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How do I connect an external hard drive to a macbook Air

I just got a macbook air, but it only gas two strange usb ports.


Everything else I have uses the old UsB HOOKUPS like those on my old iMac.


What cables do I need to connect stuff. Or should I send the Air back.

MacBook Air 13″

Posted on Aug 12, 2023 5:10 PM

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6 replies

Aug 12, 2023 11:41 PM in response to tonidoll

tonidoll wrote:

I just got a macbook air, but it only gas two strange usb ports.


Those are USB4 / Thunderbolt 3 ports. They have USB-C connectors and they support USB, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt 3 accessories.


Everything else I have uses the old UsB HOOKUPS like those on my old iMac.

What cables do I need to connect stuff. Or should I send the Air back.


You need USB-C to USB-A adapters. These come in various forms:

  • Cables like the Apple one
  • Inline plug adapters
  • Inexpensive USB-A hubs that have four or more USB-A ports, but plug into a computer using a cable that has a USB-C plug on the end of it
  • USB-C and Thunderbolt docks that can add all sorts of things (including USB-A ports)


Look for adapters and adapter cables that support USB 3 speeds and that aren't for charging only.

Aug 12, 2023 11:51 PM in response to tonidoll

tonidoll wrote:

setting up the Air is daunting. I am really considering returning it. Are there any macbooks that just have old fashioned ports? thanks


Apple went all-in on USB-C / Thunderbolt ports several years ago. No current or recent Mac laptops have USB-A ports. Mac Mini and Mac Studio desktops have a couple of USB-A ports, but there again, the main expansion is via USB-C / Thunderbolt.


How do I connect an external hard drive to a macbook Air

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