---
id: backups.do-drive-backups-need-the-internet
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/do-drive-backups-need-the-internet
category: "Backups & restore points"
subcategory: "Where backups go"
question: "Do backups to an external drive need an internet connection?"
alt_questions:
  - "offline backup Storage Studio"
  - "backup without Wi-Fi"
  - "Does Data Backup work offline?"
  - "local backup no internet"
short_answer: "No. Drive and folder backups run entirely on your Mac and work offline. Only cloud destinations need a connection, and they catch up once you're back online."
tags: ["offline", "external drive"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-back-up-to-an-external-drive", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-happens-if-the-backup-drive-is-unplugged"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Do backups to an external drive need an internet connection?

No. Backups to a drive or folder run entirely on your Mac, so they work offline — on a plane, with Wi-Fi off, anywhere. Only cloud destinations need a connection, and the network conditions such as **Not on a personal hotspot** apply to those alone.

If a cloud set is offline, it waits and catches up once you're connected again.