How to Change the Time Machine Backup Time Interval

This step-by-step guide explains how to change the time machine backup time interval. It covers the required setup, the main actions, and the checks that help prevent common problems.

You can assume that hourly backups are quite redundant. Apple does not give you a convenient way to change the default backup schedule. However there is another easy way to do that. Here we will show you two ways to change this hourly backup schedule.

Change system files

If you just want to change the default time interval and not schedule anything else, follow this method.

Warning: This tutorial involves changing system files. So you need to create a copy of the original files before making any changes.

1. Navigate to

You will see a list of . Plist Files. Find the file Com. Apple. Backupd-auto. Plist

2. Create a copy of this file somewhere on your hard drive.

3. Verify that (with administrator privileges for your computer) can Read and Write for this file. Mark Com. Apple. Backupd-auto. Plist And 'Get Info' (Command + I). If you don't see 'admin - Read & Write' or 'your username] Read & Write' you need to add yourself to the list.

4. Open this file with a text editor. Property List Editor does not allow you to save any changes for several reasons.

5. In the text editor, navigate to the lines

StartInterval 3600

Change the value of 3600 to the number you want, which is the time between backups taking place (in seconds).

6. Save your changes.

Time Machine Editor

Another possible way to do this is to use the TimeMachineEditor utility. In addition to changing the default backup interval, it also lets you schedule your backup schedule monthly, week, day or hourly with high detail.

Assign the desired actions, then select 'Apply'.

Remember that TimeMachineEditor utility is free to use.

Do you have other methods you can use to increase Time Machine's functionality? Please comment!