Can I use a USB 3.0 drive for TimeMachine backup? DO I need to format the drive first?

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charb1998 Author

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Can I use a USB 3.0 drive for TimeMachine backup? DO I need to format the drive first?

Can I use a USB 3.0 drive for TimeMachine backup? DO I need to format the drive first? I'm on a MacBook Air. Apple suggests I use TimeMachine to backup before loading the new OS.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 13.1

Posted on Feb 15, 2023 7:09 PM

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Answer 1

Niel

Community+ 2025

Level 10

739,967 points

Feb 15, 2023 7:14 PM in response to charb1998

1. Yes.

2. It depends on what format it's in; Time Machine will tell you if it does prior to the first backup.

(234731)

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Answer 2

tbirdvet

Level 6

16,807 points

Feb 16, 2023 4:57 AM in response to charb1998

I would suggest that the TM drive be formatted to APFS.

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Can I use a USB 3.0 drive for TimeMachine backup? DO I need to format the drive first?

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