SSD disconnecting through USB hub after new OS updates

I have an OWC 4 & 1 Port Hub. I received it 2022-10-19. It has worked flawlessly up until now. Recently after an Mac OS update on my 2020 M1 Mac mini the NVMe M.2 SSD connected through USB-C on this Hub keeps getting dropped. Another same NVMe drive connected directly to the Mac mini USB-c port, doesn't get dropped. I need to unplug and re-plug it to get it back. It’s installed in a ELUTENG NVMe enclosure containing a Realtek RTL9210B 10Gbps high-end master controller.


Has Apple changed something in a later Release that would affect this?

Thanks for your assistance,

GaryReg

Mac mini, macOS 15.6

Posted on Sep 17, 2025 8:50 PM

Reply
6 replies

Sep 18, 2025 5:35 AM in response to GaryReginald

What is the brand and model of the SSD?

Also, exactly which OWC device are you referring to (there are a few)?


FWIW, I have a Sabrent enclosure that uses the same Realtek chip with a Samsung 980 Pro installed connected to the OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock (now they just call it Thunderbolt Dock) that is working flawlessly. Also, FWIW, not all enclosures with the RTL9210 are created equal. There can be slight firmware differences and even assembly differences thatch have borderline operating characteristics.


From past experience, combinations of DIY enclosure/SSD can sometimes be erratic. Some combos just don't play well with certain computers and operating systems and even how they are interfaced. Even OS updates can even bork them. This is not just a Mac problem but can also be an issue with PCs as well.


One thing that you may try, power down the Mini and kill power to the hub. Wait about 5 minutes, power up the hub then restart the Mini. On some rare occasions reseting the hub/dock by powering down can fix some issues.

Sep 17, 2025 8:58 PM in response to GaryReginald

"SSD disconnecting through USB hub after new OS updates: I have an OWC 4 & 1 Port Hub. I received it 2022-10-19. It has worked flawlessly up until now. Recently after a Mac OS update on my 2020 M1 Mac mini the NVMe M.2 SSD connected through USB-C on this Hub keeps getting dropped."

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Getting a Drive on a Hub to Be Seen After an Update:

A. Restart your Mac:

Start with a restart. See if it is then seen.


B. Verify the Connection:

Verify that the drive is even seen: 

  1. Hold Down: the Option key
  2. Click: the Apple menu
  3. Choose: System Information or System Report
  4. Select: Storage and USB from the list on the left
  5. Look For: the drive


C. Try a New Administrator User:

Create a log int a new administrator user, seeing if you can get this to be Seen.


D. Boot in Safe Mode:

In Safe ModeLogin Items do not run at login, certain preferences are set aside, and damaged system files are then reset. So, once booted in to Safe Mode, wait 30 seconds, and then boot up normally, attempting another update install. For instructions, go here: How to Use Safe Mode on your Mac - Apple Support


E. Report this to Apple:

Do your Part: Report this to AppleApple may not get back to you directly, but the more feedback Apple receives on this, the more they will know what is going on, and what needs to be fixed in upcoming updates. Apple will know nothing of your issue, if you don't report this to them.

  1. Go Here: Feedback - macOS - Apple
  2. Select: "Bug Report" for the "Feedback Type"
  3. Comment: that this all started after installing an update, and how you have troubleshot it thus far. Include the URL to this thread.
  4. Proceed from there as necessary

SSD disconnecting through USB hub after new OS updates

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