SanDisk Extreme Portable SSDs are known for their fast speed, durability, and portability. They are great for storing and transferring large files. However, there are times when these drives may not be recognized by your computer.
This can be a major issue, especially if you need to access important data. In this article, we will explain why your Sandisk Extreme portable SSD is not detected on your computer. We will also provide some simple solutions to help you access your files again.
Why Your SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD May Not Appear on Your Mac?
Sometimes, when you connect your SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD to your Mac, it might not show up. Here are some common reasons why this could happen:
In Disk Utility:
- Connection Issues: Check if the SSD is properly connected. There might be a problem with the USB port or the cable.
- SSD Problems: There could be physical damage or a hardware failure preventing your Mac from recognizing the SSD.
On the Desktop and Finder Sidebar:
- Unmounted Disk: The SSD might not be mounted, which means it’s not ready for access.
- Unsupported File System: The SSD could be using a file system that your Mac doesn’t recognize, or it might not be properly set up.
- Corrupted File System: If the file system on the SSD is damaged or corrupted, it might not appear at all.
- Settings: Your Mac settings might be configured to not display external drives on the desktop or in the Finder sidebar.
Ways to Fix a SanDisk Portable SSD Not Detected by Your Mac
There are a number of ways to get access back if your Mac is unable to identify your SanDisk Portable SSD, and this section offers simple, step-by-step methods.
Method 1: Restart Your Mac to Fix the SSD Issue
Sometimes, restarting your Mac can fix problems like the SSD not being recognized. This clears out temporary glitches that may be causing the issue.
Here’s how to restart your Mac:
- Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Choose “Restart” from the menu.
- Wait for your Mac to reboot completely.
Step 2: Check the SSD Connections
If restarting doesn’t help, you should next check the connections:
- Check the Cable: Take a close look at the USB cable connecting your SanDisk SSD to your Mac. If there’s any visible damage, or if you suspect the cable might be faulty, try using a different one.
- Check the SSD Connection: Make sure the cable is securely plugged into your SSD. A loose connection can cause the SSD not to be detected.
- Check the Computer’s Port: Ensure the other end of the cable is firmly connected to your Mac’s USB port. You can also try different ports on your Mac to see if the issue is with a specific port.
Method 2: Set Up External Drives to Detect Connections
If your SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD isn’t appearing on your Mac’s Desktop or in the Finder sidebar, it might be because the settings to display external drives are turned off. Here’s how you can easily check and change these settings:
- Open Finder: Start by opening a Finder window.
- Access Finder Preferences: Click on ‘Finder’ in the menu bar at the top of your screen, then select ‘Preferences.’
- Enable External Disks in the General Tab: In the ‘General’ tab, make sure the checkbox next to ‘External disks’ is ticked. This will allow external drives to show up on your Desktop.
- Check Sidebar Settings: Switch to the ‘Sidebar’ tab within the Finder Preferences. Here, also ensure the ‘External disks’ option is checked. This makes sure your SSD appears in the Finder sidebar.
Method 3: Mount Your SanDisk SSD
If your SanDisk SSD is not visible on your Mac, it may need to be mounted. “Mounting” is the process that makes a disk available for the Mac to use. Here’s how to check if your SSD needs to be mounted and how to do it:
- Open Disk Utility: You can find Disk Utility in the Applications -> Utilities folder, or you can search for it using Spotlight.
- Find Your SSD: Once Disk Utility is open, look in the left sidebar for your SanDisk SSD. If it appears greyed out, it’s not mounted.
- Mount the SSD: Click on your SSD in the sidebar, then click the “Mount” button in the toolbar. You can also right-click on the SSD and choose “Mount” from the drop-down menu.
- Troubleshoot If Needed: If the “Mount” button is unavailable or you see an error message, there might be an issue with the SSD’s file system. In this case, try using the “First Aid” feature in Disk Utility to repair the disk.
Method 4: Set Up Your New SSD
If your SanDisk SSD is brand new, it might not show up because it doesn’t have a file system yet. You’ll need to format it, which is also called initializing, to make it ready for use.
Here are three file systems that work well on a Mac:
- APFS: This is Apple’s own file system, optimized for macOS. It’s best if you only plan to use the SSD with Macs.
- exFAT: This file system is compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux. Choose this if you’ll use the SSD on different types of computers.
- FAT32: This older file system is very compatible with many devices like smart TVs and game consoles, but it can’t handle files larger than 4 GB.
To format your SSD, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Disk Utility (found in Applications -> Utilities).
Step 2: Choose your SanDisk SSD from the list on the left. Be careful — formatting will erase all data on the disk.
Step 3: Click the ‘Erase’ button, select the file system you prefer, and confirm by clicking ‘Erase’ again.
Step 4: After formatting, open Finder to see if the SSD is now accessible.
Method 5: Fix a Corrupted File System Using TestDisk
Sometimes, your Mac might not recognize your SanDisk SSD because its file system is damaged. To fix this, you can use a free tool called TestDisk, created by Christophe Grenier. TestDisk can help repair the damaged areas so that your SSD works again.
TestDisk doesn’t have buttons and windows like other programs; it uses text commands. But, it’s still pretty simple to use once you follow the instructions.
Ways to Find Your SanDisk SSD on Mac
If your SanDisk SSD still isn’t showing up on your Mac, here are a few more steps you can try:
Option 1: Run First Aid from Disk Utility
- Open Disk Utility: You can find it in Applications under Utilities.
- Choose Your SSD: Click on your SanDisk SSD listed on the left.
- Run First Aid: Click the “First Aid” button in the toolbar or right-click the SSD and select “First Aid.”
- Start the Repair: Be aware that this process might lead to data loss if your SSD has serious issues. Click “Run” if you’re ready to proceed.
- Wait for Results: Let Disk Utility try to fix any errors on the SSD. The success of this fix isn’t guaranteed, especially if you’ve already tried other recovery tools, but it’s a quick step worth trying.
Option 2: Check the SSD on a Windows Computer
- Connect to Windows: Plug your SSD into a Windows PC using a USB cable.
- Repair if Needed: If Windows finds an error, it will offer an option to repair the SSD. Click “Repair” to start.
- Allow Time for Repair: The process may take a few minutes.
- Reconnect to Mac: After the repair, unplug the SSD from the Windows PC and connect it back to your Mac.
- Check Detection: See if your Mac now recognizes the SSD.
Option 3: Reset SMC and NVRAM on Your Mac
- For T2-equipped Macs:
o Turn Off Your Mac: Shut it down completely.
o Hold Keys: Press and hold Control, Option (Alt), Shift (left side), and the power button for 7 seconds. Release when the Mac turns off.
- For Non-T2 Macs:
o Turn Off Your Mac: Completely shut it down.
o Hold Keys: Press and hold Shift, Control, Option (Alt), and the power button simultaneously until the Mac turns off.
- Reset NVRAM:
o Restart Your Mac: Turn it on and immediately press Option, Command, P, and R.
o Hold for 20 Seconds: Keep holding the keys for 20 seconds during startup.
These resets can solve deeper system issues that might be preventing your SSD from being detected.
Best Practices for Maintaining Your SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
To ensure your SanDisk SSD continues to perform well and avoid detection problems, here are some useful tips:
- Properly Disconnect Your SSD: Always use the “Eject” option before unplugging your SSD to prevent damage to the data on the drive.
- Guard Against Electrical Surges: Protect your SSD and other electronic devices from power surges by using a surge protector.
- Handle Your SSD with Care: Although SSDs are tough, they can be damaged by physical impact or extreme temperatures. Handle your device carefully to avoid such issues.
Conclusion
If your SanDisk extreme portable SD is not detected on your Mac, don’t worry. There are a few steps you can try to fix this, like checking the cables, using the First Aid tool, and making sure your settings are right.
Always handle your SSD carefully and make sure to remove it safely from your computer. If these steps do not work, getting help from SanDisk support is a good idea. This will help keep your SSD running well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my External SSD not Detected?
An external SSD may not be detected if the data cable is damaged or if it’s not connected properly.
How Do I Fix my SSD Hard Drive not Detected?
If your SSD is not showing up, try these steps:
1: Check Connections: Ensure all cables are connected properly.
2: BIOS/UEFI Settings: Make sure your SSD is recognized in the BIOS or UEFI settings.
3: Update Drivers: Check if the SSD drivers need updating or reinstalling.
4: Disk Management: Look in Disk Management to see if the SSD needs to be set up.
5: Check Hardware: Check the SSD and connections for any damage.
6: Try Another PC: Connect the SSD to a different computer to test if it works there.
Can Updating the Firmware Help if my SSD is not Detected?
Yes, updating your SSD’s firmware can fix some issues. Check the SanDisk support website for the latest firmware updates.
How Do I Know if my SSD is Failing when it’s not Detected?
If your SSD isn’t showing up and you notice other problems like strange noises, it might be failing. You can use diagnostic tools from SanDisk or other software to check.
What if my SSD Works on Windows but not on my Mac?
Make sure the SSD has a file system that works with both Windows and Mac. You might need to format it to something like exFAT or APFS on a Windows computer before using it on your Mac.
