Can M1 MBP Time Machine backup to an Apple Time Capsule? Someone offered me a 5th generation 2TB Time Capsule. Can I use it for backups? My machines are listed in my siggy.
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Can M1 MBP Time Machine backup to an Apple Time Capsule?
- Thread starter coolbreeze2
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I'm using one right now for my 14" MBP. 2TB Time Capsule 802.11ac. Works fine. Not the fastest to back up to (even over wired gigabit ethernet), for what it's worth, but works without issue. It's nice to have wireless backups when the laptop is on my lap, however. When docked at my desk, it backs up to the Time Capsule and a separate USB SSD.
Hey xraydoc! I'm using my Time Capsule with my MacBook Pro M1 as well. But I've noticed weird behaviours since I've upgraded from my previous Intel MacBook.
I've noticed my M1 MacBook Pro is constantly backing up via Time Machine, even when it's sleeping during the night. And even if I turn off "Wake for network access" in System Settings – it backs up / turns on my Time Capsule almost CONSTANTLY. Few times during each hour. Sometimes repeatedly – in 1-2 minutes intervals!
Since Time Capsule makes some noise every time it starts backing up, it is quite disturbing to hear it during the night, when I really don't have to back up my machine.
I'm wondering if it's something I can change somehow. When I change frequency of the backups to "one per day" it still buzzes the same amount of times. Only if I turn Wifi on my laptop off – it is quiet.
Do you have the same issues perhaps? How is it on your end?
I've not noticed this behavior, but my Time Capsule is down in the basement next to my network closet, so I never hear it. But I can see the Time Machine menubar indicator on my MacBook's screen and it only comes on when it's supposed to. My machine is connected via ethernet, though, probably 80% of the time. It's entirely possible that macOS on the M-series isn't actually always backing up, but it may be polling the drive periodically, which would wake it up and start it spinning.
What I will say is that back some time around Bug Sur, maybe before, backups to the Time Capsule became fairly unreliable. Probably every 6 months or so, I need to redo my Time Capsule backup because of some error. I really only rely on it as kind of an emergency backup... when my MacBook is docked at my desk, it also does Time Machine backups to a USB-attached external SSD, and I keep my important documents synced to iCloud. I'm thinking about adding a network SSD to see if that helps reliability of networked Time Machine/Time Capsule backups instead of the old mechanical spinning drive. It's gotta be, what, approaching 10 years old at this point... maybe older?
What I will say is that back some time around Bug Sur, maybe before, backups to the Time Capsule became fairly unreliable. Probably every 6 months or so, I need to redo my Time Capsule backup because of some error. I really only rely on it as kind of an emergency backup... when my MacBook is docked at my desk, it also does Time Machine backups to a USB-attached external SSD, and I keep my important documents synced to iCloud. I'm thinking about adding a network SSD to see if that helps reliability of networked Time Machine/Time Capsule backups instead of the old mechanical spinning drive. It's gotta be, what, approaching 10 years old at this point... maybe older?
Thanks man! I've noticed that as well!
I'm slowly considering changing my Time Machine drive ... to something else.. Is there any other device I could backup my data on, but without a cable – that you would recommend perhaps?
There's several threads here with lots of discussion. A NAS is popular -- Synology, Drobo, Western Digital.
You can also just attach a USB drive to your Time Capsule and use that, then if you have a system crash, you can just plug the drive directly into the Mac for faster system restore (versus slower network speeds).
I had this bookmarked from a little while ago. Might be helpful...
The Best NAS Drives For Mac
It's been a while since I first discussed NAS drives for Mac. At the time, I was comparing various archival tools for macOS. I compared HDDs, SSDs,
appletoolbox.com
I think I'm gonna go with LaCie RuggedThere's several threads here with lots of discussion. A NAS is popular -- Synology, Drobo, Western Digital.
You can also just attach a USB drive to your Time Capsule and use that, then if you have a system crash, you can just plug the drive directly into the Mac for faster system restore (versus slower network speeds).
I had this bookmarked from a little while ago. Might be helpful...
The Best NAS Drives For Mac
It's been a while since I first discussed NAS drives for Mac. At the time, I was comparing various archival tools for macOS. I compared HDDs, SSDs,
How do external disks work with Time Machine? I mean, do I have to eject the disk every single day I'm done with my work? Or, once I plug it in my MacBook, I don't have to worry about it, and don't do anything?
If it’s a local attached drive, you’ll have to safely eject the drive.I think I'm gonna go with LaCie Rugged
How do external disks work with Time Machine? I mean, do I have to eject the disk every single day I'm done with my work? Or, once I plug it in my MacBook, I don't have to worry about it, and don't do anything?