Summary: If you are reading this article, you must have come across some issues when restoring backups from Time Machine. Before we start, here is a quick tip for you: make sure you have installed specific data recovery software, like Stellar Data Recovery. It will come in handy if the Time Machine fails.
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Time Machine is a reliable built-in macOS backup application. However, nobody’s immune to backup problems even when using this handy tool. And when a backup issue occurs, Time Machine displays error messages or visually indicates them. One of these problems is that the Restore button is greyed out and not clickable.
It’s natural for you to think that your backups are at risk, but usually, they are not. Let’s see what can cause this problem and how to fix it.
Common Reasons for the Greyed out Time Machine Restore Button Problem
The Time Machine Restore button may be greyed out because:
Time Machine backup was formatted.
Time Machine might be giving you hard times if your external drive has been formatted wrongly. Therefore, make sure the external disk you’re using is compatible with macOS. The support file system for Mac computers is Apple File System (APFS).
- Time Machine backup was incomplete.
The cause could be a third-party application interfering with Time Machine, corrupted files, a system freeze, or one or more HDs that weren’t ejected correctly.
- Time Machine backup was corrupted.
If you accidentally disconnect a Time Machine external drive or shut down the computer while in use, the HDD with a backup may be corrupted.
How to Fix the Greyed Out Restore Button in Time Machine
Use Menu Bar to Enter Time Machine
The Time Machine Restore button may be greyed out because you didn’t use the correct method to enter it. Let’s find out how to do this the right way.
Here is a possible way to enter Time Machine:
1. Open the Time Machine from the Menu Bar.
2. Click Enter Time Machine.
3. Choose the needed backup folder and click on Restore.
Restore Mac from Time Machine in Recovery Mode
Another way to bypass the issue is using the Recovery Mode. You may fully restore your macOS using the recovery mode, including all the applications and files.
Note: Entering the Recovery Mode is different for M1 and Intel-based Macs. Use the first instruction for Intel-based Macs and the second one if you own an Apple Silicone model.
Here are the steps to restore your macOS via Recovery Mode on an Intel-based Mac:
1. Connect your Time Machine backup disk to your computer.
2. Restart your Mac.
3. To start your Mac in recovery mode, click and hold the Command + R keys.
4. Release the keys when the Apple logo appears on your screen. You will see the disk utility menu when your Mac boots in Recovery Mode.
5. Choose Restore from Time Machine backup, and click Continue.
6. Select the needed Time Machine backup disk and click Continue. Enter the admin password if prompted.
7. Select a backup by date, then click Continue.
8. Choose the HD on your Mac and click Restore.
9. Restart your Mac when all steps are done.
If you’re using Mac with Apple silicon, follow the next steps:
1. Restart your Mac.
2. When the screen goes black, press and hold the Power button.
3. You’ll see two icons: a hard disk and a gear. You will need to click on the Gear icon
4. Click on Restore from Time Machine button and follow the onscreen instructions.
Contact Apple Support Professionals
If none of the previous options worked, you should consider expert assistance. We recommend contacting Apple online, visiting the Apple Store (if you have one in the vicinity), or using another fix-it service to remedy the issue. Choose which option suits you best.
How to Restore Possibly Deleted Files with the Stellar Data Recovery App
If you tried the possible solutions above, but the Time Machine Restore button remains greyed out, and you still need the lost files, you should use a Mac data recovery software to restore your missing data. You can recover lost files on your Mac by using professional data recovery software such as Stellar Data Recovery. It’s a helpful tool that will help you bring back your files no matter when you’ve lost them.
Follow the steps below to recover lost data:
1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery from its official website.
2. After installing, you will be prompted to select the data you want to recover (photos, videos, documents, etc.). You can choose specific or all suggested file types.
3. Then, you’ll need to choose where you want to recover the selected files from.
4. After the Stellar Data Recovery scan, you will see the files that can be retrieved and select which ones you need.
5. Finally, choose the destination folder on your Mac and start the recovery process.
Related reading: 10 Best Mac Data Recovery Software
Wrapping Up
Suppose the Restore button in the Time Machine is greyed out when trying to recover your lost data from a backup drive. In that case, you can try to repair it by using the solutions above: restore from Time Machine using Recovery Mode or contact professional help.
If the Time Machine backup is damaged or the problem isn’t fixed, you can download Stellar Data Recovery for Mac to get your lost or deleted files directly from your Mac without restoring them from Time Machine.
Read more guides:
- How Can To Recover Permanently Deleted Files in macOS
- How to resolve ‘No Time Machine Backup Found’ Issue
- How to Fix Time Machine Backup Failed?
- Fix Time Machine Not Working after Mojave Update
About The Author
Ruslana is a tech content writer whose true passion is finding out about everything Mac-related. She specializes in creating macOS guides and tips & tricks. In her spare time, you’ll find her doing yoga or discovering local coffee shops in search of the best filter coffee.
Why does the issue of greyed out Time machine happens? What could be done?
Hi Mario,
The time machine backup greyed out generally occurs when the mac is unable to detect or read the drive or there can be a hard drive error. Here, you can check this link that explains all the methods to fix the drive not mounting on Mac Read More
Hope it helps!
I’m using WD 2TB external drive as a Time Machine on my macOS Monterey. Yesterday, I lost 1 file and when I tried to restore the same from the TM drive, the restore button is not clickable and also greyed out! I’m not sure if my data will be back or it permanently gone! What should I do??
Hi,
Well, you can try the methods mentioned in the blog above, and hopefully, it will help you restore your data from the Time Machine. However, if it is severely corrupted then you might need the help of a professional data recovery service provider!