WD My Passport for Mac Portable External Hard Drive
- 4 TB capacity
- USB 3.0, USB 2.0 compatible
- Mac formatted, Time Machine ready
- Hardware encryption with password protection
- 2.5 inch portable form factor, 8.64 ounces
- 2 year limited warranty
Updated 25 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A sensible portable backup drive for Mac owners who want Time Machine to work without reformatting. It is a spinning hard drive, not a fast SSD, and Windows users should look at the PC version.
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ASIN: B01LQQH856Category: External Hard Drives
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Overview
Not a Windows drive that needs reformatting, the WD My Passport for Mac arrives set up for Macs and ready for Time Machine backups. The portable hard drive connects by USB cable and adds password protection backed by hardware encryption.
Ready to back up a Mac from the first plug in, with encryption that protects the data if the drive is lost. Spinning disk storage is slower and more fragile than flash, and the plastic shell gives no listed drop protection.
Who it's for
MacBook and iMac users wanting automatic backups plus room for photo and video libraries get a ready made solution. People who need fast file editing straight off the drive would be better served by an SSD.
Pros and cons
- Ready for Time Machine backups
- Password protection with hardware encryption
- Large capacity in a pocket size
- USB cable included
- Spinning disk, slower than an SSD
- Drop resistance not listed
Performance notes
Transfer speed is set by the spinning disk inside rather than the USB link, so large copies run at hard drive pace. Hardware encryption runs on the drive itself, so the Mac does not slow down while locking data. On an older USB port the link itself becomes the bottleneck.
Specifications
| Brand | Western Digital |
|---|---|
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item weight | 8.64 ounces |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 4 TB |
| Construction & materials | |
| Enclosure Material | Plastic |
| Color | Black |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Compatible Devices | USB 3.0 port, USB 2.0 compatible |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | 2-year limited warranty |
| Other details | |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 inches |
| Hardware Platform | Mac |
| Additional Features | Time Machine ready, password protection, hardware encryption |
| BuiltIn Media | Portable hard drive, USB 3.0 cable, Quick Install Guide |
Frequently asked questions
What comes in the box with the WD My Passport for Mac?
The portable hard drive, a USB 3.0 cable and a Quick Install Guide. No power adapter is listed.
Does the WD My Passport for Mac work with Time Machine?
Yes. It is designed for Mac and Time Machine ready.
Can I use the WD My Passport for Mac on a Windows PC?
The listing only covers Mac use. The PC version of My Passport is formatted for Windows.
Is the WD My Passport for Mac an SSD?
No. It is a 2.5 inch portable hard drive.