Tablet Time Machine Backup Failures: Solutions

If you’re one of the many Mac users experiencing Time Machine backup issues on your tablet, you’re not alone. These backups can be crucial for safeguarding your data, so it’s essential to find reliable solutions to fix the problem. In this article, we’ll explore some common problems and provide effective solutions to ensure your Time Machine backups are running smoothly.

Time Machine backups on tablets, running on macOS Sierra, have been causing frustration for users. One common issue is that the backups randomly stop automatically, even though manually triggering a backup works fine. The system logs don’t offer any indication of backupd/TimeMachine running or failing. However, users have discovered various solutions. Killing the process “TMCacheDelete” has helped some users resolve the issue and enabled Time Machine to start backing up automatically again. Others have found success with the third-party solutions TimeMachineEditor and ChronoSync. Additionally, updating to the latest macOS Sierra version, 10.12.4, has resolved the problem for some individuals.

In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into troubleshooting Time Machine backup issues, dealing with backup duration and the infamous “Backup Volume Is Read-Only” error. We’ll also explore how to exclude large files from backups, provide tips for troubleshooting backups on macOS upgrades, and conclude with the importance of maintaining reliable backup solutions to safeguard your valuable data.

Troubleshooting Time Machine Backup Issues

If you encounter issues with Time Machine backups, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. First, it’s important to be patient and allow the backup process to complete, as it may take some time, especially for large amounts of data. If the backup doesn’t progress or gets stuck, you can try stopping the current backup and starting a new one.

It’s also worth checking if your external hard drive is compatible with Time Machine. The drive should be formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) with a GUID Partition Table (GPT). This ensures that Time Machine can properly recognize and work with the drive.

Excluding large files from the backup can help resolve issues and improve backup performance. In the Time Machine settings, you can specify which files or folders to exclude from the backup process. This can save space and reduce the time it takes for each backup.

Another factor that can impact Time Machine backups is Spotlight indexing. If Spotlight indexing is running while Time Machine is performing a backup, it can slow down the process. You can exclude the Time Machine backup folder from Spotlight indexing to optimize performance.

Deleting local snapshots can also be beneficial. Time Machine creates local snapshots on your Mac’s internal storage when your backup drive is not connected. These local snapshots can take up significant disk space and might cause issues with the backup process. You can use the Terminal command sudo tmutil thinlocalsnapshots / to delete these local snapshots and free up space.

In addition, periodically cleaning up Time Machine can help improve its performance. You can review and remove old backups or unnecessary files from your backup drive. This ensures that Time Machine is consistently backing up the most relevant and important data.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can resolve common Time Machine backup issues and ensure the smooth operation of your data protection system.

Waiting for Time Machine Backups

Time Machine backups can take a significant amount of time, especially when backing up large amounts of data. It’s important to be patient and allow the backup to complete, even if it takes several hours or overnight. This is especially true for initial backups. Time Machine will continue to run in the background, and you can use your Mac normally while the backup is in progress.

While waiting for Time Machine to complete its backup process, it’s essential to exercise patience. The duration of the backup can vary depending on the size of the files being backed up, the speed of your Mac and external drive, and the overall system performance. It’s not uncommon for the initial backup to take several hours or even overnight, especially if you have a large amount of data to back up.

During this time, it’s important not to interrupt or stop the backup process. Closing the lid of your MacBook or putting your Mac to sleep will not affect the backup, as Time Machine will continue running in the background. You can carry on with your regular tasks, surf the internet, check email, or even play games, without worrying about interrupting the backup process.

By allowing Time Machine to perform its backup overnight, you can take advantage of the time where you are not actively using your Mac. This can be particularly beneficial if you have a slower internet connection or limited bandwidth during peak hours. Letting it run during off-peak hours ensures that your backup progresses uninterrupted and minimizes any potential impact on your regular activities.

Remember, patience is key when waiting for Time Machine backups. Although it may seem like a long wait, the investment in time spent now will pay off in the future when you need to restore your data or retrieve a specific file. Overnight backups are a great way to maximize the backup process’s efficiency and ensure that your important files are protected.

Benefits of Allowing Overnight Backups

There are several advantages to allowing overnight backups with Time Machine:

• Convenience: Letting Time Machine perform its backups while you sleep or are away from your Mac ensures that the process doesn’t interfere with your daily activities.
• Optimal Network Usage: Performing the backup during off-peak hours maximizes your available network bandwidth, especially if you have limited internet speeds during busy times.
• Reduce Downtime: Allowing overnight backups ensures that your Mac is available for use during the day, without any interruptions in backup activity.
• Data Protection: Initiating regular backups, even if it means leaving your Mac on overnight, provides an extra layer of protection for your important files and ensures they are recoverable in the event of data loss.

By exercising patience and allowing Time Machine to perform its backups overnight, you can minimize the disruption to your day-to-day activities while ensuring the safety of your valuable data.

Troubleshooting the “Backup Volume Is Read-Only” Error

The “Backup Volume Is Read-Only” error message can be encountered when your Mac believes that the drive permissions have been changed to read-only. This could occur due to a power outage or the drive unexpectedly turning off. To overcome this error and resume your Time Machine backups, you can attempt the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Eject and Reconnect the External Drive: Start by ejecting the external drive that you use for Time Machine backup and then reconnect it to your Mac. This process helps refresh the connection and ensures that the drive is properly recognized.
2. Unmount the Backup Drive: Access Disk Utility, locate your backup drive, and unmount it. By unmounting the drive, you allow the system to reset the read-only status and establish a new connection.
3. Repair Disk Errors: Once the backup drive is unmounted, you can use Disk Utility’s First Aid feature to scan and repair any disk errors that might be present on the Time Machine volume. Repairing these errors can resolve any underlying issues with the drive permissions.

By ejecting and reconnecting the external drive, unmounting the backup drive, and repairing disk errors, you can often rectify the “Backup Volume Is Read-Only” error and ensure the smooth functioning of your Time Machine backups.

Note: A screenshot showcasing the “Backup Volume Is Read-Only” error might be helpful to illustrate this troubleshooting process effectively.

Excluding Large Files from Time Machine Backups

Sometimes, Time Machine backups can fail due to large files that take a long time to back up or may not need to be backed up at all. You can exclude these large files from the backup to save space and potentially resolve backup issues.

In System Preferences, under Time Machine settings, you can add items to exclude from the backup, such as individual large files or entire folders. By removing these files from the backup, you can reduce the backup time and free up space on your external drive. It’s also recommended to review and remove any unneeded files from your Mac to further optimize the backup process.

Steps to Exclude Large Files from Time Machine Backups:

1. Open System Preferences on your Mac.
2. Click on the Time Machine icon.
3. Go to the Options…
4. A new window will appear. Click on the “+” button to add items to exclude from the backup.
5. Select the large files or folders that you want to exclude from the backup.
6. Click on Exclude.
7. Once you have added all the necessary exclusions, click on Save.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage your Time Machine backups and ensure that only necessary files are included, saving valuable space and reducing backup time. Remember to regularly review and update your backup settings to adapt to your changing needs.

Troubleshooting Time Machine Backup on macOS Upgrades

Upgrading to a new version of macOS can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with Time Machine backups. It’s crucial to ensure that your backup drive is compatible with the new macOS version and make any necessary format changes to ensure a smooth transition. Furthermore, keeping your macOS up to date with the latest software updates is essential as they often include bug fixes and improvements specifically tailored to Time Machine.

If you encounter any issues after upgrading to a new macOS version, it’s highly recommended to check for known bugs and seek support from Apple. They can provide valuable assistance and guidance to help resolve these issues. In some cases, considering third-party backup solutions as a temporary workaround can also be beneficial.

Remember, maintaining the compatibility of your backup drive and staying updated with software releases are key to ensuring a reliable Time Machine backup experience on macOS upgrades.

Recommended Steps:

1. Check the compatibility of your backup drive with the new macOS version.
2. Make necessary format changes to ensure compatibility.
3. Keep your macOS up to date with the latest software updates.
4. Check for known bugs and issues specific to the new macOS version.
5. Seek support from Apple for guidance and troubleshooting assistance.
6. Consider using third-party backup solutions as a temporary workaround.

Compatibility	Software Updates	Third-Party Solutions
Ensure backup drive compatibility	Keep macOS up to date	Explore alternative backup tools
Check for necessary format changes	Benefit from bug fixes and improvements	Consult user reviews and recommendations
Seek support from Apple		Ensure compatibility with new macOS versions

Conclusion

Time Machine is a valuable built-in feature on Macs, providing automatic backups to protect your data. While it can encounter issues, such as backups not starting or encountering errors, troubleshooting steps can help resolve these problems.

By being patient and following the recommended solutions, you can improve the reliability of Time Machine backups. Ensuring drive compatibility, excluding large files, managing Spotlight indexing, deleting local snapshots, and performing cleanups are important steps to safeguard your data.

In addition, it’s crucial to keep your macOS version up to date and consider third-party backup solutions as reliable alternatives for data protection. Regularly checking and testing your backups is essential to ensure the safety and availability of your important files.

Overall, Time Machine offers an effective way to protect your data. By implementing the troubleshooting steps mentioned and exploring reliable backup solutions, you can ensure that your valuable information is always secure.

FAQ

What are some troubleshooting steps for Time Machine backup issues?

If you encounter issues with Time Machine backups, you can try stopping the current backup and starting a new one, ensuring the external hard drive is compatible with Time Machine, excluding large files from the backup, excluding Spotlight from indexing the Time Machine backup, deleting local snapshots, and cleaning up Time Machine.

How long do Time Machine backups take?

Time Machine backups can take a significant amount of time, especially when backing up large amounts of data. It’s important to be patient and allow the backup to complete, even if it takes several hours or overnight.

How can I resolve the “Backup Volume Is Read-Only” error?

To resolve the “Backup Volume Is Read-Only” error, you can try ejecting and reconnecting the external drive, unmounting the backup drive using Disk Utility, and repairing any disk errors on the Time Machine volume using Disk Utility’s First Aid feature.

Can I exclude large files from Time Machine backups?

Yes, you can exclude large files from Time Machine backups. In the Time Machine settings in System Preferences, you can add items to exclude from the backup, such as individual large files or entire folders. By removing these files from the backup, you can reduce the backup time and free up space on your external drive.

What should I do if I encounter Time Machine backup issues after upgrading macOS?

If you encounter Time Machine backup issues after upgrading to a new macOS version, you should ensure that the backup drive is compatible with the new macOS version and make any necessary format changes. It’s also important to keep your macOS up to date with the latest software updates, as they often include bug fixes and improvements to Time Machine.

How can I resolve Time Machine backup issues?

Troubleshooting steps for Time Machine backup issues include being patient and allowing the backup process to complete, ensuring drive compatibility, excluding large files, managing Spotlight indexing, deleting local snapshots, and performing cleanups. It’s also recommended to keep your macOS version up to date and consider third-party backup solutions as alternatives.

What are some reliable backup solutions for safeguarding data?

Time Machine, third-party backup solutions like TimeMachineEditor and ChronoSync, and regularly checking and testing your backups are reliable solutions for safeguarding data.