How to use Finder with Time Machine

Apple's built-in Time Machine app makes it simple to back up data on your Mac. When the time comes, you can use Finder to restore files through Time Machine. Here's how to do it.

Great backup drives

• Our Favorite: G-Technology G-Drive 1TB ($70 at Amazon)
• Compact: SanDisk Extreme Portable External 250B, 500GB, 1TB, 2GB (starting at $73 at Amazon)
• Sleak choice: LaCie Porsche Design 1TB, 2TB, 4TB (starting at $90 at Amazon)

Using Finder with Time Machine

Follow these instructions to use Finder with Time Machine to ultimately restore files.

1. Select the Time Machine icon on the Mac Toolbar.

2. Choose Enter Time Machine.

   

3. In Time Machine, click on a Finder window that represents a day. Once you do, the Finder window for that day moves forward to the front of the screen.

   

4. Find the file or folder in question and click Restore.

5. From here, you'll be asked whether to replace the current file with the older one or same the older one as a duplicate.

   

There you have it! You should have restored the proper file.

Our top equipment pick

There are countless hard drives available that support Apple's Time Machine app for backup purposes. These three are among the best on the market.

Also available with 2TB and 4TB, G-Technology's G-Drive is one of the easiest drives to use for backup. Just plug it in and you're halfway there! It's available in silver, space gray, and rose gold.

Other options

The following hard drives are also among our favorites for 2019.