What units are used by TM when estimating the size a full backup (see RED box below)? If it's in Bytes, hen the 20 digit number reported would be 18.4 Exabytes! Even if it's in bits, I'll still need a 2.3 Exabyte drive for a full backup! If it matters, I'm running Big Sur Ver 11.4 on a MBP (16-inch, 2019).
MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 11.4
Hello and welcome to Apple Support Communities Commodore_65,
Thank you for contacting us regarding Time Machine. You have come to the right place and we are happy to assist you. If we understand correctly, the screenshot shows the size of the backup to be monumental. We can understand why you’d reach out for a solution. To start, we think that calculation is wrong. Time Machine uses bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB for calculations. We would recommend to restart the computer in safe mode and try to get a better calculation.
How to use safe mode on your Mac
Thank you for contacting Apple Support Communities.
Best regards.
What units does Time Machine use for the estimated backup size?
