---
id: mac-storage-basics.can-two-macs-share-one-time-machine-drive
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/can-two-macs-share-one-time-machine-drive
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Time Machine basics"
question: "Can two Macs back up to the same Time Machine drive?"
alt_questions:
  - "time machine multiple macs one drive"
  - "share backup drive between macs"
  - "two computers time machine"
  - "family time machine drive"
short_answer: "Yes — each Mac keeps separate backups on the shared drive, and space is shared, so size the drive for both Macs plus history."
tags: ["time machine", "multiple macs", "backup"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-big-should-a-time-machine-drive-be", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/can-i-use-one-drive-for-time-machine-and-files"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Can two Macs back up to the same Time Machine drive?

Yes. Each Mac keeps its own separate backups on the drive, and the space is shared between them — when it fills, Time Machine removes the oldest backups. Size the drive for both Macs' data plus room for history.

Adding a separate APFS volume per Mac on the drive can keep things tidy, but isn't required.