Connecting external drive with new Mac’s

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Connecting external drive with new Mac’s

SOLUTION! more than likely if you’re using an external then you’re using an older USB and not the new USB-C. Not sure if they even sell external drives with USBC. So like me you’re using an dongle adapter, USB to USB-C.

Except your adapter probably isn’t powered! Seems like all of the apple system and hardware upgrades will not work with a standard USB adapter for external drives unless it is powered. So make sure at least one of your USB ports on your adapter is powered. Plug your external drive into that one. This will make some of the other USB connections on the adapter buggy.

[Edited by Moderator]

Mac mini, macOS 15.4

Posted on May 23, 2025 08:37 PM

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Answer 1

TheLittles

Level 10

201,503 points

May 23, 2025 08:52 PM in response to Edmidgett

"Connecting external drive with new Mac’s: SOLUTION! more than likely if you’re using an external then you’re using an older USB and not the new USB-C. Not sure if they even sell external drives with USBC. So like me you’re using an dongle adapter, USB to USB-C. Except your adapter probably isn’t powered! Seems like all of the apple system and hardware upgrades will not work with a standard USB adapter for external drives unless it is powered.[...]"

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Confirm the Power on the Bus:

See if no power current is seen. If so, then you've maxed out the power to it. Get an external powered USB hub (one that powered off the wall, while plugged into your Mac), and you'd get more current to the the bus.

Click: Apple menu
Hold Down: Option button
Open: System Information
Click: USB
Select: [the bus being used]
View: Current Available

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Connecting external drive with new Mac’s

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