Time Machine Won't Complete While Connected to Power Source

Question

Time Machine Won't Complete While Connected to Power Source

I've been using Time Machine to back up to the same external hard drive for a few years now. Never had a problem. When I tried this week, it wouldn't complete the backup even after being plugged in for hours on end. It rarely takes more than an hour. When I checked the alert it said "Time Machine did not back up because the computer was running on battery power. Connect your Mac to a power source while your backup disk is available." The thing is, I did have it plugged in. It retained its charge and was hard wired to a power source. I enabled in Time Machine's options to still backup even if only running on a battery. I plugged by hard drive back in and hours later it still hadn't completed it, giving me the same alert about needing to be connected to a power source. How can I convince Time Machine that my computer is connected to a power source?

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 13.1

Posted on Jan 13, 2023 08:29 PM

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Answer 1

Vilas_S

Community Specialist

Jan 16, 2023 12:31 PM in response to SpatulaCities

Hello SpatulaCities,

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. If you're unable to successfully use Time Machine to backup your data, we can recommend some steps you can try. These steps might be able to help sort this issue out. Click here: Time Machine troubleshooting on Mac - Apple Support

1.) Make sure your backup disk is plugged in, turned on, and securely connected to your Mac. If your backup disk is on a network, make sure both the disk and your Mac are connected to the network. If the network is experiencing problems, your backup disk may not be available.

2.) Download and install all recent updates to macOS. If you have a Time Capsule, update it with the latest software and firmware. See Keep your Mac up to date and the Apple Support article Update the firmware on your AirPort base station.

3.) If a Time Machine backup on your Mac is interrupted

You can also try starting up in safe mode. Once in safe mode, try to create your Time Machine backup. Safe mode is a great way to isolate possible software issues. Just in case, this resource can guide you through the steps on how to use safe mode: How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

Apple silicon

1.) Shut down your Mac.

2.) Turn on your Mac and continue to press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window.

3.) Select your startup disk, then press and hold the Shift key while clicking “Continue in Safe Mode.”

4.) Log in to your Mac. You might be asked to log in again.

We hope these steps are helpful. Cheers.

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Time Machine Won't Complete While Connected to Power Source

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