External HD not detected (somewhat)

I plugged in my 2 external hard drives. One is not detected/is grayed out in the disk utility (see screenshot) Using M1 macbook pro.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 15.4

Posted on Mar 30, 2025 6:11 PM

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Posted on Mar 30, 2025 6:28 PM

"Tried clicking it but nothing happens"

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Format Type is of NTFS:

This is not being read because of the format type. NTFS is owned by Windows. Is there anything on this drive? If so, and you need to keep it, then unplug it and use this with a PC. If nothing is on the drive, then format it to ExFAT if you want to use this between a PC and a Mac. If you just want to use this with your Mac, then use APFS for the format. Be careful with formatting this, as a ll will be erased.


Screenshot:

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 30, 2025 6:28 PM in response to karl_kda

"Tried clicking it but nothing happens"

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Format Type is of NTFS:

This is not being read because of the format type. NTFS is owned by Windows. Is there anything on this drive? If so, and you need to keep it, then unplug it and use this with a PC. If nothing is on the drive, then format it to ExFAT if you want to use this between a PC and a Mac. If you just want to use this with your Mac, then use APFS for the format. Be careful with formatting this, as a ll will be erased.


Screenshot:

Mar 30, 2025 6:49 PM in response to karl_kda

"Thanks for this. Can I change the format without erasing the files? I have a windows laptop with me"

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You are welcome.


No. Once formatted, it will be erased. So, back up what is on there first. Using this PC, back things up to it, either Dragging & Dropping items to the Desktop or to another external drive plugged into it. Then, all will be backed up.

Mar 30, 2025 6:16 PM in response to karl_kda

"External HD not detected (somewhat): I plugged in my 2 external hard drives. One is not detected/is grayed out in the disk utility (see screenshot) Using M1 macbook pro."

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Mount the Drive:

Select the drive, and then click the "Mount" Botton located on the to-right cord of the screen --shot should make it accessible (as long as the format is readable).


Screenshot of What to Click:

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External HD not detected (somewhat)

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