User profile for user: gtrnstuff1
gtrnstuff1 Author
User level: Level 1
6 points

Time Machine restore isn't working as described on M2 Mac Mini, Sequoia

To enter recovery mode, I hold the power button until the Apple logo appears, select restore from Time Machine backup.


Prompted to re-install Sequoia. OK.

I check in a few minutes, and the computer has booted up as normal, asking for my password.

Everything is as it was.


I need to go back to a previous TM snapshot to fix a major issue with my DAW (music production software)


Note: I started this topic earlier tonight, but when I logged in just now, I couldn't find it.

So if this is a double post, I apologize.

Mac mini, 15.6

Posted on Aug 21, 2025 09:49 PM

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4 replies
User profile for user: Owl-53
Owl-53
User level: Level 10
100,309 points

Aug 22, 2025 01:53 AM in response to gtrnstuff1

Use macOS Recovery on a Mac with Apple silicon


Start up your computer in macOS Recovery

  1. On your Mac, choose Apple menu  > Shut Down.
  2. Wait for your Mac to shut down completely. A Mac is completely shut down when the screen is black and any lights (including in the Touch Bar and keyboard) are off.
  3. Press and hold the power button on your Mac until the system volume and the Options button appear.
  4. Click the Options button, then click Continue. 
  5. If asked, select a volume to recover, then click Next.
  6. Select an administrator account, then click Next.
  7. Enter the password for the administrator account, then click Continue.
  8. When the Recovery app appears in the menu bar, you can choose any of the available options in the window or the menu bar.



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User profile for user: gtrnstuff1
gtrnstuff1 Author
User level: Level 1
6 points

Aug 22, 2025 05:41 AM in response to Owl-53

Thanks. Yes, I did all of that, though I didn't say it as clearly as you just did.

Another answer I read said for this to work, I have to use Disk Utility while in recovery mode to erase the Mac HD before reinstalling the OS.

When I followed the screen prompts that wasn't mentioned, so I'll try that.


But what version of the OS is installed?

My issue started after a software update of Mac OS.

If I can't revert to the earlier version, this could be a wasted effort.

Currently at 15.6.1

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User profile for user: Owl-53
Owl-53
User level: Level 10
100,309 points

Aug 22, 2025 06:26 AM in response to gtrnstuff1

If you what to Start Over from Scratch


This will not revert the version of Sequoia to an older version


For Apple Silicon computer >> Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon.


Always make a Time Machine Backup  before  proceeding 


Emphasis on User Account Only


If going this route - I suggest Not using Startup Assist to migrate everything back.


Then and only then start to install any Third Party Software one by one and Test after each installation

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Time Machine restore isn't working as described on M2 Mac Mini, Sequoia

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