---
id: mac-storage-basics.are-local-snapshots-a-backup
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/are-local-snapshots-a-backup
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Purgeable space and local snapshots"
question: "Are local snapshots a real backup?"
alt_questions:
  - "do local snapshots replace time machine"
  - "snapshots vs backup mac"
  - "can I rely on local snapshots"
  - "are apfs snapshots a backup"
  - "local snapshot protect against drive failure"
short_answer: "No. They sit on the same drive as your files, so they don't protect against drive failure, theft or erasing. Keep a separate backup."
tags: ["snapshots", "backup", "time machine"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-are-local-snapshots-on-a-mac", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-big-should-a-time-machine-drive-be"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Are local snapshots a real backup?

No. Local snapshots live on the same drive as your files, so if that drive fails, is stolen or is erased, the snapshots go with it. They're a convenience for restoring a recent version or a deleted file, not protection against losing the Mac.

A real backup is a separate copy on another device — a Time Machine drive, another backup disk, or a cloud backup. Storage Studio's Data Backup can also make copies to an external drive or a cloud account. See [backups](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/).