

1. On your Mac, open Time Machine (Apple menu > System Settings > General > Time Machine).
2. Click "Add Backup Disk…" and select the shared NAS folder. Click "Set up Disk."
3. Enter your NAS username and password. Click "Connect" to begin the backup. Encryption is optional.

Additional Backup Options

While Time Machine with a NAS is excellent, consider using an external hard drive or Time Capsule for redundancy. For Windows users, MiniTool ShadowMaker provides robust backup and system cloning capabilities.

Conclusion

This guide provides a comprehensive approach to backing up your Mac to a NAS using Time Machine. Remember to explore additional backup solutions for enhanced data protection.

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