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Time Machine

How can I reduce frequency of time machine back ups?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jul 10, 2020 12:37 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 10, 2020 1:21 PM

Here's a better one you can try: Time Machine Editor.


When you have a problem, you need to provide sufficient detail for use to know exactly what the problem is. When you just say, "It didn't work," I have no idea what happened. Again, if there is an error message, you need to tell me the exact error message. These are the only ways that enable me to understand what happened.


Please read Writing an effective Apple Support Communities question. We are here to help. We are all users. We are not mind-readers nor clairvoyants. We only know what you write down and tell us. Be specific and thorough. Include your hardware information and installed version of macOS. Try to write clearly. Think about what you want to say before you write it down, then re-read it to see if it makes sense.


7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 10, 2020 1:21 PM in response to Scooplorimer

Here's a better one you can try: Time Machine Editor.


When you have a problem, you need to provide sufficient detail for use to know exactly what the problem is. When you just say, "It didn't work," I have no idea what happened. Again, if there is an error message, you need to tell me the exact error message. These are the only ways that enable me to understand what happened.


Please read Writing an effective Apple Support Communities question. We are here to help. We are all users. We are not mind-readers nor clairvoyants. We only know what you write down and tell us. Be specific and thorough. Include your hardware information and installed version of macOS. Try to write clearly. Think about what you want to say before you write it down, then re-read it to see if it makes sense.


Jul 10, 2020 1:16 PM in response to Scooplorimer

Managed to get pass the security, but the app just doesn't work. I could go in and set intervals etc. but would not let me apply changes and kept coming up with error message. Tried a different editor but couldn't get it to install as it required updating. Thanks for the help, but just decided to switch time machine off and switch it on when I go to bed.

Jul 10, 2020 2:03 PM in response to Scooplorimer

Kappy has a great recommendation below. I’ve been using Time Machine Scheduler for several years and it works flawlessly. I have it set to backup every night between midnight and 6 AM and it does exactly what I set. Great little app that has features Apple should build into Time Machine. However, be aware that some people/businesses may need/want the hourly backups, so please be aware of the limitations and risks of limiting your backups.

Time Machine

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