Frequently Asked Question
Time Machine cannot find my WD My Cloud backup disk after an update. What should I check?
QUICK ANSWER
Use the supported SMB backup path on My Cloud OS 5. An old AFP connection may stop working after a NAS or macOS update.
Applies to: My Cloud OS 5 models configured for Time Machine over the local network. This is not a My Cloud Home setup guide.
Work through these checks
- Confirm the NAS model, firmware and macOS version. Check local file access from the Mac before troubleshooting Time Machine itself.
- Review the Time Machine share and authorised backup account in the My Cloud dashboard. Confirm that the share has space and that its backup service is enabled.
- In Finder, use Go > Connect to Server and the NAS's SMB address, such as smb://NAS-name. Sign in with the intended NAS user, not an unrelated Apple ID.
- Re-select the supported NAS backup destination in Time Machine if the saved destination uses the retired AFP path. Keep the existing backup set intact until you have verified how it will be reused or replaced.
Confirm the result
Run a backup and confirm a new completed backup appears. Browse a recoverable file using Time Machine before relying on the repaired schedule.
Before going further: Do not erase the backup share or delete a sparsebundle as the first troubleshooting step. Preserve older recovery points until a verified replacement exists.
If you need help
Include these details in your ticket: NAS/macOS versions, SMB access result, available space and the exact Time Machine error.
Updated 261107