Simplest way to fix MacBook SSD error, not recognizing SSD

SSD errors can occur when the SSD has been used for a long time. However, if the SSD has only been used for a short time, the cause may lie with your MacBook. To help you resolve the MacBook SSD error issue, Mytour has compiled some solutions below.

Guide to troubleshooting SSD drive error

Protecting data when MacBook has SSD error

When MacBook has an SSD error, it means you cannot access the data on that hard drive, leading to the risk of losing important data. To avoid this, you should back up the data on this SSD immediately.

Another reason to back up data is that formatting the SSD is the most effective way to fix the error. Therefore, you should back up important data before proceeding to erase your hard drive.

If you have already backed up the hard drive, you can skip this step. If not, you should use data backup software to ensure your data is safe.

2. Reasons Why Your Macbook's SSD Fails

There are various reasons that can cause your Macbook's SSD to fail and not be recognized. Some common reasons include:

2.1. Hard Drive Dock or SATA to USB Converter Malfunction

Typically, you'll need a SATA to USB converter or a hard drive dock to connect your Macbook to external SSDs. If your Mac cannot recognize the SSD, it's likely that your converter is not compatible with the SSD's SATA interface or your hard drive dock is malfunctioning.

2.2. Brand New External SSD Not Yet Formatted

This often occurs when you attempt to back up data from the SSD in your Macbook to an external SSD. The reason is that some new SSDs are not formatted with a file system, making it impossible for the Macbook to recognize and interact with them. Therefore, you cannot access these SSDs.

2.3. External SSD with an Unrecognized File System Type

In some cases, a Macbook will encounter an SSD error if the drive has a file system type that macOS cannot recognize. For example, macOS cannot recognize a drive formatted for the Linux operating system.

2.4. Update Required for External SSD

This error commonly occurs on Samsung T5/T3 SSDs because you need to install the Samsung Portable SSD to unlock and update the drive regularly. Failure to do this will result in the message 'No Samsung portable SSD is connected' instead of being able to use the drive.

2.5. External SSD Hidden on Mac

Sometimes, your Macbook may have actually recognized your SSD, but the device's settings prevent this drive from appearing in Finder, the main screen, or even in Disk Utility due to certain options.

2.6. External SSD Is Damaged

Another common cause of Macbook SSD errors is improperly disconnected SSDs, leading to file system or drive partition damage. Additionally, frequent SSD usage will reduce the hard drive's lifespan. Therefore, you should use hard drive health check software regularly to ensure your SSD is in the best condition.

3. Fixing Macbook SSD Errors

Method 1: Check If the SSD Is Properly Connected

Since all SSDs use the SATA connection standard, when a Macbook does not recognize an SSD, it can lead to Macbook freezing and becoming unresponsive. The first thing you should do is check if the hard drive is properly connected using the following methods:

- Check the cable by trying a different one.
- Check if your SSD uses SATA I, II, or III standard to choose the appropriate converter cable/dock.
- Use a new SATA to USB converter cable, ensuring that this cable works well when used with another hard drive.
- Try connecting the SSD directly to the Macbook if the hard drive uses a type-C port.

If the SSD you are using is a SamSung T5/T3 and you receive the System Extension Blocked and No Samsung portable SSD has connected messages when running Samsung Portable SSD Software, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open System Preferences.

Step 2: Open Security & Privacy.

Step 3: Look for the line System software from Samsung Electronics was blocked from loading and select Allow.

Method 2: Restart Your Macbook

Sometimes, a system error can occur and cause your Macbook to have SSD errors. However, you can fix this error simply by restarting your Macbook. By doing this, your Macbook will restart as new, especially when all USB ports are in use.

Method 3: Find the Missing Drive in Disk Utility

When your Macbook has SSD errors, the most effective way is to check if that hard drive is displayed in Disk Utility. If it is, you need to ensure that this SSD does not have hardware issues. If not, the hard drive has been damaged due to impact.

Step 1: Open Go > Utilities.

Step 2: Select View.

Step 3: Select Show All Devices

At this point, there are three possible scenarios:

- If the SSD is formatted with NTFS from Windows, the macOS operating system cannot write data to this hard drive. To write data, you need to install additional software.

- If the SSD has been used on another device but your Macbook cannot recognize it now, the file system of this SSD may not be supported or even corrupted. What you need to do at this point is to back up all data and format the hard drive.

- If it's a newly purchased SSD, this hard drive may not be formatted yet. In this case, you won't see the partitions of this hard drive in the Disk Utility window. Instead, you'll see the message 'the disk you inserted was not readable by this computer'. At this point, you need to ensure there is no data on the hard drive and use the erase function of Disk Utility to format it.

Method 4: Use First Aid

If your SSD is displayed in Disk Utility, you can select that hard drive and choose Mount to display this SSD in your Macbook.

If the Mount button is grayed out, you need to use the First Aid function to fix SSD errors by selecting the drive to be repaired and selecting First Aid.

Method 5: Format the SSD after backing up data

If none of the above methods are effective, your SSD may be damaged and needs to be formatted. However, regardless of whether the SSD error is hardware or software related, your data is still the top priority.

After successfully backing up your data, you can format the SSD as follows:

Step 1: Open Disk Utility.

Step 2: Select the SSD to format and choose Erase.

Step 3: Fill in the necessary information and select Erase.

Method 6: Find a reputable technician

If your SSD does not appear in Disk Utility, you will need to take it to a repair shop because only a technician can handle hardware issues.

Thus, Mytour has introduced you to how to fix SSD errors on Macbook. Readers can also refer to other Mac tricks to fix common Mac issues such as Bluetooth connection errors, spinning wheel issues, etc.

Read more: How to fix Bluetooth issues on Macbook