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Pi-Jay Author

Level 1

47 points

Time Machine backup on macOS Sequoia cannot be completed

Hello everyone,

since the upgrade to 15.0 the Time Machine backup fails. The reason is some individual system files that cannot be backed up. Mostly some db files, such as the Library/Safari/History.db or files in the Firefox profiles. I have already excluded some files from the backup, but then Time Machine finds another file that cannot be backed up. The backup process is then canceled.

“Time Machine could not complete the backup to “Time Machine Backup”. Backup of “Library/Safari/History.db” could not be created.“

After switching from Intel to M, I had only created one backup under Sonoma so far, which worked without any problems. The two years of “Intel” history and previous OSs were also transferred. No matter which OS, Time Machine always worked without any problems.

Any ideas? Many thanks in advance!

Pi-Jay

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.0

Posted on Oct 1, 2024 12:36 AM

Top-ranking reply

CasinoOwl

Level 1

57 points

Posted on Oct 22, 2024 11:12 AM

My Time Machine backs up fine until my iMac goes to sleep. Upon waking, I see the error message that it could not complete the backup. Then it backs up fine. More of an annoyance for me than anything, but something I hope Apple fixes. 24" M1 2021 running MacOS 15.0.1

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98 replies

Pi-Jay Author

Level 1

47 points

Jan 8, 2025 11:53 PM in response to Pi-Jay

Next problem: I do use an external SSD to store a few photo Libraries (around 1.5 TB). I haven't backed it up since upgrading to Sequoia. Now I wanted to do so, but it already took 3 days and the backup is still in progress (around 70%). I think it backups the drive from scratch and is not doing an incremental backup (maybe too much has changed for the photos.app after the upgrade!?). Therefore a year of backups were already deleted.

However even if the backup is created from scratch, it shouldn't take that long, right?

Pi-Jay Author

Level 1

47 points

Jan 10, 2025 7:42 AM in response to Pi-Jay

Update: Today I changed some system settings in the "pricacy & security" tab (I read about this, because the 1Password Wifi Sync was not working anymore). I discovered the "full disc access" menu. I gave it a try and added "Time machine.app" to the list of allowed apps, since it seems to be a read/write problem in my case. And it worked!

Jan 18, 2025 1:34 AM in response to Pi-Jay

Same here. I just updated from Ventura to macOS 15.2 Sequoia and I'm getting "Backup not completed, Syncing happens when your Mac is turned on and connected to the Internet. Syncing may take a few days. Syncing will happen more quickly while your Mac is connected to a power source."

I only have one Apple ID and it's the same on my phone. I keep most of the cloud stuff off. I even tried disabling the "connect to cloud " on this Mac mini and it turns on by itself. It's ignoring my settfings. I did a Time Machine backup before I upgraded to Sequoia and had no issue. I've been a windows user my entire life. I can't stand this cloud stuff. I like doing this manual. I don't like how apple does everything for me and I don't know where the stuff is going. I see everything and every path with my other OS. I only have a Mac for Logic. That's it.

Jan 18, 2025 3:40 AM in response to Logiciswhyicame

Now you’ve got that off your chest, you might get a better response if you asked a question focussing on your system configuration and which of the things you’ve tried and haven’t worked. Probably useful to say what you think the cloud has to do with it.

AlWeir

Level 4

3,753 points

Oct 17, 2024 8:23 AM in response to iciconnect

what does sudo rm -f /etc/nsmb.conf really do

How to disable SMB 1 or NetBIOS in macOS

How to disable SMB 1 or NetBIOS in macOS - Apple Support (CA)

Zoid85

Level 1

4 points

Dec 4, 2024 3:53 PM in response to Pi-Jay

In the past I have had to use COCA from the Mac App Store which allowed me to put the Monitors to sleep but keep the rest of the Mac awake. The following link should help resolve your issue:

COCA

AlWeir

Level 4

3,753 points

Oct 1, 2024 6:29 AM in response to Pi-Jay

I get the occasional file that TimeMachine won't back up and it is usually a file in Notes.

Nov 2, 2024 12:05 PM in response to CasinoOwl

i get this problem as well and cant seem to find any help

Chewbury

Level 1

68 points

Nov 2, 2024 3:22 PM in response to satcomer

Time Machine is one of the very best backup systems available. It’s just unfortunate that this bug is so common.

Nov 4, 2024 3:20 AM in response to Chewbury

turned off Caffeinate and tried your commands. Worked a treat. No issues so far.

AlWeir

Level 4

3,753 points

Nov 14, 2024 11:40 AM in response to Pi-Jay

One way on my TimeMachine that it seems to stay connected is encrypt it and have the password set in the Keychain.

Nov 15, 2024 7:38 AM in response to David Edge

I have a 2020 M1 MacBook Air. Still have 1.6gb remaining on the 4gb WD drive.

kslimp2

Level 1

26 points

Nov 21, 2024 10:22 AM in response to Pi-Jay

After purchasing all new USB-C to USB-C cables and reconnecting everything directly to my M2 mini and my M4 mini, Time Machine seems to be working perfectly since yesterday.

Xoraji

Level 1

8 points

Nov 24, 2024 3:08 AM in response to MacLambh

MacLambh, thanks! That worked, logging off and back in. I hope it fixed it permanently.

Jonwolfy

Level 1

8 points

Nov 26, 2024 6:54 AM in response to Pi-Jay

I had this problem straight after Sequoia update. Time Machine would not pick up my drive.

I bough a new WD hard drive and it's working fine now.

Hope this helps.

Time Machine backup on macOS Sequoia cannot be completed