Current backup solution
I would like to migrate to a network backup solution. I currently have a TP-Link Archer AX50 AX3000 Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router that supports Time Machine backups over the network. (The router supports drives formatted as FAT32, exFat, NTFS, and HFS+ connected via USB.)
The problem is that Time Machine does not see the drive no matter how I have it formatted. (I am using a Maxtor 300 GB drive for testing so as not to lose my current backups.)
I have tried the following formatting:
| Format | Scheme |
|---|---|
| APFS | GUID Partition Map |
| APFS (Case-sensitive) | GUID Partition Map |
| Mac OS Extended (Journaled) | GUID Partition Map |
| Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled) | GUID Partition Map |
| Mac OS Extended (Journaled) | Master Boot Record |
| Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled) | Master Boot Record |
| ExFAT | Master Boot Record |
| Mac OS Extended (Journaled) | Apple Partition Map |
| Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled) | Apple Partition Map |
I can access the shared drive via SMB by browsing the Network and connecting to the server using the IP address. When I try to add the drive in the Time Machine settings, it says “No Available Time Machine Destinations”.
I have even connected the drive to my MBP via USB and formatted it from within the Time Machine settings then unmounted the drive and connected it to the router; it is still not seen.
Previously on a whim, I had formatted a flash drive to test out if I could get a network backup solution, and that worked (though it was several months back).
What step(s) am I missing that is not allowing Time Machine to see the drive?
