No Time Machine Backup Found: Learn to Recover Lost Data on Mac

Time Machine is a pre-installed utility on Mac that allows users to create automatic backups of their data, like files, apps, music, photos, etc., on an external drive. They can restore data backups from Time Machine after reinstalling macOS or while setting up a new Mac system.

In case of data loss or file deletion, users can use the Time Machine backup drive or AirPort Time Machine Capsule to restore deleted files or even the entire macOS.

But there are situations where the connected Time Machine backups are not found on a Mac. This could happen due to of backup drive failure, inaccessible connected Time Machine backup drive, incorrect network protocol, or non-configured Time Machine backup.

Reasons behind Time Machine Backups Not Visible On Your Mac

There could be various reasons why Time Machine can’t find backup disk and backup files. Some of the reasons are –

• Using an incorrect disk drive with the Mac
• Connectivity issues with the server carrying the Time Machine backup
• Password-protected server or the backup disk
• Disk issues like bad sectors, malware, drive corruption, or missing MFT
• Physical issues like a malfunctioning read/write head, data cable port, actuator arm, etc.
• Formatted the Time Machine backup drive accidentally
• Driver issues
• Time Machine backup not created

Methods to Fix the ‘No Time Machine Backups Found’ Issue

If the user is trying to restore data from Time Machine backup on a Mac, and they are not able to find any backups, they can easily resolve the issue.

Use the methods explained below to resolve the underlying issues to access the Time Machine backup.

Before proceeding with the ways to recover Time Machine backups that are not visible, the Mac users need to ensure the following –

• The configured Time Machine backup disk is connected to the Mac.
• Cables and connections should be secure.
• If the backup drive is connected to a network, users need to ensure that the Mac is also connected to the same network. Also, they need to check that the network is working correctly and is not experiencing any downtime.
• While using the AirPort Time Capsule as the Time Machine backup drive, users need to use the Airport Utility to ensure that it is connected to their network.

If these general tips didn’t work, proceed with the methods to fix the underlying issue/s causing the Mac not to show the Time Machine backups.

Method 1: Restart your Mac

If no Time Machine backups are found on Mac after connecting the backup disk or if the Time Machine backup disk is not visible, restarting Mac should fix any bugs causing this issue. This refreshes the memory, fixes minor bugs, and restarts various background processes. Once the Mac is restarted, relaunch the Time Machine.

Method 2: Install any Available macOS Updates

Running outdated macOS can sometimes cause multiple system issues and glitches. If the Time Machine backups are not visible on Mac, it could be due to an unresolved bug, outdated drivers, or an internal protocol conflict between the system and the external drive. To check for macOS updates –

• Click on the Apple icon at the top-left corner of the screen.
• Click on System Settings.
• Click on General > Software Update.

• Install any available macOS updates.

Method 3: Reselect the Backup Disk

If the connection between the Time Machine backup drive and a Mac system is secure, yet no Time Machine backups are found, try reselecting the backup disk. This will ensure the mounted disk drive is fully accessible to the Mac. Here’s what to do –

• Open System Settings on your Mac.
• Navigate to General > Time Machine.

• If the Time Machine backup drive is visible, select it and click ‘–’ under it.
• Click on Forget this Destination.
• Now, click on Add Backup Disk and select the external backup drive or the network storage drive.

Method 4: Reboot Mac in Safe Mode

Sometimes, there are conflicts between third-party extensions or drivers and the Mac system. This could cause certain functions to malfunction. Here, the Mac can be started in the Safe mode. Follow our guide to boot your Mac in safe mode.

Method 5: Repair your Time Machine Backup Drive

Running First Aid on external drive, Time Capsule, or any other storage device being used as the Time Machine backup may help resolve the above error. Follow the steps mentioned below for running First Aid on Time Machine:

• Open Disk Utility and select the backup disk from the left pane.
• Click on First Aid > Run.

Also Try — If you are well-versed in macOS Terminal commands, you can try excluding system-protected folders from Time Machine backups. Use this guide to do this.

Easily Recover Deleted Files without a Time Machine Backup

Some users do not configure Time Machine backup on their Macs in the first place. They might not know about the feature either. If they try to recover lost or deleted data in such a situation, they get the ‘no time machine backups were found’ error message.

Here, a different approach to recover lost or deleted files without a Time Machine backup is required and for this, here are some handy ways to recover deleted files.

Method 1: Restore Deleted Files from Trash

In case of accidental deletion of files on Mac, users can check the Trash to locate and restore them.

Method 2: Restore Deleted Files using a Clone Drive

Besides using Time Machine for creating periodic backups, the Disk Utility to clone the entire Mac disk drive can be used. The cloned drive keeps a copy of all the files and macOS settings at the time of cloning. Users can use a previously created clone drive to recover deleted files without a Time Machine backup.

Quick Way to Recover Time Machine Backups

A simple way to recover deleted files on Mac is to use Time Machine backup. However, if the backup drive itself fails, it could be due to issues such as bad sectors. In such a scenario, a data recovery software for Mac can be used to restore files on Mac.

Additionally, in case of accidental formatting of the backup disk or deletion of the backup files, Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Mac is a powerful DIY tool that can help salvage your Time Machine backup in a matter of a few clicks.

The software uses powerful built-in data recovery algorithms that allow users to recover files and data from non-booting or crashed Mac systems.

Conclusion

Time Machine is a powerful utility that automatically backs up important files and restores them during various data loss scenarios. Although ‘Time Machine backup’ errors are rare, one may still encounter the ‘No Time Machine Backups Were Found’ error that can be resolved after configuring a backup disk to the Mac system.

And, to recover deleted files without a Time Machine backup, users can use simple DIY methods or a professional Mac file recovery software, discussed in the blog above.

FAQ

Q. Why does Time Machine backup keep failing?

A. If your Time Machine disk is read-only, it could fail the backup disk. This can also happen due to a conflict with the installed antivirus.

Q. Is the Time Machine backup safe?

A. Yes, Time Machine backups are safe as they protect you against unwanted data losses.

Q. Does Apple Time Machine save everything?

A. The first Time Machine backup includes everything on your Mac. After that, the utility only saves new and changed items.

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About The Author

Keshav Katyal

A passionate writer driven by his interest in everything tech, Keshav Katyal has always been captivated by the latest gadgets since childhood. His interest in technology grew when he got his first gaming console, the Nintendo Game Boy Advanced. Hours and days of tinkering with old & new gadgets made his inner geek passionate about technology.