Time machine volume not seen in preferences

First try holding down the Option key and selecting "Browse Other Backup Disks…" from the menu. Then see if the TM drive can be selected.

If the above fails boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

ElkyOne wrote:

Hi everyone, need some TM help...

My TimeMachine does not perform automatic backups anymore, and the volume does not show up as TimeMachine volume in the preferences. Ran first aid (no probs found, including comparing all snapshots on disk, so this took half a day appr.)

It does actually backup, but not communicating this to the system (view attached screenshots, showing last backup 25. of feb, although on volume it's clearly shown, that there haven been several hourly backups today 27th of February)

Sorry for german system screenshots, but I guess we all do know what's written where and why :-)

System:

iMac 5k 27", 8core i7 3.8GHz (2020)

Ventura 13.2.1

Thanks a lot for any ideas.

Cheers, Phil

https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/bb33f430-d385-4ad5-9d4e-d05297319ae1

If you upgrade maOS to Ventura— to side step issues moving forward, it is recommended to start a new backup.

To free all drive space you can erase/reformat for a fresh start.

Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac

Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support

Back up your files with Time Machine on Mac - Apple Support

new Back up your Mac with Time Machine Ventura — Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support

If you value your user data

3-2-1 Backup Strategy: three copies of your data, two different methods, and one offsite.

More than one device, more than one backup methodology.