# Time Machine Backup Setup with Mac mini Server ## Overview Set up a Mac mini server as a Time Machine backup destination for other Macs on your network by connecting an external storage device to the Mac mini and configuring it as a shared Time Machine backup destination. ## Prerequisites - Mac mini running macOS Ventura 13 or later - External storage device connected to the Mac mini - MacBook Air on the same network as the Mac mini - Both Macs must be on the same network ## Setup Steps (macOS Ventura 13 or later) ### On the Mac mini (backup destination server): 1. Go to **Apple menu** > **System Settings** 2. Click **General** in the sidebar, then click **Sharing** on the right 3. Turn on **File Sharing** (enter administrator password if prompted) 4. Click the **More info button** next to File Sharing 5. Click the **Add button** under the Shared Folders list 6. Select the external storage device to use for Time Machine backups 7. Control-click the storage device you just added 8. Choose **Advanced Options** from the menu 9. Select **"Share as a Time Machine backup destination"** 10. Click **OK** to confirm ### On the MacBook Air (backup source): 1. Open **System Settings** > **General** > **Time Machine** 2. Click **Add Backup Disk** 3. Select the shared storage device from your Mac mini 4. Click **Use Disk** 5. Enter your Mac mini administrator credentials if prompted ## Important Notes - **AFP Protocol:** If either Mac is running macOS Catalina or earlier, this solution is no longer recommended as it uses Apple Filing Protocol (AFP), which won't be supported in future macOS versions - For **macOS Monterey 12 or Big Sur 11**, the same steps apply but use **System Preferences** instead of System Settings - The external drive should be formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or APFS - Time Machine will now automatically back up to the shared destination ## Related Resources - [How to use Time Machine to back up your Mac](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/104984) - [Identify the ports on your Mac](https://support.apple.com/en-ca/109523)