Why doesn't the iMac see the hard drive? Mac can't see external hard drive Imac can't see external hard drive

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Let's look at the reasons why your MacBook does not see the SSD disk during system installation, or after installation and during operation.

This article is suitable for all models MacBook Pro and Air, released in different years. There may be some differences in architecture or description Mac versions OS.

Initial disk setup

To work with an SSD, you need to format it into a file system that the device supports: APFS, ExFAT or HFS+. The new APFS file system is great for using embedded solid state drives, but converting external SSDs and hard drives V this format causes certain problems, which we will discuss below.

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MacBook doesn't see SSD partition

If the SSD partition does not appear in the Finder window or on the desktop, but Disk Utility recognizes the drive, then there is a formatting problem. Convert the disk to one of the supported file systems only possible when using Disk Utility.

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After launching the utility, you need to select the volume of the required SSD drive, then click on the “Erase” button at the top of the screen and specify the supported file system in the “Format” section. We need to choose ExFAT or Mac OS Extended (this is HFS+, most users can use the encryption and case insensitive option).

Disk is not visible in Time Machine

When the MacBook Pro gives an error or does not see the SSD during an attempt, there may be a problem with file system compatibility. In the situation with Time Machine, everything is a little more complicated: although macOS fully supports working with the ExFAT format, the standard utility for backup Only works with new APFS or HFS+.

You must use the Time Machine section exclusively. If you don’t want to take up the entire drive with backup copies, then you need to divide it into two or more partitions. One of the partitions should be formatted in HFS+.

Other Disk Utility errors

Some APFS SSD users are experiencing problems. The system refuses to create for external hard drive image the partition or format it this section. This problem causes many third party applications backups can no longer work with the partition, giving an error when creating the image.

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Only developers can solve the problem by releasing a patch for their applications. Therefore, you can simply not use APFS for external drives.

Compatibility and hardware issues

Problems with peripheral devices in most cases they have hardware roots, and they are related to the functioning of system interfaces. For example, if the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro does not see the SSD, which is connected via a Thunderbolt/USB adapter. This problem may be a faulty connector on the case or cable. A connector defect may go unnoticed for a long time.

Mechanical problems are not the only source of the problem. The MacBook may not see the SSD that is connected via an adapter due to an incompatible interface standard. It follows from this:

• Early MacBooks do not support newer storage models and M.2 PCIe.
• Later laptops do not support earlier models of drives, M.2 SATA and mSATA.

The problem is complicated by the fact that adapters and drives for standard devices for M.2 (the most promising standard for Apple owners) can be made in PCIe and SATA versions, which significantly complicates the choice of compatible components. It turns out that if the connector on the drive is compatible with the connector of the adapter used (M.2 has a unified connector), using a different standard will not allow the system to detect the drive.

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The only way to decide this problem will be purchasing a drive compatible with your laptop. For MacBook Air and Pro before 2013 and for early MacBook Pro Retina 2012 - 2013, you need to choose drives that support SATA. More modern computers support PCIe-based drives. You can also use an external adapter, which will allow the incompatible drive to be used as portable storage.

High Sierra does not see SSD drive

System High Sierra has many changes: built-in support for virtual reality programs, a new file storage architecture, and a redesigned “photo” section. The main innovation was support for NMVe technology.

NVM Express is a special specification for access protocols for fast SSD drives that are connected via the PCI Express bus. The name "NVM" stands for non-volatile memory, which uses NAND flash memory.

This logic interface is designed to minimize latency and leverage the high parallelism of SSDs with a new instruction set and queue processing optimized to run on today's multi-core processors. In this situation, PCIe drives with an M.2 (NGFF) connector will be more interesting, since they can be used in modern Apple technology.

The screenshot below shows the advantages of the new technology using the examples of Kingston SHPM2280P2/480G and Samsung 960 EVO MZ-V6E250BW (NVMe) drives. Testing was carried out on a MacBook Pro Retina 13" manufactured in 2015.

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When installing the disk into a laptop, you need to wrap thermal tape around the connection between the adapter and the SSD disk, as in the screenshot below.

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Before physically installing a ready-made disk (adapter, SSD, wrapping with thermal tape), you need to make a bootable USB flash drive with Mac OS High Sierra and install High Sierra on the device. This is done so that it is possible to new system transfer all files.

Moving information to a new system with a new SSD drive is done through the Time Capsule. If it is not there, then install a backup on a removable drive and all data can be restored via Time Machine.

After physically installing the disk, boot from bootable flash drive. You need to launch a terminal, then enter the command diskutil mountDisk disk0. This is done in a situation where there are currently no disks in the device except the new disk.

In another situation, you should register disk1. Then open Disk Utility and expand all the information in the upper left corner using the “View” button. Now select “Show all devices”, after which the unallocated Samsung SSD NVMe drive will be displayed. You need to format it, then install Mac OS High Sierra on it and return the information via Time Machine, Time Capulse, or use a clean system.

In practice, problems occur when waking up from sleep. This can be done in the terminal using the command “sudo pmset -a hibernatemode 25”. With this command, sleep data is sent not to memory, but to the SSD.

This command does not affect the speed of exiting or sending to sleep in any way. If the disk is still not detected, then you need to reset the SMC settings.

Tips for using SSD drives on a MacBook

It is important to know about proper system preparation and configuration for SSDs. Let's look at a number of tips that will help you work comfortably with your drive.

Turn on TRIM

SSD drives are prone to clutter, which can lead to poor performance. The problem is solved using TRIM technology. On Macs that come with SSD drives, it is enabled by default.

If you performed the upgrade yourself, you must enable TRIM manually. The Terminal is used for this, but it is safer and easier to use the free Chameleon SSD Optimizer utility.

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In the application, you must unlock access by entering the system password and activate the TRIM switch. Then the laptop will reboot, and you will no longer need the program.

In the utility settings, you can disable hibernation, the Sudden Motion Sensor and set a ban on dump creation RAM. These features can extend the life of your drive.

Setting up work with NTFS

When working with external drives, users have to deal with file NTFS system. In OS X, you can read files in NTFS, but you cannot add new ones or change them. It is better to prepare for this in advance so that the Mac does not refuse to function normally with such a drive at the most inopportune moment.

Free space

To SSD drive It doesn’t turn into a garbage dump; it needs to be cleaned regularly. All dubious folders can be deleted manually, but it is better to use specialized applications.

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The DaisyDisk program is suitable for this. If you need quick and advanced cleaning, you can use Clean My Mac 3. Application features:

• Removing system garbage.
• Demonstration of large files.
• Removes unnecessary locations from other programs.
• Cleaning the system of unnecessary add-ons.

Connecting cloud storage

If there is not enough SSD capacity, they will come to the rescue cloud storage. All popular services have a separate client for OS X, where selective synchronization is possible.

Synchronization can be disabled altogether, and data can only be uploaded to a remote server and removed from the device. You can send to the cloud those files that you least need. If necessary, they can always be loaded back.

Downloads folder

This directory most often takes up space on an SSD drive. It is necessary to sort out what you download regularly and put everything in the right places - in the cloud or on external drives. You can also entrust this process to the Automator application.

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In recent years, the MacBook, a product of Apple Corporation, has gained unprecedented popularity. But any digital technology breaks down someday. This fate did not spare Apple devices.

Judging by the statistics, many problems arise with the computer's hard drive. It would be reasonable to note that this problem occurs not only with Apple products. How does this manifest itself?

A user working on a MacBook is faced with the fact that the device freezes. Trying to restore functionality, the user restarts the computer. But in response, the computer does not boot, and the monitor turns white, on top of which a folder appears with a blinking question mark inside.

After carrying out some simple diagnostics, you can come to the conclusion that the MacBook does not see hard drive. Such problems need to be corrected as quickly as possible, otherwise the problem will become much more serious. A delay will lead to unnecessary, unreasonable repair costs. The sooner you contact the service center, the greater the chances of having your computer repaired.

There are several reasons why the MacBook does not recognize the hard drive:

• manufacturing defect (the device stops working at the very beginning of operation);
• wear and tear (breakage occurs after a long period of use);
• overheating (the normal rhythm of the auxiliary mechanisms is disrupted, and more specifically, the cooler does not sufficiently cool the inside of the MacBook);
• mechanical damage;
• moisture ingress;
• operating system errors.

Each of them is detected by specialists service center and is corrected.

Problem identification and repair.

When starting his activity, a digital equipment repair specialist conducts full hardware and software diagnostics. This will help you figure out what the problem is. If the issue is the OS, drivers, settings, or incorrect functioning of programs, then the technicians will fix the problems or update the software.

Then, when there is a hardware malfunction, the case is opened, after which the part is examined for the possibility of repair. When this cannot be done, replacement is made.

Replacing the cable.

Very often the MacBook does not see the HDD due to a faulty cable. Then there is no need to completely change the drive. It is enough to replace the broken element. Specialists can deal with such breakdowns in a short time. They have everything for this necessary tools, and experience that you can’t do without. After all the required procedures, your SSD will begin to function again.

There are many reasons why the iMac does not detect the hard drive. Each of them depends on the circumstances causing the lack of interaction between the elements.

The new disk is not visible

If the iMac does not “see” an external hard drive that was just brought from the store and connected for the first time, the following reasons are possible:

1. The drive letter is incorrect. To resolve this issue, you need to do the following. Go to the computer management menu and the “Disk Management Menu” will appear on the left side of the window. Then find required disk and change the letter to one that is not yet in the operating system.
2. The disk is not formatted. To do this, right-click on the disk “icon” and select create a new volume in the menu that opens. It is important to be extremely careful here, since formatting will delete absolutely all information from the device!
3. Lack of drivers. It's not that difficult to check. If on other devices new hard The disk is displayed, but the computer does not read it; most likely, there are no drivers for the disk. You can find them on the official websites of the manufacturer or buy them in a specialized store. Or you can contact a qualifying workshop, where they will install a 100% original product. This will eliminate possible errors and conflicts in the OS.
4. Mechanical damage to the USB cable or the disk itself. You need to visually inspect the device.

However, many issues are easier to resolve by trusting specialists from qualified workshops. As a result, contacting a specialist will be cheaper than subsequent repairs due to incorrect actions.

The old disk cannot be read

If during installation Mac OS does not “see” the hard drive, but before that the disk was read on another device or with an old OS, there may be several reasons:

• incorrect disk name;
• presence of a virus on the HDD;
• mechanical damage;
• conflict with the new OS.

An easy way to independently diagnose the operation of the HDD itself is to connect it to another computer. Then you can rule out a problem in the drive itself. But it would be wiser to contact a workshop. Specialists identify the malfunction much faster and also eliminate it professionally, eliminating possible complications in the operation of the system.

A professional workshop is the right choice for iMac repair!

Free consultation! Free diagnostics! Work guarantee!

Select section:

Fair, not overpriced and not underestimated. There should be prices on the Service website. Necessarily! without asterisks, clear and detailed, where technically possible - as accurate and concise as possible.

If spare parts are available, up to 85% of complex repairs can be completed in 1-2 days. Modular repairs require much less time. The website shows the approximate duration of any repair.

Warranty and responsibility

A guarantee must be given for any repairs. Everything is described on the website and in the documents. The guarantee is self-confidence and respect for you. A 3-6 month warranty is good and sufficient. It is needed to check quality and hidden defects that cannot be detected immediately. You see honest and realistic terms (not 3 years), you can be sure that they will help you.

Half the battle is Apple repair- this is the quality and reliability of spare parts, so a good service works with suppliers directly, there are always several reliable channels and your own warehouse with proven spare parts for current models, so that you do not have to waste extra time.

Free diagnostics

This is very important and has already become a rule of good manners for the service center. Diagnostics is the most difficult and important part of the repair, but you don't have to pay a penny for it, even if you don't repair the device based on its results.

Service repairs and delivery

Good service values ​​your time, so he offers free shipping. And for the same reason, repairs are carried out only in the workshop of a service center: correctly and according to technology can only be done in a prepared place.

Convenient schedule

If the Service works for you, and not for itself, then it is always open! absolutely. The schedule should be convenient to fit in before and after work. Good service works on weekends and holidays. We are waiting for you and working on your devices every day: 9:00 - 21:00

The reputation of professionals consists of several points

Company age and experience

Reliable and experienced service has been known for a long time.
If a company has been on the market for many years and has managed to establish itself as an expert, people turn to it, write about it, and recommend it. We know what we are talking about, since 98% of incoming devices in the service center are restored.
Other service centers trust us and refer complex cases to us.

How many masters in areas

If there are always several engineers waiting for you for each type of equipment, you can be sure:
1. there will be no queue (or it will be minimal) - your device will be taken care of right away.
2. you give your Macbook for repair to an expert in the field of Mac repairs. He knows all the secrets of these devices

Technical literacy

If you ask a question, a specialist should answer it as accurately as possible.
So that you can imagine what exactly you need.
They will try to solve the problem. In most cases, from the description you can understand what happened and how to fix the problem.

Over the past few years of computer development, each of us has at least once encountered the problem of lack of free space on disk: the quality of information, be it photographs, films or programs, is steadily increasing, and with it the amount of disk space required for storage is increasing.

That's why the iMac's built-in storage doesn't look so attractive after a couple of years of use, and we often start thinking about replacing it, because we constantly use external USB disk It’s unpleasant, it spoils the whole impression of working on an iMac, and setting up network storage is also unprofitable - although their stability is now much higher, many programs still cannot fully work with “remote drives”.

However, what should you do if, after replacing the storage, the iMac does not see new HDD? Let's take it in order.

After installation new hard disk on iMac, Disk Utility will automatically prompt you to format the drive (if the utility is not open, you may not see messages about the connected disk, just like in Windows). By default, Mac OS works with the main file system formats, including HFS+, FAT32, ExFAT and NTFS. Native to Mac OS is HFS+ (Mac Os Extended), as it allows you to use a hard drive of almost unlimited capacity and store the corresponding files on it. Using FAT32 is also possible, but in this case maximum size The hard drive will be limited to two terabytes, and the maximum file size will be four gigabytes. ExFAT, in turn, has no such restrictions. NTFS is the standard system for Windows, but Mac OS is read-only when working with this standard.

If the computer does not see the new HDD, you should start the iMac in recovery mode and select Disk Utility (an Internet connection will be required). To do this, you need to boot the iMac while holding down the Command + R keys. If Disk Utility recognizes the installed HDD, you should format it yourself to a supported standard. The optimal choice would be one of two formats:

• HFS+ for use exclusively in the Mac OS environment and also for creating backup copies(Time Machine only supports this format.)
• ExFAT for use in conjunction with the operating room Windows system(for exchanging files of any size).

After this, without leaving recovery mode, you can install Mac OS or restore the system to a new hard drive.

If the iMac does not see the new HDD connected via an external cable, the problem may also be with the format. In most cases, problems arise with hard drives larger than 2 TB, as a result of which the system can only recognize two or less terabytes (in some cases even less than one terabyte). In this case, the problem is the standard for Windows markup GPT installed on the disk. You can also change the partition type through Disk Utility.

In addition to software problems with standards, there may be hardware incompatibility and damage to board components or the disk itself. If after formatting the computer still does not see the new HDD, the iMac should be sent to a service center.