Unable to log in at first boot with Zike drive as external disk on Mac mini m4

So login is also after one day possible.

The Firmware Update solved my issue.

Do you know how to upload files here so that I can share it?

But it seems that you can also download the Firmware at Zikes WebSite (scroll down):

https://ziketech.com/products/zikedrive-usb4-40gbps-nvme-m-2-ssd-enclosure-z666

The BIN File version which is on the Website is newer then what I get from the Support Team.

Same issue here.

It seems to happen if the Mini M4 is shutdown over night.

The Zike Drive is not going to be detected when I fire up the Mini first time. Reconnecting (while is on) detectes the drive and I can log in again. The Zike drive is conneted with the TB port (middle) on the Mini.

Any Ideas!

It is also not working with the Port next to HDMI.

On the external drive I only have

my home folder. So the drive is not used (not available - can‘t select) as Startdrive.

I had prepared also an internal (on internal ssd) user. And login with the internal is user is working properly.

So when I login with the internal user I can‘t see the Zike drive in Finder. Only after disconnecting and reconnecting the Zikedrive it appers in Finder and then a login with my external user profile is possible again.

Hmm? Why is the MacMini not recognizing the external drive when it started?

Have you already tried to use an other cable?

I now used an other cable and need to wait a couple of hours. Because when I do a resart or shutdown wait a few seconds an fire up again then there is no Problem. Only if the Mini is switched off for a longer time period then the SSD is not available in MacOs and needs to unplug and reconnect the cable.

My Setup:

MacMini M4 Std.

Zike Drive

WD Black SN770 2-TB

MacOs 15.3.2

Also the other cable did not work in my case.

So I put my SSD in an older USB NVME case and waited overnight. And the result: It is working properly. The drive was detected and I was able to login without any issues.

So I am quite sure that something with my ZikeCase is not OK.

I‘ve contacted Zike Support.

It seems that my issue is resolved. I got from the Zike Support a firmware update file (program + bin file) after running the firmware update on the drive it seems to work properly now. But I will see the final result tomorrow.

What else is connected to the rear Thunderbolt/USB-C ports...? (a hub, a dock, a display a drive)

Test with just the Zike drive plugged into Mac mini's inner most Thunderbolt/USB-C port.

If that doesn't help, leave the Mac mini on and allow the display(s) to turn off.

Then restart once a week and only shutdown when away for more than a day.

Not sure how you made your boot drive. I have a similar drive to the Zike and have no issues. I made my drive by booting into Recovery mode, installing the OS (Sequoia) then migrating all my files from my TM drive and no issues with login at startup. My PW for login is the same on both internal and external drive.

I'm guessing it is an issue with your home folder on the external. I have seen others that have issues with doing that. I would suggest that if you want to save space on your internal you should either 1) make an external boot drive (clone of your internal) or 2) just move large folders like Music, photos, movies, etc. to your external. I have done both with no issues.

To add to what den.thed has stated try the port next to the hdmi port. I read somewhere that is the preferred port for boot drives which is what I use.

Move drive to TB port next to the HDMI port and test. Are you sure you have selected that drive as the start up drive in the startup disc menu in preferences?