Time Machine Backups (with child datasets per user)

[joshdev]

Hey all,

similar to what TrueNas offers out of the box as the multi-user Time Machine option, I would like to see Time Machine Backup support for macOS devices.
This could be a special type of folder for that special purpose only where settings are locked in and only user access permissions can be set as with any other folder.

Hope to see this implemented at some point together with a quick tutorial on how to set up the backup in macOS with automatic drive connection on system start and so on.
Would make the whole process of setting it up very easy for everyone.
That feature would make HexOS a real alternative to the mac mini as a home server for "all-in on apple" people.

Please feel free to ask for clarification and add your ideas!
 

 

[TheGrumpySnail]

+1 this request. This is one of a few features that I am waiting for before purchasing a license. 

 

Currently using unraid which took too long for Time Machine to work properly and I do have continuous issues from time to time.

Edited December 3, 2024 by TheGrumpySnail

[bigluck]

+1.

I've purchased a license, but I'm experiencing an issue with the Time Machine.

The shared folder is not detected by Time Machine on my Mac out of the box, and even when accessing the TrueNAS dashboard and navigating to Advanced Options, I notice that the Time Machine checkbox is grayed out/disabled

This prevents enabling Time Machine functionality on a shared disk :( 

[Dan Nadrchal]

Would it be possible to backup your iPhone as well? Or has Apple lock it only for their iCloud? The functionality is there - you can backup your iPhone via WIFI to icloud. So it theoretically should be possible to backup to your own cloud/NAS storage. 

[joshdev]

53 minutes ago, Dan Nadrchal said:

Would it be possible to backup your iPhone as well? Or has Apple lock it only for their iCloud? The functionality is there - you can backup your iPhone via WIFI to icloud. So it theoretically should be possible to backup to your own cloud/NAS storage. 

It is not possible to use Time Machine on your iPhone so this is not what I request here. That is a question best asked to Apple 🙂

[Theo]

On 12/5/2024 at 5:47 PM, Dan Nadrchal said:

Would it be possible to backup your iPhone as well? Or has Apple lock it only for their iCloud? The functionality is there - you can backup your iPhone via WIFI to icloud. So it theoretically should be possible to backup to your own cloud/NAS storage. 

If you wanted to back up and iphone, you can do a manual back up if you plug your phone into a mac / pc. However you'd have to manage those files / move them to the NAS ect.

What you could use the NAS for to back up fro an iphone is NextCloud for files / documents, photos ect. And if you want a dedicated photo backup, Immich.

[Theo]

I know this is a request for a more 'One click' Hex TM integration, but incase people wanted to test this now, you can do this in Hex + TN today. (already had mine running a week without issue.

TIME MACHINE INSTALL GUIDE

1. Create a Folder & name it time machine (or a custom name)
   
2. Set the Folder permissions (I left mine open, add user permissions here to restricted access)
3. Navigate to the TrueNas UI (Server IP > Username: truenas_admin Pasword: server password from install)
4. Navigate to the Shares tab, you should see your newly created share. Click on edit (pencil)
   
5. On the Purpose drop down change to > Basic or multi user time machine.
   
6. Press save/apply, and it'll prompt a restart of the SMB process.
   
7. Go to your mac settings > general > Time machine.
   
8. Click the + icon and locate your time machine share, then click setup disk.
   FYI if you aren't already connected to your Hex server, you'd need to do so now. Either search for the server in the network tab of finder OR connect to the server with finder > go > connect to server > SMB://[THE IP OF YOUR HEX SERVER]
   
   
9. You can now choose to encrypt your backup with a password + if you choose, restrict the total disk usage the backup will have.
10. You should now see your time machine backup setup. This will start automatically, but you can create a back up straight away if you choose.
    
     

AUTO CONNECT SHARED DRIVE SETUP

Now that could be it, but to ensure your Time machine backup will always occur, you need to ensure your Mac is always connected to your Hex server.
to do this, we need to add the share to the login items

1. Open Settings > general > Login items > click the + icon
   
   
   
2. Locate your connected time machine share, then click open.
   
3. You should now see the drive in the login items.
   
   
   That's it, you should be all setup and running.

Edited December 13, 2024 by Theo

[Lukan]

I want to give my +1 because this would be sick!

[Dan Nadrchal]

Thank you very much. Already set it up for my wife without a problem 👍

[silents11]

Thank you @Theo this has worked perfectly for me!