
If you select a differently formatted drive for use with Time Machine, your Mac automatically prompts you to erase it for Time Machine. Time Machine requires that an external drive be formatted like a Mac startup disk: Mac OS Extended (Journaled) with a GUID Partition Table (GPT).
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If you're backing up to an external drive, check the formatting of the drive.If you're backing up to an external third-party drive, check with the drive manufacturer to make sure the drive's firmware is up to date.If you're using a USB hub or a similar device, try connecting the drive directly to your Mac or base station.If you're using a drive connected to a port on your Mac or AirPort Extreme Base Station, make sure that the drive is turned on.If Time Machine finds an issue with your backup, it displays a message with details.While holding down the Option key on your keyboard, click the Time Machine menu in the menu bar, then choose Verify Backups.If you back up to a server, AirPort Time Capsule, or drive connected to your AirPort Extreme Base Station, make sure that your current Time Machine backup doesn't have any issues that could prevent further backups: You can select your wireless network from the Wi-Fi status menu.

If you back up to a server, AirPort Time Capsule, or drive connected to your AirPort Extreme Base Station, make sure that your Mac is connected to the same network as your backup drive. To restart, unplug the base station from AC power for 5 seconds, then plug it back in.

