"Time Machine could not create a local snapshot to back up from."

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"Time Machine could not create a local snapshot to back up from."

I am trying to create a time machine backup on my late 2016 Macbook Pro before I update to Mojave. I bought a brand new 2TB Seagate Backup Plus Drive and get the message: "Time Machine couldn’t complete the backup to “Seagate Backup Plus Drive” with details saying "Time Machine could not create a local snapshot to back up from."

This is not the only external hard drive to bring this message so I think it's something with my mac.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2016), macOS High Sierra (10.13.6)

Posted on Sep 28, 2018 6:39 PM

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Answer 1

Joseph_S.

Community Specialist

Sep 30, 2018 7:39 AM in response to 1fire0red1

Hi 1fire0red1,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. From your post, I see you may be encountering an error when backing up your Mac.

There are some great steps to be found for this type of issue in the article titled If you can't back up or restore your Mac using Time Machine .

Specific to the error you're seeing, does it mention anything about insufficient space as part of the error message? Depending on your storage availability, that could be the cause of the issue, particularly if you have the same issue with multiple external hard drives.

How much storage space do you have free on your Mac, and how much data are you backing up with Time Machine? You can get a look at your storage here, along with steps that may help to create more space, in the article titled How to free up storage space on your Mac .

To begin, choose About This Mac from the Apple () menu, then click Storage. You'll see an overview of your free space and the space used by different categories of files, including apps, documents, and photos:

Click the Manage button to see recommendations for optimizing your storage. You'll see fewer options if some of them are already turned on.

I hope this information helps you to complete your Time Machine backup.

Have a great weekend.

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"Time Machine could not create a local snapshot to back up from."

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