Time Machine always skip backup problem after upgrading macOS

If you’ve recently updated to macOS 14 Sonoma and encountered Time Machine backup problems, you’re not alone. Despite its exciting features, this Apple OS update comes with its share of bugs. One of these bugs affects Time Machine backups.

Problem

After installing Sonoma, many users experience a persistent “skipping backup” message with Time Machine. This frustrating issue has caused concern among affected users. But worry not, as we have a workaround to help you fix this problem. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to resolve the Time Machine backup issue efficiently. Let’s get started without delay.

Solution 1: Fixing ‘OSMessageTracer’ and ‘UpdaterStartupUtility’ Issues

To resolve the problem, follow these steps to remove ‘OSMessageTracer’ and ‘UpdaterStartupUtility’ from macOS background processes and then disable and re-enable iCloud Drive:

1. Click the Apple icon in the top left corner and choose “System Preferences.”
2. In the System Preferences window, select “General.”
3. Navigate to the “Login Items” tab.
4. Find ‘OSMessageTracer’ and ‘UpdaterStartupUtility.’ Select each and click “Remove” or “Minus” to delete them.
5. Return to System Preferences and select “iCloud.”
6. Within iCloud settings, click “iCloud Drive.”
7. Toggle off “iCloud Drive,” wait a few seconds, then toggle it back on.
8. Monitor to see if the issue persists. This should resolve the background process problems caused by ‘OSMessageTracer’ and ‘UpdaterStartupUtility.’

Following these steps should effectively address the issue, potentially eliminating disruptions caused by these processes in macOS.

Solution 2: Fixing Time Machine Backup Errors by Excluding com.apple.findmy.FindMy Paths*

To address Time Machine backup issues related to com.apple.findmy.FindMy*, follow these steps to add associated paths to the Time Machine exclusion list:

1. Go to Launchpad, select “Others,” and open the Terminal app.
2. In the Terminal window, type and enter the following command:

   tmutil addexclusion -p ~/Library/Containers/com.apple.findmy*

   This command adds the following paths to the exclusion list:

   • /Users/username/Library/Containers/com.apple.findmy
   • /Users/username/Library/Containers/com.apple.findmy.FindMyWidgetPeople
   • /Users/username/Library/Containers/com.apple.findmy.FindMyWidgetIntentsPeople
   • /Users/username/Library/Containers/com.apple.findmy.FindMyNotificationsServiceExtension
   • /Users/username/Library/Containers/com.apple.findmy.FindMyWidgetItems
   • /Users/username/Library/Containers/com.apple.findmy.FindMyWidgetIntentsItems
3. After adding these paths, attempt a Time Machine backup again. The process should now proceed without encountering any issues.

Following these steps should resolve the problem of Time Machine backups malfunctioning in macOS Sonoma due to com.apple.findmy.FindMy* components. If you need further assistance, feel free to ask, and we’ll promptly provide a solution.