How to clone a hard drive on Mac

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

Cloning a hard drive on a Mac involves creating an exact copy of the drive's data, which can be useful for backups or upgrading to a larger drive. This can be accomplished using built-in tools like Disk Utility or third-party software.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before starting the cloning process, ensure you have the following:
  • •A Mac running macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later.
  • •An external hard drive or SSD with enough capacity to hold the data from the source drive.
  • •Administrator access to the Mac.
  • •Backup any important data before proceeding with the cloning process.

Method 1: Using Disk Utility

Disk Utility is a built-in macOS application that allows users to clone drives easily. This method is recommended for users who prefer native tools without additional software.
  • •Step 1: Open Disk Utility by going to Finder > Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
  • •Step 2: In the Disk Utility window, select the source drive from the left sidebar.
  • •Step 3: Click on the 'Edit' menu at the top and select 'Restore'.
  • •Step 4: In the 'Restore' dialog, select the destination drive (external drive) from the dropdown menu.
  • •Step 5: Click 'Restore' to begin the cloning process. A progress bar will appear, indicating the status.
  • •Step 6: Once complete, verify the cloned drive by selecting it and checking the contents.
  • •Step 7: If the process fails, ensure that the destination drive is formatted correctly (Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or APFS).

For macOS 11 (Big Sur) and later

The interface may slightly differ in newer macOS versions, but the steps remain largely the same.
  • •Ensure that both drives are connected and recognized by the system.
  • •If using APFS, ensure that the destination drive is also APFS formatted.

For macOS 10.14 (Mojave) and earlier

Older versions of macOS may have different formatting options.
  • •Use Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for compatibility with older systems.
  • •The 'Restore' option may be found under the 'File' menu instead of 'Edit'.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Software

Third-party applications can offer more features and flexibility for cloning hard drives. This method is ideal for users who need advanced options.
  • •Step 1: Download and install a cloning software such as Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper! from their official websites.
  • •Step 2: Open the software and select the source drive you want to clone.
  • •Step 3: Choose the destination drive where the clone will be saved.
  • •Step 4: Configure any additional options, such as scheduling or incremental backups.
  • •Step 5: Click 'Clone' or 'Start' to begin the cloning process.
  • •Step 6: Monitor the progress through the software interface and verify the clone upon completion.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues during the cloning process, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'The operation couldn’t be completed' - Solution: Ensure both drives are properly connected and formatted correctly.
  • •Issue: Cloning process is slow - Fix: Check for background applications that may be using disk resources.
  • •Problem: Destination drive not recognized - Workaround: Reformat the destination drive using Disk Utility before attempting to clone.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your cloning experience with these expert tips:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Command + Space - Opens Spotlight for quick access to Disk Utility.
  • •Command line: 'asr' command - Use Terminal for advanced cloning operations.
  • •Hidden feature: Use 'Disk Utility' to create a disk image for backup purposes before cloning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For the best results, use a combination of Disk Utility for straightforward cloning and third-party software for more complex needs.