Set Up Cloud Time Machine Backup on Your Mac
Connect your Mac to Capsule Backup in under 5 minutes — no software to install.
Method 1: Connect via Finder
Open Finder and press ⌘K (or Go → Connect to Server)
Enter your server address: smb://your-id.region.capsulebackup.com
smb://your-id.region.capsulebackup.com Enter the username and password from your welcome email
The Capsule Backup drive now appears in your Finder sidebar
Method 2: Connect via Terminal
Open Terminal
Create a mount point: mkdir -p ~/CapsuleBackup
mkdir -p ~/CapsuleBackup Mount the share: mount_smbfs //username@your-id.region.capsulebackup.com/backup ~/CapsuleBackup
mount_smbfs //username@your-id.region.capsulebackup.com/backup ~/CapsuleBackup Enter your password when prompted
Configure Time Machine
Open System Settings → General → Time Machine
Click "Add Backup Disk" and select your Capsule Backup drive
Optionally enable "Encrypt Backups" for additional security
Time Machine will begin your first backup automatically
Troubleshooting
Connection Refused
Make sure your VPN is connected before trying to mount the share. Capsule Backup requires an active WireGuard connection. Check that your WireGuard tunnel is active in the menu bar, then try connecting again.
Slow Backup Speeds
The first backup is always the largest and may take several hours depending on your internet upload speed. Subsequent backups are incremental and much faster. For best performance, use a wired Ethernet connection and avoid peak hours.
Can't Find Drive in Time Machine
Ensure the SMB share is mounted in Finder before opening Time Machine preferences. Go to Finder, check the sidebar for the Capsule Backup volume. If it doesn't appear, re-mount using Cmd+K and enter your server address.
Setup FAQ
Do I need a static IP address to use Capsule Backup?
No. Capsule Backup works with any internet connection, including dynamic IPs. A static IP is only needed if you want to use the IP whitelisting security feature.
Will Time Machine backup automatically after setup?
Yes. Once you add your Capsule Backup drive as a Time Machine destination, backups start automatically every hour when your Mac is connected to the internet.
Can I mount the Capsule Backup drive automatically at login?
Yes. In macOS, go to System Settings > General > Login Items, and add the mounted Capsule Backup volume. It will reconnect automatically each time you log in.
What if I forget my SMB credentials?
Contact our support team at support@capsulebackup.com and we will reset your credentials and send you new ones via email.
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Capsule Backup is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple Inc. Time Machine, macOS, Finder, and Migration Assistant are trademarks of Apple Inc.
"The setup took 2 minutes. Having a real Time Machine backup in the cloud with full restore capability gives me peace of mind."