Instructions cover devices runningmacOS10.6 and later.
External drives can connect to aUSB,Thunderbolt, orFireWireport on the Mac.
Start up the computer.
Time Machine works with drives in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) formats and Xsan formats.
If the backup drive you attach isn’t compatible, the Mac will prompt you to erase it.
With some OS versions, the Mac prompts you to reformat at this step.
If not, you’ve got the option to format the drive using Disk Utility.
Formatting thehard driveerases any data it contains.
The instructions are different forversions up to and including Yosemiteandones since El Capitan.
Once you finish formatting the new hard drive, it mounts on your Mac’s desktop.
Right-hit the new hard drive icon on the desktop and selectGet Infofrom the pop-up menu.
double-check thatIgnore ownership on this volumeis NOT active.
To change it, click thepadlock iconlocated in the bottom right corner of the window.
When prompted, supply an administrator’s username and password.
you’ve got the option to now make the changes.
hit the padlock again to stash your changes.
Here’s what to do.
Launch System Preferences by clicking theSystem Preferencesicon in the Dock, or selectingSystem Preferencesfrom theApplemenu.
snag the Time Machinepreference pane.
Slide the Time Machine switch toOffor remove the checkmark from theBack Up Automaticallybox.
Both perform the same function.
Connect your original drive to your machine and drag theBackups.backupdbfolder to the new drive.
If asked, supply an administrator name and password.
The copying process can take a while, depending on the size of your current Time Machine backup.
Once the copying is complete, return to theTime Machinepreference pane and clickSelect Disk.
opt for new disk from the list and clickUse Disk.
Set the Time Machine switch toOnor check the box in front ofBack Up Automatically.
Why Would You Need a New Time Machine Backup Drive?
You may need more room for two reasons.
At some point, you may outgrow the amount of space available on your original Time Machine hard drive.
The other reason for needing more room is a desire to store moredata history.
Just check that the enclosure is from a reputable manufacturer.
