Mac Mini m4 Pro Randomly ejecting external ssd

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Mac Mini m4 Pro Randomly ejecting external ssd

Mac mini M4 Pro, Randomly ejecting anything plugged into any of the USB-C ports. Absolutely fuming!! Can't even get through an hour of working in Logic without my Uad Apollo and external M.2 randomly ejecting. I know what Apple will say........have you tried these steps, those steps blah blah blah. I've tried everything, and besides, I shouldn't have to be 'trying' anything..... This is not what I am supposed to be experiencing on a brand new machine.

Is anyone else having this issue with the M4 Mac mini ? I know there have been issues in the past with this happening on MacBooks etc, and I am yet to find a fix.

Sorry for the rant.

Mac mini, macOS 15.1

Posted on Dec 7, 2024 02:54 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 7, 2024 06:27 AM in response to nicknads

I assume your external drive is powered by the computer. It is not uncommon for these bus powered devices to fall off the connection due to inadequate available power. In other words, the Mac is providing power, but the device want more than it can get. When that happens, the device unceremoniously disconnects and you get that error message.

Since you've tried everything like changing the USB cable, using the disk on another Mac, trying a different drive enclosure and different computer ports, then you might only be left with using a different drive altogether. Get an external drive that gets power from its own ac adapter instead of from the computer.

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Answer 2

nicknads Author

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Dec 7, 2024 07:42 AM in response to den.thed

I have one WD Black 2230 in a dock case enclose which is so small, I would be amazed if the Mac can't power such a small bus powered device like this. The other drive is a full size aNVME in a Sabrent enclosure. Powered them both just fine on my 2018 Macbook (On battery power) with no issues. Will just have to spend more and get a powered USB hub I guess, but thanks for the response and advice, much appreciated.

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

88,960 points

Dec 7, 2024 07:28 AM in response to nicknads

What USB devices do you have plugged into the Mac mini...?

Sounds like you have to many bus-powered external drives and devices connected to the Mac at the same time.

One solution, is to replace a bus-powered drive with self-powered desktop drive as D.I. Johnson suggested.

Another solution, is to get a good self-powered hub or dock and move of your bus-powered drives or devices to it.

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Answer 4

nicknads Author

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Dec 7, 2024 07:37 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

Thanks for the response. Tried another NVME in a completely different enclosure and it's actually worse. Can't stay connected for more than 20 mins. Also tried about 4 different cables too, so yes, I think I might need to go down the external powered HDD/SSD or powered hub route.

Thanks again

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Answer 5

nicknads Author

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Dec 12, 2024 10:49 PM in response to hcsitas

Appreciate your input but I managed to get a replacement 1 day before my 30 day returns expired. Took it to a Genius Bar and as expected, it was the first time they had heard of this issue so they were a bit confused as to what it could be so decided a replacement was the best option.

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Answer 6

Dec 7, 2024 07:39 AM in response to nicknads

You're welcome.

I do like @den.thed's suggestion of a powered dock or hub. That may solve the problem.

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Answer 7

den.thed

Level 10

88,960 points

Dec 7, 2024 08:55 AM in response to nicknads

You're welcome.

Open your System Report... select USB in the Hardware section, check the Current Available (mA) and Current Required (mA) for each of those drives is.

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