Can I copy Time Machine backup to another external drive

Years ago, what you want to do was possible by using a simple Finder copy, or one of those cloning softwares (CCC, SuperDuper, there are others). However none of them are currently able to make a usable copy or clone of the Time Machine backup drive any more. The reasons are fairly technical and have to do with special structure within the Time Machine backup drive and special kinds of links that are used. Copying or cloning mechanisms don't bring those links over properly.

I would do this myself if it were possible.

Not what you wanted, but you can start a new Time Machine backup with an additional drive. Time Machine will alternate between the two backup drives and you will have redundant backups going forward, but the one going back with three years history will be unique in that respect.

WardLarkin wrote:

I was just told by AppleCare that I cannot copy data from my current Time Machine external hard drive to another external hard drive. I am using MacOS Ventura 13.2.1.

This sounds ludicrous. If I can't copy my Time Machine data to another hard drive, then my Time Machine history is at risk. If my current Time Machine hard drive fails, then all of my backup data will be lost.

There's got to be a way to copy my current Time Machine data to another external hard drive.

You can try cloning from one drive to another and test your results and report back:

Mac Backup Software | Carbon Copy Cloner | Bombich Software

SuperDuper! - Shirt Pocket

It has been recommend starting a new backup with Ventura...

similar: Time machines can not use older backups p… - Apple Community

If you value your user data

3-2-1 Backup Strategy: three copies of your data, two different methods, and one offsite.

More than one device, more than one backup methodology

I have a suggestion you might consider. Since you have two drives, why not use two backup processes to independently backup? For example, I use Carbon Copy Cloner to do one backup to an external disk. I also manually backup everything to a different external disk. Whenever I change or add a new file, I copy it to that disk. I am literally always backed up to the minute. Multiple backups increase your security. A lot of us do so.