Time machine backup is not completing--notification that computer was running on battery when it was actually connected to a power source the whole time

Question

Level 1

8 points

Time machine backup is not completing--notification that computer was running on battery when it was actually connected to a power source the whole time

I just got a new MacBook Air to replace my five-year-old MacBook Air. The problem that I had with the previous computer and backup drive has persisted. I bought a new external hard drive from the Apple store online in case the problem was with my old Seagate external hard drive. Same problem. See screenshot of Time Machine alert. Is anyone else experiencing this, and if so, have you solved the problem?

MacBook Air 13″

Posted on Nov 12, 2024 8:21 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Nov 13, 2024 12:00 AM in response to czh1

This seems to be a long-standing issue.

If Time Machine attempts an automated backup, it can fail with this error message. All I can find is to change the Time Machine setting and set it to manual, then perform a manual backup.

Reply

Answer 2

czh1 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 25, 2024 6:15 AM in response to HeisenbergUncertainty

Update: After setting Time Machine to manual, I have successfully backed up to the hard drive twice over a 20-day time period with no notifications that the computer was running on battery. I set up a calendar alert so I remember to back up regularly. It is still a mystery why this problem occurs when I set backup to automatic. Thanks again.

Reply

Answer 3

czh1 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 13, 2024 8:18 AM in response to HeisenbergUncertainty

Thank you for the suggestion. Tonight I will set Time Machine to manual and then start a backup to the external hard drive.

Reply