FAQ
Short answers to the questions people ask before, and just after, they install Yester.
Is this a replacement for Time Machine?
For most people, yes: it backs up the whole Mac every hour, keeps versions, and restores a file, a folder or a whole Mac. The difference is where the copy lives — off your desk, so a stolen bag or a flood takes only the Mac. Nothing stops you running both.
Where is my data kept?
In the country you chose at signup — United Kingdom, Germany, United States or Australia — encrypted with a key that only you hold. It doesn’t move between countries.
Can Yester see my files?
No. Everything is encrypted on your Mac before it leaves, including file names. Yester stores ciphertext and never has the key. See Security and the recovery key.
What if I lose my recovery key?
If you’re still signed in on the Mac, save it now from Settings → Recovery Key. If the Mac is gone and there’s no copy anywhere — including iCloud Keychain — the backup can’t be opened. Yester cannot recover your data without it.
Does it slow my Mac down?
Backups run from a snapshot, upload only what changed, pause on battery power and slow down during video calls. After the first backup you shouldn’t notice it.
How long does the first backup take?
It depends on how much you have and how fast your connection is: a 400 GB Mac on a typical home connection takes a couple of days. The important things are safe within the first hour, and you can keep using your Mac.
How far back can I go?
90 days on Yester, 1 year on Yester Pro, 5 years on Yester Max. The current state of everything is kept for as long as you pay, whatever the plan. See Plans and history windows.
Can ransomware or a mistake delete my backup?
No. Your Mac can add to its backup and read from it, but it can’t delete from it. Versions are removed only by Yester’s retention rules when they pass your plan’s window. See How backups work.
What about my external drives?
Add them for £6.99 per TB a month. They’re backed up daily when plugged in, kept while you pay even when they’re in a drawer, and older files take up to 12 hours to restore. See External drives.
Can I back up an Intel Mac?
Not yet. Yester needs Apple silicon and macOS 26 or later.
Can I back up my iPhone or iPad?
Not yet. The account is built so they can be added later without changing anything about your Macs.
Is there a trial?
No. There is a 60-day full refund instead, from your account page, no questions asked.
How do I cancel?
Remove the device from your account page or in the app. The backup stays readable for 90 days, then it is deleted.