Why does Time Machine say my disk is full if it automatically deletes backups when full? How do you delete time machine backups?
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.4
Just as an aside. You are probably already aware that it's not a good idea to only rely on a single backup strategy. Especially if your data are critical to you.
For reference, you may find this user tip article I wrote helpful:
Yes, you understand correctly. But that is how it works in theory. In practice, that does not always hold true. One reason is if your TM backups include very large files that change often. For example, VMs (Virtual Machines), created in something like Parallels or VMware. Any time you access them, they change. Since these can be multiple GBs in size, they can quickly use up the destination's storage capacity BEFORE TM has an opportunity to erase older versions.
Hi forgione,
Thank you for using the Apple Support Communities.
It sounds like your Time Machine disk is getting full and to resolve this problem you would need to follow the recommendations that are found in the Apple resource If the Time Machine backup disk for your Mac is full.
We hope this helps.
Take care.
forgione,
As stated in the Apple support resource If the Time Machine backup disk for your Mac is full, we recommend that you Connect a new backup disk to your Mac or Exclude files from a Time Machine backup on Mac.
Have a good day.
I used to use Super Duper to make a bootable backup. I tried with their new beta but was unsuccessful. I have an M1. I spoke to someone working at genius bar who said I could no longer do this. I also use Google Drive synch which is great.
How much free space do you have on your boot drive?
I don't understand. It's supposed to delete old backups to make room for new? The article you referred doesn't mention how to delete old backups. Is my only option to erase disk and use it again?
Is it TM that is full or your internal drive TM needs some space on your internal for snap shots
From the support article “ as your backup disk fills up, Time Machine deletes older backups to make room for new ones.” If it deletes old backups to make room for new ones how can ever become full?
A lot 5 tb. I initially created a 1 tb volume now I use the whole disc. I don't anticipate a problem. I found I can delete backups in finder if necessary.
Time Machine disk is full and can't backup anymore.
