Time Machine backup drive is full and can't back up
Your backup drive ran out of space because Time Machine keeps adding to backups without deleting old ones. Clean up old backups and make room for new ones. Clearing out backups from over a year ago fixes it immediately.
When your Time Machine drive fills up, it stops backing up your Mac. Time Machine normally deletes old backups to make room, but sometimes the drive is too full to do that. We'll clean up old backups and clear enough space for new ones.
- ✓Have your backup drive plugged in and powered on
- ✓Know roughly how many years of backups you have
- ✓Be prepared to wait while Time Machine starts a new backup
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Not realizing that other files on the backup drive take space away from Time Machine
- Thinking you need to delete all backups when really deleting just the oldest ones is enough
Signs you need professional help
- If your backup drive keeps filling up after deleting old backups, the drive is too small. We can help you get a larger backup drive and set it up.
Book a technician
We can fix most issues remotely in 15 minutes. Book your weekend slot and we handle the rest.
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