Set up a shared network Time Machine folder to back up multiple Macs
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Want to find a solution to back up multiple Macs in your home or office without buying dedicated hardware like network-attached storage, paying for a backup service, or needing multiple external drives? You can set up a shared network folder on Mac to allow other machines to save their Time Machine backups.
The handy feature to set up a shared network folder for backups with macOS is like a built-in virtual NAS. Keep in mind, you’ll want to make sure the Mac you’re setting up the shared folder on has enough storage to handle backups from Macs you’ll be using it with. You can also limit backups to a specific size. And don’t forget to regularly back up the Mac you’re using as the shared folder host with an external drive or other option.
Set up a shared Time Machine backup folder on Mac
• Choose Apple menu > System Settings... > General
• Choose Sharing and turn on File Sharing
• Click the (i) information button
• Now click the "Options..." Button and make sure “Share files and folders using SMB” is checked
• Click Done
• Click the + button at the bottom of the Shared Folders list
• Select the folder you want to use (or create a new one) for sharing, then click Open
• Control-click the folder name, then choose "Advanced Options..."
• Turn on "Share as a Time Machine backup destination" (you can also limit backups to a certain GB threshold)
• When done, click "OK"
Back up a Mac to a shared network folder
• Choose Apple menu > System Settings... > General > Time Machine
• Click the "Add Backup Disk..." button
• Choose the shared folder and click the "Set Up Disk..." button
