Toshiba External Hard Drive Not Mounting on Mac, How to Fix

One typical problem users may experience is that their Toshiba hard drive does not mount on a Mac. In this post, we'll discuss the potential reasons why a Toshiba external hard drive might not mount on a Mac and offer fixes.

Many Mac users choose Toshiba external hard drives because of their reputation for dependability and storage capacity. Like any external storage device, they can occasionally not mount on a Mac, which frustrates users and prevents them from accessing their data. Don't worry about this problem; this post will explain the typical reasons and fixes for a Toshiba hard drive not mounting on a Mac.

Fix to Toshiba External Hard Drive Not Mounting on Mac

If you are experiencing issues with your Toshiba external hard drive not mounting on your Mac, there are several solutions you can try to fix the problem. Below are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the mounting issue:

• Fix 1. Check the USB Cable and Port
• Fix 2. Check Disk Utility for Drive Recognition
• Fix 3. Repair the Drive Using First Aid
• Fix 4. Reset NVRAM/PRAM

Fix 1. Check the USB Cable and Port

A faulty USB cable or port is one of the most common reasons for external hard drive issues. Follow these steps to rule out this possibility:

• Try a Different USB Cable: Use another USB cable to connect your Toshiba external hard drive to your Mac.
• Test Another USB Port: Plug the drive into a different USB port on your Mac.
• Use a Different Mac: Connect the drive to another Mac to see if it mounts.

If the drive works with a different cable, port, or computer, the issue lies with the original cable or port.

Fix 2. Check Disk Utility for Drive Recognition

Disk Utility is a built-in macOS tool that can help you diagnose and fix external hard drive issues. Here's how to use it:

Step 1. Connect your Toshiba external hard drive to your Mac.

Step 2. Open "Disk Utility" (go to "Applications" > "Utilities" > "Disk Utility").

Step 3. Look for your Toshiba drive in the list of devices on the left sidebar.

Step 4. If the drive appears but is grayed out or not mounted, select it and click "Mount".

If the drive doesn't appear, it may indicate a hardware issue. Read this article about external hard drives not showing up on Mac.

Fix 3. Repair the Drive Using First Aid

If the drive appears in Disk Utility but isn't mounting, it may have a corrupted file system. Use Disk Utility's First Aid feature to repair it:

Step 1. Open "Disk Utility".

Step 2. Select your Toshiba external hard drive from the sidebar.

Step 3. Click "First Aid" and then "Run".

Wait for the process to complete. If errors are found, Disk Utility will attempt to fix them.

If First Aid fails to repair the drive, you may need to consider more advanced solutions. However, you should ensure the safety of your data before replacing the hard drive. Therefore, we recommend that you use hard drive recovery software for Mac to restore the data to a safe place first.

It is not a completely free data recovery software for Mac, but you can download the trial version to experience it.

Step 1. Search for lost files

Correctly connect your external hard drive to your Mac. Launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, and select the external hard drive. Then, click "Search for lost files" to find lost/deleted files on your external devices.

Step 2. Filter and find lost files

After the scan, all file types will be presented in the left panel. Select the file type to find wanted files on your external devices.

Step 3. Preview and recover

Click the file and preview it. Then, select the files you want to recover and click the "Recover" button. You can save your data to local and cloud drives.

Many Mac users have proved the efficacy of the tool. If you want to resolve the Mac files recovery issue, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms!

Fix 4. Reset NVRAM/PRAM

NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) and PRAM (parameter random-access memory) store settings related to hardware and peripherals. Resetting them can sometimes resolve external hard drive issues:

Step 1. Shut down your Mac.

Step 2. Turn it on and immediately press Option + Command + P + R.

Step 3. Hold the keys for about 20 seconds, then release.

Causes of Toshiba External Hard Drive Not Mounting on Mac

There are several reasons why a Toshiba external hard drive may not be mounted on a Mac computer. Some of the common causes include:

• Connection Issues: One of the most common reasons for a Toshiba external hard drive not mounting on a Mac is a faulty or loose connection. Ensure the hard drive's USB cable to the computer is securely plugged in and not damaged.
• File System Compatibility Issues: Toshiba external hard drives are often formatted for Windows (NTFS), which is not natively writable on macOS. While macOS can read NTFS drives, it may struggle to mount them properly.
• Driver or Software Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers or software can cause connectivity problems between the drive and your Mac.
• macOS Update: Sometimes, a recent macOS update may cause compatibility issues with external devices, including Toshiba external hard drives, which can lead to mounting problems.

Conclusion

A Toshiba external hard drive not mounting on a Mac can be a frustrating issue, but with the right solutions and troubleshooting steps, you can fix the problem and access your files and data stored on the drive. By following the tips and methods outlined in this article, you can effectively resolve mounting issues with the Toshiba external hard drive and ensure seamless connectivity with your Mac computer. Remember to back up your data regularly and handle your external hard drive with care to prevent future mounting problems.