I just realized "My Passport" has not been backing up. It is no longer on my desktop where I kept it. It is in the time machine, but get message "cannot find disk." I have checked all the connections, restarted the computer, plugged it in to different ports on the computer, it just doesn't find it. Anything else I can do before buying a new one?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iMac 27″, macOS 15.1
Cinciguy wrote:
With My passport plugged in, when I run Disk Utility I get the spinning wheel looking for disks. With it unplugged my hard drive shows up immediately. I think the device is defective.
Yes' you need to replace that WD Passport.
FWIW I've seen failed external drives cause that problem for Disk Utility a number of times.
In addition, I recommend avoiding another cheap off the shelf external drive for something better.
For example: > https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/owc-mercury-elite-pro
Hi there!
I'd recommend checking to see if the external disk or its volumes are shown in Disk Utility.
Intro to Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support
When Disk Utility is open, be sure that all devices is turned on:
View all devices or only volumes in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support.
Let us know what you see, or if possible, uploading a screenshot might be helpful:
Take a screenshot on your Mac - Apple Support.
-Jack
What Mac model and year is your iMac?
When did this start: after a system update or upgrade?
Do you have the Finder settings set to show all external drives, etc?
Have you tried a different cable?
If all are checked hold down the Option key and access the ➙ System Information menu. Once in the System Information see if the Passport drive is listed under Hardware/Storage and/or USB.
Have you installed and run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus or VPN apps on your Mac?
It's a 27" Retina 5k, from 2020, running on Sequoia 15.1.1. I haven't run any cleaning...I don't have another cable to try, but it is securely plugged in. I tried it in several places. I know it gets power because the light blinks and I can hear a slight buzz from it. It is listed under Time Machine in settings, but with the message that it will back up when the disk is connected. The icon for it is not on the desk top, nor listed in launch pad. I wonder if the device is broken. I don't remember if I did a system upgrade last May, but that is when it stopped backing up.
With My passport plugged in, when I run Disk Utility I get the spinning wheel looking for disks. With it unplugged my hard drive shows up immediately. I think the device is defective.
My Passport not found for Time Machine backup
