How to Back Up Files from Mac to Synology NAS Using Time Machine in 2024

Data backup is essential for both individuals and businesses. A Synology NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a hardware device designed for storing data and requires an internet connection. It offers a reliable and secure storage space for the entire local network. Due to its stability and security features, many individuals and businesses utilize Synology NAS as their preferred solution for data backup.

When it comes to the best way to back up data to Synology, Time Machine is an unparalleled tool for Mac users. In this article, we will guide you through how to backup files from Mac to Synology NAS using Time Machine along with other useful tips on this built-in Mac software.

Brief Overview of Time Machine

First, let's get a brief overview of Time Machine to learn more about it.

What is Time Machine?

Mac Time Machine is a software integrated into macOS, primarily designed to assist Mac users in backing up and restoring their data. It was first introduced in Mac OS X Leopard and has since been continually enhanced and optimized with subsequent Mac updates.

Currently, Time Machine has become the go-to option for backing up data in the minds of many Mac users, owing to its useful features and user-friendly interface.

The Functions of a Time Machine

The Mac Time Machine backup feature offers security for Mac users' files, encompassing documents, images, videos, and more. Time Machine operates using an incremental backup method. It allows you to set up a Time Machine backup schedule, after which it runs automatically in the background, backing up your crucial data based on your personalized preferences.

However, does the Time Machine backup everything? The answer is no. Time Machine also has some limitations. It cannot back up system logs, applications, cache files, files in the Bin, iCloud, Spotlight indexer, etc. When you want to use it to create a backup plan for certain data, make sure that Time Machine can provide coverage for that kind of file first.

While Time Machine may not be able to back up everything on your Mac, it remains a useful tool for backing up your Mac computer if your primary aim is to ensure daily data safety on your computer.

Aside from the backup function, Time Machine also enables you to restore backups. In situations where your Mac is threatened by data loss due to a virus or hardware malfunction, restoring data from Time Machine can revert your computer to its previous normal state, as it was days or even weeks ago.

How to Back Up Your Mac to Synology NAS Using Time Machine

Once you're familiar with Time Machine and its capabilities, follow the exact steps below to back up your Mac to Synology NAS with Time Machine.

Part 1: Create a Shared Folder on NAS

Step 1. Log in to the Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) with the Administrator account.

Step 2. Navigate to Control Panel > Shared Folder > Create.

Step 3. In the Shared Folder Creation Wizard window, specify the folder name and location that you want.

Step 4. Once you have set the advanced settings, click Next to complete the creation process.

Part 2. Set the Shared Folder as Backup Destination

Step 5. Now open the Control Panel > File Services in the Synology DSM.

Note: If your DSM version is 7.0 or above, proceed to Step 6.1. If the DSM version is 6.2 or below, proceed to Step 6.2.

Step 6.1. Go to the SMB/AFP tab and select the Enable SMB/AFP service option.

Step 6.2. Navigate to the SMB/AFP/NFS tab and enable the SMB/AFP service for SMB/AFP.

Step 7. Now head to the Advanced tab and check the Enable Bonjour Time Machine Broadcast via SMB/AFP option.

Step 8. Hit the Set Time Machine Folders > choose the shared folder you created before > save the settings.

Step 9. You can then set up a DSM user account on your NAS for Time Machine and allocate a quota for the backups.

Part 3: Backing Up Mac to Synology NAS with Time Machine

Step 10. On your Mac, go to System Preferences, and locate and open the Time Machine app.

Navigate to System Preferences.

Step 11. In Time Machine, select the Select Backup Disk option, and choose the shared folder you created. Then click Use Disk.

Step 12. When a prompt appears, enter the username and password, then tap the Connect button.

Step 13. Time Machine will now begin the backup process.

< a id="3" name="3">Pro Tip: How to Backup Mac to Synology NAS without Time Machine Professional Tip: How to Back Up Your Mac to a Synology NAS Without Using Time Machine

As mentioned above, Time Machine doesn't provide a full backup of your computer. If you want to back up system data other than regular files, Time Machine won't be able to handle it. This is where you'll need assistance from tools like Todo Backup.

Todo Backup for Mac is a professional software that can create all your personal backup solutions for Mac users. Similar to Time Machine, it supports automatic backups and enables users to keep their data secure with the backup schedules they require.

It offers three backup modes: full, incremental, and differential, and can perform file backup, disk backup, external drive backup, system backup, app data backup, and even assist you in cloning disks and migrating Windows systems.

With the help of tools, you can save copies of your data on Synology NAS, local disks, external hard drives, and other third-party platforms.

Here's a tutorial on how to back up your Mac to a Synology NAS without using Time Machine: 1. Connect to the Synology NAS: - Ensure your Mac and Synology NAS are connected to the same network. - Open "Finder" on your Mac. - Click on "Go" in the top menu bar, then select "Connect to Server" or press "Command + K." - Enter the NAS's address in the format of "smb://[NAS_IP_Address]" (replace [NAS_IP_Address] with the actual IP address of your Synology NAS) and click "Connect." 2. Create a Backup Folder: - Log in to your Synology NAS using DSM (DiskStation Manager). - Navigate to "File Station" and create a new folder for your backups. Name it as desired. 3. Install rsync Package: - In DSM, open "Package Center." - Search for "rsync" and install the "rsync" package if it's not already installed. 4. Configure rsync on Mac: - Open "Terminal" on your Mac. - Create an SSH key pair (if you haven't already) by running the command: `ssh-keygen` - Follow the prompts, and when asked for a file to save the key, use `/Users/your_username/.ssh/id_rsa` (replace "your_username" with your actual username). 5. Add SSH Key to Synology NAS: - Copy the public key from your Mac by running `cat ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub` in Terminal. - Log in to DSM on your Synology NAS and go to "Control Panel" > "Security" > "SSH Terminal." - Enable SSH service and click "Add" to add your public key. 6. Create a Backup Script on Mac: - Using a text editor, create a new file and paste the following script, replacing "[NAS_USERNAME]", "[NAS_PASSWORD]", and "[BACKUP_FOLDER_NAME]" with the appropriate values: ``` #!/bin/bash rsync -avz --delete /path/to/local/folder [NAS_USERNAME]@[NAS_IP_Address]:/volume1/[BACKUP_FOLDER_NAME] ``` - Save the file with a .sh extension, e.g., "backup_mac.sh". 7. Make the Script Executable: - In Terminal, navigate to the folder where you saved the script using `cd`. - Run the command: `chmod +x backup_mac.sh` to make the script executable. 8. Schedule the Backup: - On your Mac, open "System Preferences" and click "Scheduled Tasks" or "Automator" (depending on your macOS version). - Create a new task and choose "Run Shell Script." - In the "Shell" dropdown, select "/bin/bash," and in the "Input" section, paste the path to your "backup_mac.sh" script. - Set the desired schedule for your backups (daily, weekly, etc.). - Save the task and enable it. Now, your Mac will automatically back up to your Synology NAS according to the scheduled task. Remember to replace the placeholders in the script with your actual information.

Step 1. Launch and run Todo Backup for Mac. Click the first Backup tab or simply click the + button in the bottom-left corner to create a backup project - name the backup project and click OK.

Step 2. Set up the backup destination where you wish to store your Mac files as backups, the automatic backup frequency, etc., and click OK.

Backup Mac data without Time Machine.

Step 3. Add files and folders to the backup project.
Click File+ to select files and folders to include in the backup, then click the blue Start button to back up your Mac to another drive or external device.

Backup Mac files and data with Time Machine alternative software.

#4: How to Restore Mac Backups from Synology NAS with Time Machine

If you need to restore your backups from Synology NAS after a data disaster, follow these steps:

Step 1. On your Mac, go to System Preferences, and locate and open the Time Machine app.

Step 2. Check the local backups and snapshots.

Step 3. Select the data you wish to restore and tap the Restore button.

Step 4. You'll find the recovered data in its original file location.

Conclusion

We've shown you how to back up your Mac to a Synology NAS with Time Machine, and given you more useful information about what Time Machine is and how to restore Mac backups with it.

While Time Machine is a very useful backup app, it does have its limitations. If you're looking to create more advanced backup plans, Todo Backup for Mac would be the best alternative to Time Machine!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you use Time Machine to back up to a NAS?

Yes, you can use Time Machine to back up a NAS (Network Attached Storage). To do this, follow these steps: 1. Create a shared folder on your NAS. 2. Set that shared folder as the backup destination in Time Machine preferences on your Mac. 3. Now, you can easily back up your Mac using Time Machine. Just ensure that your Mac is connected to the NAS via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, and the NAS is properly configured to allow Time Machine backups.

2. Does Time Machine back up everything?

No, Time Machine doesn't back up everything. It doesn't support backing up system logs, applications, cache files, items in the Trash, iCloud content, Spotlight indexers, and so on. When you intend to use it to create a backup plan for specific data, ensure that Time Machine is capable of accommodating that type of file.