Corrupted file system changelog due to sudden Mac shutdown or improperly ejection of the backup disk.Poor Wi-Fi connection for network drives.Many changes ( such as software updates) have been made since the last backup.Interference of anti-virus software or Spotlight.The reasons that result in Time Machine being stuck on 'preparing backup' are as follows: Why is Time Machine stuck on preparing backup? You can wait for another 30 minutes to be sure.

If the message still freezes on “preparing backup” after 30 minutes, it’s stuck. If the message changes, even slowly, then Time Machine is working fine. Step 2: You will see a progress bar and description like 'Preparing backup', 'ems', or 'ems' on the window.Step 1: Launch Time Machine by clicking on the Apple logo > System Preferences > Time Machine app.Steps to check if time machine hangs on preparing backup: How can you tell if Time Machine is stuck on preparing backup? We will explain them in this post and tell you how to fix it with details. Like the errors ' Waiting to Complete First Backup' and ' Time Machine can't find backup disk', Mac Time Machine stuck on preparing backup could happen in macOS Big Sur, Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra and other macOS versions for many reasons. Time Machine keeps saying 'preparing backup,' but you can't see any other changes happening? If this case remains for hours when you back up with Time Machine, you are likely encountering a Time Machine failure.

How to start a time machine backup mac