iMac Time Machine is not detecting WD My Cloud drive

I am also having this problem. I assumed that the WDCloud would allow me to automatically backup using Time Machine from anywhere, but am now wondering if it is only when I am on the same network as the WD Cloud device?

My Time Machine doesn't see the original WDCloud Time Machine backup that I created in my home in the US, so now that I'm travelling in Thailand, it won't let my Time Machine automatically backup to the drive.

The error is: "Time Machine couldn't complete the backup to "WDMyCloud". The backup disk could not be found. Make sure the backup disk is connected or select a different backup disk."

When I open the WDMy Cloud software, I can connect to the device and see the TimeMachineBackup folder that has the backup files under it... but it still doesn't see the device in my Time Machine window.

Does anyone know what the problem could be or have I misunderstood the functionality of this product?

Thank you!

easy fix, once you stumble on the right combo. from the WDMyCloud menu, under "shares", see the menu for "set up shares" and select "TimeMachineBackup" and then change "user access" to "read/write" (the left most toggle switch).

Still unable to connect to wd mycloud drive as it comes back server problem. Not up on these things but would like to use two drives one a usb drive which I can see and use, the other is called timemachine on 3 tb wdmycloud drive.

Hello! This is actually a simple fix all you need to do is open up disk utility by going into launch pad and selecting the other folder from there find disk ultility. Now once you have disk util find your drive on the left hand side and click on the main partition (one above everything and should say something like how big the drive is and maybe the brand.) once you select that on the top of the window you should see a tab called "erase" click that and then select in the format section "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" then undername name it whatever you want preferably "Time Machine Backup" then click erase (WARNING: make sure you have nothing on the device before doing this as it will erase everything on the drive and nothing can be recovered) once thats finished you can close out of disk util and go into system prefs and select time machine. From here click select disk and your drive should show in here, if not please respond and ill do another step of trouble shooting.

That device is unsuitable for use with Time Machine. I know the manufacturer says otherwise.

Here's what you need to do:

1. After installing the WD software per the package instructions, open WDMyCloud Dashboard, which should be located on your desktop.

2. At the top of the Dashboard main page, click on Settings.

3. In Settings, ensure the General tab (on the left) is highlighted. Scroll to the bottom of the page.

4. Under Mac Backups, "Turn On" Time Machine.

5. Click on "Configure" to the right of the Time Machine On/Off slider.

6. If you have created multiple users (shares) for the WDMyCloud, select which user the Time Machine will backup to.

7. Using the slider bar, select the amount of MyCloud space you want Time Machine to use for backups.

8. Click Save.

Go to your Time Machine and Open Time Machine Preferences. Click on Select Disk, in the listings you should see a list of user names associated with WDMyCloud. Ensure you select the same user (share) you selected in step 6 above. DO NOT select Guest account, Time Machine backup will not work using the Guest account. If a password was created in the WDMyCloud Dashboard, you will be asked for the username and password at this point. (Both are listed in the WDMyCloud Dashboard under the Users Menu.) Time Machine will backup on schedule to your WDMyCloud as normal.

Good luck!

I'm encountering a similar situation. I had purchased a 3TB My Cloud to replace an aging and unreliable LaCie d2 Network, and it's been running with no problems. When my parents started talking about the need for a backup drive, my thoughts immediately jumped to the My Cloud.

Acquired a 2TB My Cloud over the weekend, set it up and updated the firmware successfully. Was able to start a backup on my mother's Win7 machine running Smartware, but when I tried to set up my father's Mac Mini using Time Machine, I ran into the same problem as kokusaimujer - I can see and access the drive in the Finder, but the Time Machine-specific partition doesn't appear in the Time Machine drive selection dialog. This had be banging my head against the table, because my setup at home with my MBP is exactly the same, and I've had no issues with Time Machine.

The only variable I can think of is the router - my parents have a newer Linksys while mine is a late model Airport Extreme base station - although all reports on WD's forums would suggest that users have an easier time with non-Apple branded routers. Frankly, I'm stumped.

I wrote Western Digital to ask if it was possible to do Time Machine backups when the WD MyCloud device is not on the local network. The answer is no. You have to be on the same Wifi/network as the device to be able to do Time Machine backups. I really wish I would have known that before purchasing the product to do backups while travelling...

I'll post their reply below:

"We truly apologize for the inconvenience caused and the delay in our response; We will be more than happy to help you with your issue. I am sorry to hear about the issue encountered. In regards to your inquiry unfortunately Time Machine is unable to backup to a device in an remote location or a device that is outside of the local network. I hope this information is helpful, should you have any further inquiries please do not hesitate to respond to this email and we'd be more than glad to assist you."

Hi,

I just got one and it can be annoying, I have to admit. But still, I would like to keep using it. The solution I found for this was to open up the MyCloud Dashboard, go to Settings>Utilities>System maintenance and click on Reboot. My time machine stops detecting it sometimes and doing this brings it back. Frustrating, yes, but works.

Hello all,

I am having the same issue and I have tried everything herewith suggested with no results. TM does not even see the WD My Cloud. Does anyone have any more ideas? Thank you.

Problem solved! I had tried Lacie cloud box and it did not work. WD My Cloud and it did not work. I had tried to call Apple, Lacie, WD... Finally, I realized that after plugging the device directly to my Mac was enough for TM to recognize it. It became obvious: the router was the problem. I changed my router and TM is working flawlessly with the drive!

I hope this will help some of you!

Good luck!

You're using an unsupported and potentially unreliable backup system, may I ask why you would do that?

And why would you suggest that other users do the same, that's such bad advice it is almost malicious.

Hi Herc26,

I got into your step-by-step method and it worked for me. Thanks very much!

I recently purchased a WD My Cloud and had this same problem. For people with the same problem, here is what I did to get Time Machine to work.

1. In Safari log onto WD MyCloud using the IP address ###.###.#.#/UI/
2. >Settings
3. >In "General" tab, make sure Time Machine is ON
4. >Click "Utilities" tab
5. >Device Maintenance
6. >Device Power: Reboot and select OK

This takes several minutes to execute. Afterward I relog on to the server.

1. in Finder
2. >Go
3. >Connect to Server by typing in afp://###.###.#.##
4. >Select WDMyCloud and sign in with your user account
5. >Connect to Time Machine folder
6. >Run Time Machine from Mac
7. >Click select disk and select your Time Machine Folder

What a ridiculous thing to do.

Time Machine is not compatible with that drive, you may be able to hack it so that it looks like it is working but, are you planning on restoring it every day, that's the only way you'll know whether it is really working.

This is your data to lose, but others should not take the risk of an unsupported backup system.