How to Fix “This Volume is Not Formatted as APFS”

As someone who uses a Mac, you may have encountered the “This Volume is Not Formatted as APFS” error message at some point. This error can be quite frustrating, especially when you have important data stored on the affected volume. But don’t worry, there are ways to fix this issue and restore your data.

In this blog post, we will explore the possible causes of the “This Volume is Not Formatted as APFS” error and provide you with steps to fix it. We will also share some additional tips to help you avoid encountering this error in the future.

Understanding APFS

Before we dive into the solution, let’s first understand what APFS is. APFS (Apple File System) is a file system developed by Apple for macOS, iOS, and other Apple devices. It was introduced in 2016 as a replacement for the HFS+ file system.

APFS has several advantages over HFS+. It is faster, more secure, and supports modern features such as encryption, snapshots, and cloning. APFS also has improved compatibility with newer macOS versions and offers better optimization for SSDs.

Possible Causes of “This Volume is Not Formatted as APFS” Error

Now that we have a basic understanding of APFS, let’s explore the possible causes of the “This Volume is Not Formatted as APFS” error.

1. Corrupted File System: A corrupted file system can cause this error message to appear. This can happen due to a sudden power outage, system crash, or other similar issues.

2. Incomplete Installation of macOS: If there was an interruption during the installation process of macOS, it could lead to this error message.

3. Hardware Issue: Sometimes, the error message may also appear due to a hardware issue, such as a failing hard drive or a faulty connection.

Steps to Fix “This Volume is Not Formatted as APFS” Error

Now that we know the possible causes of the error message, let’s take a look at the steps to fix it.

1. Checking the File System: The first step is to check the file system for errors. To do this, go to Disk Utility, select the affected drive, and click on First Aid. This will scan and repair any errors in the file system.

2. Reinstalling macOS: If the error message persists, you may need to reinstall macOS. To do this, restart your Mac and hold down Command + R until the Apple logo appears. This will take you to the macOS Utilities window. Select “Reinstall macOS” and follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Reformatting the Drive: If reinstalling macOS doesn’t work, you may need to reformat the drive. This will erase all the data on the affected drive, so make sure to take a backup before proceeding. To reformat the drive, go to Disk Utility, select the affected drive, and click on Erase. Then, select the APFS file system and follow the on-screen instructions.

Additional Tips to Avoid “This Volume is Not Formatted as APFS” Error

While fixing the error message is important, it’s also essential to take preventive measures to avoid encountering it in the future. Here are some additional tips to help you avoid the “This Volume is Not Formatted as APFS” error:

1. Keeping macOS and Software Up-to-Date: Make sure to keep your macOS and other software up-to-date to avoid any compatibility issues.

2. Taking Regular Backups: Always take regular backups of your data to avoid loss in case of any unexpected errors.

3. Avoiding Interrupted Installations: When installing macOS or any other software, make sure not to interrupt the process to avoid any issues.

Encountering the “This Volume is Not Formatted as APFS” error message can be stressful, but with the steps outlined in this blog post, you should be able to fix the issue and restore your data. Remember to take preventive measures to avoid encountering this error in the future.

We hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below.