Transfer existing Time Machine backup to new Synology NAS

[Enquiries]

All of the tutorials and YouTube videos I have watched only talk about creating a new time machine back up on a NAS. Can I transfer an existing time machine back up on an external USB drive into a time machine back up on my new Synology 423+ NAS? Thanks so much for all of your help. Because of NASCompares I bought a Synology NAS.

[ed]

Yes, it is possible to transfer an existing Time Machine backup from an external USB drive to your new Synology DS423+ NAS. Synology NAS devices support Time Machine backups, allowing you to store and access your backups on the NAS instead of relying on external drives. To transfer your existing Time Machine backup, you can follow a few steps.

First, connect the USB drive containing the Time Machine backup to your computer. Then, on your Synology NAS, set up the Time Machine service by enabling the Time Machine application in the DSM (DiskStation Manager) interface. Create a shared folder on your NAS dedicated to Time Machine backups.

Next, use the Synology DSM interface to navigate to the Control Panel, select "Shared Folder," and enable Time Machine support for the shared folder you created. This will allow your NAS to function as a Time Machine target.

Once the Time Machine settings are configured on your NAS, open the Time Machine preferences on your Mac. Select the option to "Select Disk" or "Choose Backup Disk" and locate your Synology NAS in the list of available disks. Choose the shared folder you designated for Time Machine backups.

At this point, Time Machine will start using your Synology NAS as the new backup destination. However, keep in mind that the initial backup transfer can take some time, depending on the size of your existing backup and the network speed. It's recommended to keep your Mac and Synology NAS connected to the same network during the initial backup process to ensure a smooth transfer.

By following these steps, you can migrate your existing Time Machine backup from the external USB drive to your new Synology 423+ NAS, providing a centralized and reliable backup solution for your Mac.