If your Time Machine is stuck on preparing backup, you may be wondering how to fix it. Let’s explore some solutions.
Verify Backup Disk Connection
To verify the backup disk connection, first, ensure that the external hard drive or Time Capsule is properly connected to your computer. Check the connection cables and make sure they are securely plugged in.
Next, open Finder and navigate to the backup disk to confirm that it is recognized by your system. If the disk is not showing up, try reconnecting it or using a different USB port.
Check the disk’s status in Disk Utility by following these steps:
1. Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
2. Look for the backup disk in the list on the left-hand side.
3. If the disk is grayed out or shows any errors, you may need to repair it using the First Aid feature in Disk Utility.
If the backup disk is still not being recognized, try restarting your computer and reconnecting the disk. You may also want to try using a different backup disk to see if the issue is with the original disk or your system.
By verifying the backup disk connection, you can ensure that Time Machine is able to successfully back up your data without getting stuck on preparing the backup.
Check Disk Space Availability
- Check available disk space on your Mac
- Make sure there is enough space for the Time Machine backup
- Remove any unnecessary files or applications to free up space
- Consider using an external hard drive for additional storage
- Check for any large files that can be deleted or moved to another location
Reset Time Machine Preferences
1. Open Finder and navigate to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:
defaults delete com.apple.TimeMachine
3. Restart your Mac to apply the changes.
By resetting Time Machine preferences, you may be able to resolve the issue of it being stuck on preparing backup.
Exclude Large Files and Folders
To exclude large files and folders, open Time Machine preferences and go to the Options tab. Here, you can add any large files or folders to the exclusion list. This will prevent Time Machine from backing up these items, allowing the backup process to run more smoothly.
By excluding large files and folders from the backup selection, you can help fix the issue of Time Machine being stuck on preparing backup. Make sure to regularly review and update the exclusion list to ensure the backup process continues to run efficiently.
F.A.Q.
How long should a Mac be on preparing a backup?
A Mac should be on preparing a backup for typically 10 minutes.
Why is my Time Machine backup taking so long?
Your Time Machine backup may be taking a long time due to certain apps storing data in large files that are frequently updated. Time Machine backs up these files each time they change, which can lead to longer backup times.
How long should a Time Machine backup take?
A Time Machine backup duration varies depending on factors such as the external disk, MacBook model, and amount of data being backed up. Initial backups with a large amount of data can take up to 18 hours.
Why is Time Machine not completing my backup?
Time Machine may not be completing your backup if your backup disk is not properly connected to your Mac. Make sure the disk is plugged in, turned on, and securely connected. If it’s a network backup, ensure both the disk and your Mac are connected to the network without any issues.
