Setting up Time Capsule - the 5 best tips
The Time Capsule combines an AirPort base and a backup drive for Time Machine. You can read how to set up the Time Capsule in this practical tip. Your Mac already brings all the necessary programs with it.
Tips for setting up the Time Capsule
Once you've plugged in your Time Capsule, you're ready to go. The easiest way to do this is with the AirPort utility.
- If it hasn't already done so automatically, open the AirPort Utility. You can find it by searching (CMD + spacebar) or in the program folder "Utilities".
- As soon as it is opened, the program begins to search for your TimeCapsule. Under the "Other WLAN devices" button, the time capsule should be found as "AirPort Time Capsule xxxx". Select the time capsule. The utility begins to collect information about the new device and gradually guides you through the setup.
- If you have an external modem, you can now use the Time Machine as a new router. Then select "Replace existing device". You can connect the external modem via the Time Capsule's WAN port.
- If you want to continue using your old router and the Time Capsule is only to be responsible for the WiFi network, you can run the Time Capsule in bridge mode.
- After successfully completing the setup, you may receive a message that an update for the Time Capsule is available. Do it. The Time Capsule is not available during the update. After the update you can start immediately.
Set up backup to the new Time Capsule
When the new WLAN network is running and the setup is complete, open the "Time Machine" menu item in the system settings.
- Click the "Select Volume" button. You should already find the Time Capsule drive in the list. Select it and confirm with "Use as backup hard disk".
- Under "Options" you can now exclude folders from the backup and make settings for overwriting older backups.
- Finally, set the Time Machine's large switch to "On" and your Mac will begin the first backup!
Another practical tip gives you the three best tips for backing up with the Time Machine.