The external drive I was using with Time Machine is damaged. I want to begin using a different external drive. How do I get Time Machine to understand that and link to the new drive?

The external drive I was using with Time Machine on my iMac is damaged. I want to begin using a different external drive. How do I get Time Machine to understand that and link to the new drive?

iMac 21.5″ 4K, macOS 12.6

Posted on Feb 15, 2023 02:48 PM

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2 replies

Feb 16, 2023 02:52 AM in response to BrooklynBett

As Barney mentioned, go to "System Preferences" -> "Time Machine" -> "Select Disk".

You should see your previous drive under "Backup Disks" (if it's still connected), as well as your new drive in "Available Disks".

Select your new drive, and you should be good to go.

Barney-15E

Level 10

121,238 points

Feb 16, 2023 02:05 AM in response to BrooklynBett

You have to add it to Time Machine System Preferences. You can remove the old drive in the same place.

It will erase and format the new drive.

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The external drive I was using with Time Machine is damaged. I want to begin using a different external drive. How do I get Time Machine to understand that and link to the new drive?