Time Machine hides backed-up /usr files from its restore view
On an running macOS 26.5.2, with APFS used throughout, completes backups to an external drive normally. However, the entire /usr directory is missing when Browse s is opened. Custom files stored under therefore cannot be restored through the normal interface.
The files are still present in the backup and can be found through the . Recovering them from an older backup, rather than the newest one, is difficult and time-consuming. Apple advises people to use Browse s exclusively when restoring individual files.
The problem has been submitted through AppleCare and Apple’s feedback form, although there is little that either channel will lead to action.
Key points
- completed external-drive backups normally on an running macOS 26.5.2.
- The Browse s interface did not show the /usr directory.
- Files placed in could not be restored through the normal interface.
- The confirmed that the missing files were present in the backup.
- recovery from an older backup was difficult and time-consuming.