Summary: In this blog, we are going to talk about 'Time Machine not working after Mojave update' problem.
We'll provide feasible resolution along with discussing solutions for recovering lost data from Mac, iMac or MacBook systems. One of these solutions is based on using Stellar data recovery software.
So download free trial of Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Mac before you proceed further on this blog post.
After Apple’s introduction of the macOS Mojave, Mac users are elated with the enhancements that the new operating system offers—black mode, dynamic desktop, stacks, apps, and more.
Mojave also introduces some updates to further reinforce the security that mandate apps to get user consent before accessing the data. This provides more protection for private application data.
However, there are a few problems reported with regard to the functioning of the Time Machine utility in macOS Mojave, as follows:
Time Machine Problem & Solution #1
The macOS Mojave update disallows usage of Time Machine utility command from Terminal. For example, the following code throws an error message when executed from Terminal:
$ sudo tmutil listbackups
password:
After verifying the admin password, the OS throws the error: “The operation could not be completed because tmutil could not access private application data on the backup disk.”
Also Read: How to Recover Deleted Data without Time Machine
The message also suggests a resolution, “Use the Privacy tab in the Security and Privacy preference pane to add Terminal to the list of applications which can access Application Data.”
The resolution is fine for a single-user environment but undermines security in case of multiple user accounts. Even non-admin account holders have the same access privilege as the admin.
In such a shared system, by using the data access rights, if any non-privileged account holder has accessed and deleted data like Mail, Time Machine backups, etc., then it can result in data loss.
Solution: Mac users need to use a software, and Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Mac is an ideal choice in such a situation, as it supports the recovery of lost data from macOS Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave and Time Machine device.
Time Machine Problem & Solution #2
Another issue faced by Mac users after the Mojave upgrade—Time Machine backs up data to the drive but fails to complete the snapshot with the error:
“There was an error while copying files.”
The issue persists irrespective of the number of trials to back up the data. The problem is not with the storage drive rather there is issue with macOS Mojave and Time Machine.
To resolve this Time Machine backup issue, perform the following steps:
1. Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Time Machine
2. Turn off Time Machine
3. Go to Macintosh HD > Library > Preferences folder
4. Delete com.apple.TimeMachine.plist
5. Start Time Machine from System Preferences
6. Add the external drive as a Time Machine backup destination
7. Create a backup to the drive
The newly created backup file is now accessible. The above steps help you to resolve the Time Machine corruption bug that was preventing backup in Mojave.
In case there is data loss from the Time Machine backup drive, use Stellar Data Recovery Tools for Mac to recover your lost data.
Free download, install, and launch the demo version of the software to scan the Time Machine storage drive and preview the recoverable files.
To be able to save the recovered files, activate the demo copy. The activated software also provides Drive Monitor, an integrated module to check the health status of your drive and perform other vital tasks.
Conclusion
Apple’s new operating system macOS Mojave 10.14 has brought new top-notch features to Mac users. However, the new OS may cause some issues while working with Time Machine.
The blog has introduced Time Machine not working issue reported after Mojave update. The issue can be resolved by following the methods presented in this blog. Find out more about Best Mac Data Recovery Application 2019.
Hello, I need your help, after updating to macOS Catalina version 10.15.6 my Time Machine stays at Preparing backup… without actually proceeding any further (it stays in that status forever). I tried your #2 solution but that didn’t work. Any other ideas?
Hi Mia, if the manual fixes didn’t work in your case then you should take it to the nearest services center. It may be possible of some other logical issues indeed, Thanks
Hi! Thank you soooo much. All of a sudden none of my Time Machine back up disks could mount or be recognized in Mojave 10.14.6. Because I have 2 disks with the same problem, I could exclude connection issues. IThe back-ups worked 14 days ago. Additionally, other divisions on the disks would mount. I could not find a solution on the web anywhere, till I found you. It worked!!! Your help made me very happy! Stupid Apple updates…
After upgrading to Mojave, I was having trouble completing Time Machine backups – would always give me an error message. After much troubleshooting, I stumbled across your page and Solution #2 worked for me! Thank you!!
Hello Vishal,
Solution #2 worked for me!!
I had problem with TM Disable button (Back Up Automatically), when I click it, it fails to disable.
I have previously removed all local snapshot and then removed the plist file.
Nw I am able to disable TM.
Thanks
Hi Flavio,
It’s our pleasure to serve you better. Keep reading for more information. Thanks!
I tried solution #2, after many other solutions, it did not fix my issue.
Time Machine stops at “Preparing backup”.
This issue started after the OS upgrade to Mojave.
Hello Larry,
If the second solution is not working and there is data loss from the Time Machine backup drive, use Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Mac to recover your lost data.
Free download, install and launch the demo version of the software to scan the Time Machine storage drive and preview the recoverable files. Thanks
Hi Vishal,
Thanks for sharing this blog! This help me a lot!
Hello Cassius,
Pleasure to know this blog helped you. Thanks for your appreciation
Connected the old Time Machine to my new iMac and stupidly formatted it making all files gone forever. How should I restore it back?
Thank you so much!
I have tried every hint, trick, and tip I could find to get Time Machine to back-up again after installing Mojave, and this is the only one that worked.
Hello Alex,
Many Thanks for trying our solutions.
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Harold, Is your drive working fine after formatting? You can restore your lost backup files using Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Mac. Connect your Time Machine Drive to your Mac and run the software. Once you find the recoverable files, activate the software to save at required location.
After upgrading Mojave I plugged in my external HDD that I use as a Time Machine. After plugging it in, it started writing data, but then failed in about the but then failed in about the same place every time. Giving message that there was an error copying files. I tried again, but no success. So I ran First Aid on the partition and it found nothing wrong. After doing many fixes, finally I formatted my Time Machine and lost all backup files. What should I do now?