Configure Synology NAS for Time Machine backups
Overview
Time Machine is a built-in backup feature on macOS that allows you to easily backup and restore your data. Synology NAS devices can be configured to function as a Time Machine target, providing a convenient and reliable backup solution. This guide will walk you through the steps to configure your Synology NAS for Time Machine backups.
Step 1: Prepare your NAS
1. Connect your Synology NAS to your network and ensure it has the latest firmware installed.
2. Log in to the Synology DSM (DiskStation Manager) web interface by entering the IP address of your NAS in a web browser.
3. Navigate to "Control Panel" and select "Shared Folder". Create a new shared folder specifically for Time Machine backups.
Step 2: Enable Time Machine on your Synology NAS
1. In the DSM web interface, go to "Control Panel" and select "File Services". Choose the "Apple File Protocol (AFP)" tab.
2. Check the box next to "Enable AFP service" and click "Apply". This will enable AFP support for Time Machine backups.
3. Next, go to "Control Panel" and select "User". Create a new user account specifically for Time Machine backups.
4. Assign the newly created user account to the shared folder you created in Step 1.
Step 3: Configure Time Machine on your Mac
1. Open "System Preferences" on your Mac and select "Time Machine".
2. Click on the "Select Backup Disk" button, and your Synology NAS should appear in the list of available disks.
3. Select your Synology NAS from the list and click "Use Disk".
4. Enter the username and password of the user account you created in Step 2, and click "Connect".
5. Choose whether you want to encrypt your backups or not, and click "Encrypt Disk" if desired.
6. Time Machine will now start backing up your Mac to your Synology NAS. The initial backup may take some time, depending on the size of your data.
Step 4: Monitor and manage Time Machine backups
1. To monitor Time Machine backups, you can go to the DSM web interface and navigate to "Main Menu" > "Backup & Replication" > "Backup" > "Tasks". Here, you can view the backup progress and manage backup settings.
2. You can also access your Time Machine backups from your Mac by clicking on the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and selecting "Browse Other Backup Disks".
By following these steps, you can configure your Synology NAS to serve as a Time Machine target, ensuring that your data is protected and easily recoverable.
