Fixing Time Machine stuck on preparing backup

Time Machine Backup Stuck? 7 Quick Fixes & Alternative Solutions

A Time Machine backup typically completes within 10 minutes. If yours is taking significantly longer (30-60 minutes or more), it's likely stuck. Don't wait—let's fix it!

Quick Solutions:

Fix	Steps
Restart Your Mac	Stop Time Machine, restart your Mac.
Reconnect External Drive	Stop Time Machine, reconnect the drive, and retry the backup.
Exclude Large Files	In Time Machine > Options, add large files (videos, VMs, archives) to exclusions.
Run Disk Utility	Open Disk Utility, run First Aid on your external drive to repair errors.
Clean Your Mac	Use CleanMyMac (or similar) to remove junk files and optimize performance.
Reset Time Machine	Forget the destination drive, delete com.apple.TimeMachine.plist, reconnect.
Delete Local Snapshots	Use Terminal: tmutil listlocalsnapshots / and tmutil deletelocalsnapshots [date].
Alternative Backup Tools	Consider Get Backup Pro or ChronoSync Express.

Why Time Machine Gets Stuck:

• Large Files: Oversized files can slow down or halt the backup process.
• Drive Issues: A damaged or outdated backup drive can cause problems.
• macOS Updates: Outdated macOS can lead to compatibility issues.
• Software Conflicts: Recent software installations might interfere.
• Malware: Malware on your Mac or drive can disrupt backups.
• Interrupted Backups: A previously interrupted backup can cause issues.
• Conflicting Apps: Antivirus or other apps accessing the drive can create conflicts.

Should You Wait?

No, generally not. A first-time backup of a massive dataset might warrant waiting, but usually, it's more efficient to troubleshoot.

Fixing a Stuck Backup:

1. Abort the Backup: Stop the current backup in System Settings > General > Time Machine.
2. Switch to Manual: Temporarily switch to manual backups.
3. Basic Troubleshooting: Restart your Mac, reconnect the drive, and update macOS.

Detailed Fixes:

1. Exclude Large Files:

1. Open Time Machine preferences.
2. Click "Options...".
3. Add large files/folders to the "Exclude from backups" list.

2. Fix the External Drive:

Use Disk Utility's First Aid to check and repair your backup drive. Consider replacing an old or damaged drive.

3. Clean Your MacBook:

Use CleanMyMac (or a similar tool) to remove unnecessary files and optimize your system. Check running processes in Terminal using sudo fs_usage -w | grep backupd.

4. Exclude Drive from Antivirus: Exclude your external drive from antivirus scans (after scanning for malware).

5. Reset Time Machine Settings:

1. Forget the backup drive in Time Machine preferences.
2. Delete com.apple.TimeMachine.plist ( /Library/Preferences/).
3. Restart your Mac and re-add the drive.

6. Delete Local Snapshots (Use with Caution!):

1. List snapshots: tmutil listlocalsnapshots /
2. Delete a snapshot: tmutil deletelocalsnapshots [date] (or all: tmutil deletelocalsnapshots /)

7. Alternative Backup Tools:

Consider Get Backup Pro or ChronoSync Express for improved backup management.

Preventing Future Issues:

• Keep macOS and apps updated.
• Regularly run Disk Utility's First Aid.
• Clean your Mac before backups.
• Use a sufficiently large, high-quality external drive.
• Use good quality cables.
• Perform backups frequently.

Consider Setapp for access to Get Backup Pro, ChronoSync Express, and CleanMyMac.

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