Drive not mounting on your Mac can be a perplexing issue, often leaving you unable to access vital data stored externally. This problem can stem from a variety of sources such as insufficient power supply, connectivity issues, or incompatible file systems.
Effective troubleshooting and problem resolution require an understanding of the underlying cause. In this guide, we will delve into the common reasons why external drives fail to appear on your Mac and offer detailed steps to diagnose and fix these issues, ensuring your external hard drive connects and functions correctly.
Causes of Drive not Mounting Mac
External drives are a handy addition to your Mac, providing more storage and making things easier. However, sometimes they can disconnect on their own after your Mac restarts or while they are in use. Following are Common Reasons Why External Drives Don’t Work Well with Macs
1: Not Enough Power
External hard drives usually need their power source to work well. If there isn’t enough power, your drive might disconnect unexpectedly. Make sure your drive is plugged into a power outlet, especially if it doesn’t just get power through its USB or Thunderbolt connection.
2: Loose or Broken Cables
The connections between your Mac, the external drive, and the power source must be tight and not damaged. Check the cables and connections for any looseness or wear and tear. Additionally, consider utilizing an alternative power source or USB cord.
3: Drive Compatibility Issues
Not all external drives work perfectly with every Mac. Make sure your drive is compatible with your macOS version and Mac model. If they aren’t a good match, you might have issues with the drive disconnecting.
4: Errors in the File System
Errors with the drive’s file system can cause it to unmount unexpectedly. Use the Disk Utility tool on your macOS to check for and fix any errors on the drive.
5: MacOS Updates
Sometimes, updating your Mac’s operating system can solve problems with external drives. Make sure both your macOS and your external drive’s software or drivers are up to date to prevent any issues.
Ways to Fix Drive Not Mounting Mac
Following are different ways to fix Drive not mounting mac:
Method 1: Adjust Finder Settings on Mac
Step 1: Open Finder: Click the Finder icon on your Dock. Then, from the top Menu Bar, choose Finder > Preferences.
Step 2. Adjust General Settings: Select the General tab in the Finder Preferences box. Make sure to check the box next to External disks under the section labelled “Show these items on the Desktop” to display the external hard drive icon on your desktop.
Step 3. Modify Sidebar Settings: Next, click on the Sidebar tab. Under the “Locations” section, ensure the External disks checkbox is ticked. This will make your external hard drive visible in the Finder sidebar.
Step 4. Check Disk Utility: To view all devices in the Disk Utility:
- Press Command + Space Bar to open Spotlight.
- Type disk utility and press Return to launch Disk Utility.
- Click on the View menu at the top-left corner and select Show All Devices. You’ll now see your external hard drive in the Disk Utility’s sidebar.
Method 2: Reset Mac Firmware Settings
You may need to reset the system settings on your Mac if your external hard disk isn’t visible. To reset the NVRAM, PRAM, and SMC, follow these steps:
Resetting NVRAM and PRAM:
- Restart your Mac.
- Immediately hold down Option + Command + P + R keys.
- Release the keys after hearing the startup chime twice.
Resetting SMC on different Mac models:
- iMac, Mac Pro/mini, or laptop with a removable battery: Disconnect the power cable or remove the battery. Press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds.
- MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or MacBook with a non-removable battery: Hold down Shift + Control + Option + Power Button for 10 seconds.
These steps can help fix issues with external drives not mounting properly.
Method 3: Fixing External Hard Drive Issues with Disk Utility
Your Mac’s external hard disk may be greyed out, which could indicate some logical problems. Here’s how to troubleshoot and resolve these issues with Disk Utility’s First Aid:
Mount the External Hard Drive:
- Open Disk Utility (you can find it using Spotlight or in the Utilities folder).
- In the sidebar, select the greyed-out hard drive.
- Click the Mount button to make the drive accessible.
Repair the Hard Drive:
- With Disk Utility still open, select the hard drive from the sidebar.
- Click on First Aid and then press Run. This will check for and attempt to repair any logical errors on the drive.
Method 4: External Hard Drive Connection Tips
A connectivity issue could be the cause if your external hard drive isn’t showing up on your Mac. Here are some simple steps to resolve this problem:
Step 1: Make sure the USB connector or adapter is securely connected to the hard drive.
Step 2: Try plugging the hard drive into a different USB port or even a different Mac to see if the issue persists.
Step 3: If you think the USB cable or adapter might be faulty, consider replacing it.
Step 4: Some external hard drives need an extra power source to work. If yours does, ensure it’s connected properly.
Step 5: Check the LED light on the storage device to verify that it’s powered on and functioning correctly.
These steps should help you resolve any issues with your external hard drive.
Conclusion
Drive not mounting on your Mac can often be resolved with a few strategic steps. Ensure your external hard drive has sufficient power, secure connections, and compatibility with your Mac. Regular updates and the use of Disk Utility for checks and repairs can prevent many common issues.
Optimal performance and data accessibility depend on efficient maintenance and troubleshooting. You may guarantee the dependability and complete functionality of your external storage by heeding these suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Can’t I See my External Hard Drive on my Mac?
This could be due to not enough power, broken cables, issues with compatibility, or outdated software. Make sure your connections are good and that your drive works with your Mac’s system.
What Should I Do if my Mac Doesn’t Recognize my External Hard Drive?
Check your cables and try other USB ports. If it still doesn’t work, reset your Mac’s NVRAM/PRAM and SMC. Additionally, consider utilizing an alternative power source or USB cord.
How Do I Fix my External Hard Drive with Disk Utility?
Open Disk Utility, click on your drive, and hit ‘First Aid’. Then click ‘Run’ to let Disk Utility check and fix any problems.
Can Updating my Mac’s OS help if my External Drive isn’t Showing up?
Yes, updates can fix bugs and compatibility issues that might stop your external drive from working properly. Make sure your Mac and the drive’s software are up to date.
What Does it Mean if my External Drive is Grey in Disk Utility?
If it’s grey, there might be a problem with how the drive is set up, it might be failing, or it could be loosely connected. Try to mount the drive first; if that doesn’t work, use First Aid.
How Can I Stop my External Hard Drive from Disconnecting on its Own?
Make sure the drive has enough power and that all cables are plugged in tightly. Use direct connections instead of USB hubs, and keep your system and the drive’s software current to avoid issues.
