External SSD ejects randomly SOLVED

I am using a Mac mini M4 24 Gb ram and 512 Gb disk capacity.

Connected to it via Thunderbolt 3 a G Drive Mobile Pro SSD of 512 GB.

Since I have this Mac mini about two weeks I constantly had the issue that the external ssd ejected himself. This was totaly random. I called Apple Support twice, but they had no idea what could be the cause of the problem and propose some basic points to check, which I had already checked before calling them. I also contacted Western Digital and they also had no idea about the cause of the problem.

I continued searching by myself and try to find a pattern for the problem. Finally I found it.

I noticed that when I placed the external drive near my router (TP Link Deco X 50) the disk ejected. Then I changed the place and put it below the Mac mini (Mac mini is on a monitor stand). In this place the disk also ejected himself. The I turned wifi off all worked fine.

So my conclusion is that wifi affects the external ssd in some way (I don't know why and how), but placing the disk about 30 cm away solved the problem in my case. I had closer because the cale which came with the disk was very short.

Hope this experience helps someone who has the same issue.


Mac mini, macOS 15.3

Posted on Feb 7, 2025 10:05 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 7, 2025 10:25 AM

Thanks for sharing those findings.


Normally the opposite happens and the external Drive or Cable causes Wi-Fi interference.

see > Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference - Apple Support

Similar questions

3 replies

Feb 7, 2025 10:11 AM in response to S1000XR

Interesting as I wouldn't of thought radio signals could directly affect an external drive.


Regardless, I would be more concerned about where this wireless router is placed with respect to you, if it is capable of affecting this drive.


Thanks for you solution as I'm sure it will help others who may be experiencing this same issue.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

External SSD ejects randomly SOLVED

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.