Your Macbook Air does not not recognize the USB key? In the event that you are unable to read information from your external devices (USB keys, external hard drives, etc.) or that they are not not detected through your Macbook Air device, you will need to do a few checks and if necessary, a few manipulations. In fact, your USB key may be Not found on your device and it does not appear on the desktop of your Macbook Air. This article lists the steps to follow in order to solve this problem and that your Macbook Air can detect your external device as soon as you plug it in and make the USB key appear directly on the desktop of your Macbook.
If the USB drive is not recognized by your Macbook Air, perform a few simple checks
It may sometimes be that, despite the fact that it flashes, your USB flash drive is not working on your Mac or is not readable due to faulty hardware problems or incorrect settings. Before proceeding with any manipulation, please check the following parameters:
Checking the Status of the Macbook Air USB Port
If necessary, test with a different USB port on your Macbook Air device. Also check the cleanliness of the USB port on your Macbook Air device: Dust or dirt can block the ports and make them impossible to use.
Checking the Status of Your External Device
Your Macbook Air device may not recognize your external device is due to a damaged or defective USB drive. Test to connect another USB key, or any other external device (external hard drive, wireless keyboard, printer, wireless mouse, etc.) via the USB port in order to locate the problem. If the other peripherals are functioning normally and are detected by your Macbook Air, the problem is with the USB key which should be fixed ou replaced.
Check connections
You will have to disconnect then reconnect your USB key from your Macbook Air and check that all adapters and cables are well connected at both ends. If your Macbook Air device still does not detect your USB drive, try change the cable (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and the adapter, which may be damaged.
Check if your USB flash drive needs software
Sometimes, although in most cases USB sticks work without additional software, some external devices like USB sticks for example, require their own software to be used. Find out about the instructions for your USB key or by typing the model on the internet.
Checking the energy supply
Your external device may have been supplied to you with a AC adapter. If so, you are strongly advised to use it as it means that your external device needs more power than your Macbook Air device can provide. In this case, you will not be able to use your USB drive unless you use the AC adapter.
USB drive not showing on Macbook Air desktop
You must first check the preferences of your Finder on your Macbook Air. It is imperative configure external devices so that they appear on your computer desktop.
Here's how to make your USB drive appear on your desktop:
- Login your USB support
- Go to your Finder
- Select " Preferences«
- Check that the box next to " External disks »Is checked
If the preferences of the Finder are configured to display external devices on the desktop of your Macbook Air, it will then be necessary to verify that your MAcbook Air device is able to detect your USB key.
Here are the steps to check whether the USB drive is detected by your Macbook Air device or not:
- Open the " Applications " from the Finder.
- Click on the " Utilities«
- Choose " System Information«
- Select " USB »In the drop-down menu on the left
If your USB flash drive appears below USB Bus, it means your Macbook Air computer is able to detect your external device. If your USB drive does not show up, you will need to do a test with other external devices to see if the problem is not just your USB drive. Conversely, also connect your USB key to another computer in order to clearly define the source of the problem. If your USB flash drive also doesn't work on another device, it's probably faulty. You will therefore have to have it repaired or bought back USB key in order to store your data and save documents.
The files on my USB stick are unreadable
In this case, your external device may not be not compatible with Apple Macbook devices. It is, in certain cases, possible to carry out a formatting.
Here are the steps to follow in order to proceed with the formatting your USB key in exFAT:
- Simultaneously hold down the " Order " and " Space "To open Spotlight
- Type " Disk Utility And click on it.
- Select and click the USB key to format (which can be found in the left menu)
- Click the " Clear«
- Scroll down the menu " Format "Then choose the" exFAT«
- Click the " Clear«
You just have to wait for Disk Utility to format your USB drive so that it can be recognized et used with your aMacbook Air device.
Reset NVRAM or / and SMC so that your Macbook Air recognizes your USB drive
If after all these checks and operations, your Macbook Air device still does not recognize your USB key, you can then proceed to a SMC reset (system management controller) and NVRAM in order to try to solve this problem.
Resetting NVRAM
You must first turn off and turn on your Macbook Air directly by holding down the following keys: Option, Order, P et R. Keep pressing these different keys for about twenty seconds then wait for your Macbook Air device to make a restart noise. You will be able to release the different keys either when you hear the startup sound on the second tone, or when the Apple logo (the apple) appears and disappears for the second time.
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
Turn off your Macbook Air device. The keys Control + Option (old) + May on your keyboard should be held down simultaneously for about ten seconds. While you are holding these keys, you will need to press and hold the On / Off button for a few seconds as well. Hold all of these keys (Control + Option (old) + May + power button) for another ten seconds and then release them at the same time. After waiting a few seconds, briefly press the Power button on your Macbook Air.
We also recommend this article if your Macbook Air does not recognize your external hard drive.
