How to Back Up Your MacBook Without Paying for Cloud Storage

One of the most convenient ways to back up your MacBook is to subscribe to iCloud. After all, every time you’re connected to Wi-Fi and your computer is plugged in, it automatically starts syncing everything. However, this also means that you have to rely on a subscription for as long as you want to back up your data. On the other hand, another solution is to rely on local backups so that you not only own your data, but also don’t have to depend on subscriptions, cloud servers, etc. That said, the most convenient way to back up your data without resorting to the cloud is to use Time Machine, Mac’s backup tool, to store your data on a local hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD).

Before you start using Time Machine, you should also understand that once you are responsible for backing up your data, you need to do it manually. If you don’t connect your SSD to your MacBook and something happens, your last backup could be out of sync by a few days, weeks, or even months. Still, if you’re diligent enough to back up your data every time you finish a big project, return from a trip, or when you’re browsing your files, you’ll find that storing your data locally can be the smarter decision.

To set up a drive as a new local backup, you must format the device to the Apple File System (APFS), as this is required for macOS Big Sur or later. To do this, connect the SSD to your Mac and open Disk Utility (press Command + Space and type “Disk Utility”); then click View and select Show all devices. Once done, select the top level external drive mechanism and then click Erase.

Set the schema to GUID Partition Map, then format to APFS or APFS (encrypted). Finally, open System Settings > General > Time Machine, add the drive and enable encrypted backups, which means only you will have access to your data. After all, if you don’t encrypt your data, anyone with your drive can access your files if they have access to your physical storage.

In addition to your Time Machine, you should also have something like a Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC) to create exact file-by-file duplicates of your internal volume structure. While Time Machine saves snapshots of your history to restore previous versions, CCC creates a direct 1:1 copy of your current files. This gives you an independent secondary backup that you can plug into another Mac and instantly open your files from Finder without waiting for a full migration restore.

For your Time Machine, you can choose between a hard drive and an SSD. The difference is that hard drives store data magnetically on physical platters. Because they don’t require a power supply to retain this information, a hard drive can sit in a drawer for three to five years without losing your files, making them an ideal, cost-effective choice for long-term “cold storage” (just be sure to keep it safe from drops and magnets). SSDs can transfer files much faster, but they are designed for active, regular use. Since SSDs store data electronically using charge trapped in the cells. If left completely powered off in a drawer, NAND flash can begin to lose charge, which can lead to data corruption after one to two years.

To store files locally, remember that redundancy is your friend, and keep two separate physical disks for your data. Leave one connected to your office for automated daily Time Machine passes and store the second drive off-site (like an office or a relative’s house), or store it in a secure location in your home. Exchange them monthly so that they are both used and regularly updated.

You should also store discs in anti-static sleeves or padded hard cases, while avoiding hot temperatures or high humidity environments. Last but not least, be aware that drive hardware can fail without warning, so replace active backups every three to five years, regardless of perceived health. With these tips, you can say goodbye to cloud storage and enjoy your files safely stored offline.