How long does a Time Machine backup take?
Thinking about backing up your MacBook for the first time? Lots of Mac users ask themselves, "How long does a Time Machine backup take?" We've put together everything you need to know right here. So, let's take a look.
How long does a Time Machine backup take?
If you've just started your initial backup, or you're considering using Time Machine for the first time, then it's not unusual to wonder how long Time Machine backup takes. The trouble is, unfortunately, there isn't a set answer.
The duration of your backup will completely depend on your external disk, your MacBook model, and the size of the data you're trying to back up and store.
From my experience, when I was backing up massive numbers of files, folders, and applications, the first-time, initial backup took around 18 hours. So don't be alarmed if you've just started a backup and you feel like it's taking too long.
Although it might be disappointing to some readers that there isn't a set time for a backup, you'll be happy to know there are things you can do to speed them up. Head to the next section to find out.
How to speed up your Time Machine backup
Before you carry out a backup, it's always recommended to give your Mac a spring clean; after all, there's absolutely no point in backing up and storing unnecessary junk.
This is a win-win: removing junk can increase your MacBook performance, free up space, and reduce the size and time of your Time Machine backups. Here are a few tips:
- Tidy up your Desktop
- Clear out your Downloads folder
- Delete unwanted ZIP files
Another useful tip is to remove the hard-to-reach system clutter, like cookies, cache, broken or temporary files, and useless system logs. The MacBook cleaner tool, CleanMyMac, can quickly take care of this with its Cleanup feature; here's how to use it:
- Open CleanMyMac — get your free trial here.
- Select Cleanup > Scan.
- Wait for the scan to complete and click Clean.
This is a really straightforward way of removing junk and clutter before initiating a Time Machine backup.
Finally, another helpful tip is to consider beginning your backups at night while you go to sleep; that way, you're not waiting around, watching the clock.
Frequently asked questions about Time Machine backups
How do I configure Time Machine on my Mac?
Connect an external drive, then choose Apple menu > System Settings, click General, then Time Machine. Click Add Backup Disk, select the drive, and click Set Up Disk. Your Mac might offer to erase the drive first, so don't use one that holds files you need. These steps are for macOS Ventura and later; Apple's Time Machine guide covers earlier versions.
Can I use my Mac during a Time Machine backup?
Yes, using your Mac while Time Machine is active is no problem. Any new files created during your current backup, however, will not be saved — these will be covered in your next backup.
How can I tell when a Time Machine backup is complete?
Check the Time Machine menu in the menu bar. While a backup is running, the top of the menu shows how much of it is done; once it finishes, it shows the date and time of the latest backup. If you don’t see the menu, set your Menu Bar or Control Center settings to show Time Machine status in the menu bar.
How long does Time Machine keep backups?
Time Machine keeps hourly backups for the past 24 hours, daily backups for the past month, and weekly backups for all previous months. When your backup disk is full, it deletes the oldest backups.