Create an APFS Local Snapshot with tmutil localsnapshot

Make a point-in-time restore point on the internal disk in seconds.

macOSbackupdisktmutiltime-machineLow risk

Run `tmutil localsnapshot` and note the printed snapshot date for restoring later.

01Command

Command

$ tmutil localsnapshot

02What it does

On an APFS Mac, a local snapshot is a near-instant copy of the volume’s current state stored on the same disk — no external drive needed. It differs from listing existing snapshots: here you create one on demand, right before system updates or big app changes, then use Migration Assistant or `tmutil` to inspect it. macOS purges old snapshots automatically as free space runs low.

03Risk

RiskLow risk

RequirementsAPFS-formatted startup disk (macOS 10.14+).

!Warning: A snapshot lives on the same disk — it protects against software changes, not disk failure. Do not rely on snapshots as your only backup.

04Undo

Undo

$ tmutil deletelocalsnapshots "$(tmutil listlocalsnapshots / | tail -n1 | sed 's/com.apple.TimeMachine.//;s/.local//')"

05Sources

tmutil – Time Machine utility
ss64.com · technical · 2026-09-17
Evidence: Documents localsnapshot, listlocalsnapshots, deletelocalsnapshots
Use Time Machine on Mac
Apple · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
Evidence: Explains local snapshots as part of Time Machine behavior

Last verified: 2026-09-18 · Category: System & Settings

06Related solutions

List Local Time Machine Snapshots with tmutil

macOSbackupstoragetmutil

See every local APFS Time Machine snapshot on your startup disk and delete ones you no longer need.

Low risk ✓ 2026-09-17

Map Your Disk with diskutil apfs list

macOSvolumesdiskapfs

See the full APFS container layout: every volume, its capacity, used space, and mounted snapshots.

Medium risk ✓ 2026-09-17

Clone Folders with Full macOS Metadata Using ditto

macOSbackupcopyresource-fork

The copy command that keeps Finder flags, ACLs, resource forks, and exact permissions intact.

Medium risk ✓ 2026-09-17