Before installing a macOS beta, make a complete Time Machine backup to a separate, supported destination and wait for it to finish. Keep that backup available: if you need to return to a previously released macOS, Apple’s guidance calls for erasing the Mac and restoring from a backup made before the beta.
Before you start: decide whether to install the beta
Beta software may contain errors or work less reliably than released software. Apple recommends installing it on a secondary system or device, or on a secondary partition on your Mac. If you rely on this Mac for work or other critical tasks, consider testing on a separate system instead of your production installation. Apple Beta’s FAQ explains the recommendation and warns about beta software.
Choose a separate Time Machine destination
Use an external hard drive or SSD, or supported network storage. Don’t rely only on local snapshots or another copy stored on the Mac’s internal disk: a separate destination gives you a recovery copy if the internal disk or Mac is affected. Apple’s Time Machine guide describes supported backup destinations, and its snapshot overview explains that local snapshots are stored on the same disk as the original files and kept only temporarily or until space is needed.
For capacity, Apple says a backup disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity is ideal; its example is a 2 TB backup disk for a Mac with 1 TB of storage. This is guidance, not a strict minimum. Choose a supported disk with enough room for your existing data and future backups. Apple’s Time Machine troubleshooting guidance also recommends connecting the disk directly when diagnosing a connection problem.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Make the backup before installing the beta
- Connect the backup destination. Attach the external disk or make sure the supported network destination is available. If you are troubleshooting a connection, connect the disk directly to the Mac.
- Open Time Machine settings. In System Settings, go to General > Time Machine, then add a backup disk. The exact wording can vary by macOS version; Apple’s Time Machine setup guide covers the settings flow.
- Start a backup and wait for it to finish. Apple Beta specifically advises backing up a Mac with Time Machine before installing beta software. Don’t begin installation while the backup is still running.
- Keep the backup intact and accessible. Leave the destination available until you are confident you no longer need the pre-beta recovery point. If the backup is encrypted, keep its password; Apple may require it during restoration.
What the backup can and cannot restore
Time Machine backs up files outside the macOS installation, including apps, music, photos, and documents. Apple says it does not back up system files or apps installed during macOS installation. Treat it as a way to recover files and data—not as a bootable clone or a complete copy of the installed operating system. See Apple’s description of what Time Machine backs up.
macOS may also create local Time Machine snapshots on the internal disk, including before some macOS updates. They can help recover files, but they are not a substitute for the separate backup Apple recommends before beta installation.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Can you go back to the regular macOS afterward?
Yes, but returning to a previously released macOS is not simply a matter of restoring personal files. Apple Beta says to erase the Mac and restore from a backup made before installing the beta. The backup must be from the current macOS version or an OS version that came before the beta; don’t treat a backup made while running the beta as a safe rollback point for the previous release. Follow Apple Beta’s current restore instructions for your Mac’s architecture and macOS version.
Apple’s general recovery guidance is to reinstall macOS first and then use Migration Assistant to transfer data from a Time Machine backup. The startup and recovery steps differ between Apple silicon and Intel Macs. Consult Apple’s Time Machine recovery guide and the beta-specific instructions before erasing the Mac. You’ll need the backup destination connected and, if it is encrypted, its password.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Restore a file without rolling back macOS
If you only need an earlier version of a document or another individual item, you can browse Time Machine backups and restore selected files using Apple’s file-restoration instructions. This does not reinstall an older macOS or undo the beta installation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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