Mac Studio (macOS 14.4) & SD Cards

Question

Mac Studio (macOS 14.4) & SD Cards

I cannot see SD cards in my Finder, Desktop, or Disk Utility.

I am using SanDisk Ultra 100 MB/s 128 GB and Gigastone 100 MB/s 128 GB

Steps I have already taken:

Restarted my Mac
Made sure 'External disks' is checked in Finder > General
Made sure 'External disks' is checked in Finder > Sidebar
Checked for a software update (there is not one)
Looked for the disk in Disk Utility (it is not there)

For context, these both work in my coworker's SD card reader. He has the same model Mac Studio as me. I am not sure what else to do. Please advise.

Mac Studio, macOS 14.4

Posted on Oct 27, 2025 11:12 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Old Toad

Level 10

215,082 points

Oct 27, 2025 2:50 PM in response to JuliaSanders99

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the built-in card reader works. Then reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following;

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

Reply

Answer 2

Oct 27, 2025 11:15 AM in response to JuliaSanders99

I just tried an external card reader and it showed up immediately. I suppose my computer's SD card reader is faulty.

Reply