Solved: exFAT External Hard Drive Won't Mount on Mac

Updated by

Sherly 

Written by

Cici 

Updated on Apr 01, 2025

If you're using a Mac and have an external hard drive that is formatted in exFAT, you may encounter some issues when trying to mount it on your computer. This problem can arise for several reasons, from file system corruption to compatibility issues. Understanding how to troubleshoot and resolve these issues is essential for maintaining smooth data transfer between different operating systems. In this article, EaseUS will explore the common causes of this problem and provide step-by-step solutions.

Overview of exFAT File System on Mac

exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table) is a lightweight file system optimized for flash memory devices(including USB drives and SD cards), offering compatibility between Windows and macOS. Unlike NTFS, which is primarily used by Windows, exFAT allows for larger file sizes and is ideal for users who need to transfer files between different operating systems. Unlike FAT32, which imposes a 4GB file size limit, exFAT supports files up to 128PB (petabytes), making it ideal for storing large files such as high-definition videos and extensive databases.

✅Pros of exFAT

• Cross-Platform compatibility
• No File Size or Partition Limits Like FAT32
•  Large File Support
• Improved Performance

❎Cons of exFAT

• Lack of Journaling
• Not Ideal for Mac-specific Features
• Limited Compatibility with Older Operating Systems

Now, we will move to the exFAT external drive not mount on Mac solutions part, you may want to share with your friends or other Mac users online:

How to Mount/ Show Up exFAT External Hard Drive on Mac

Before diving into more complex solutions, start with these basic troubleshooting steps:

• Check and Change Finder Settings: Ensure that your Mac is set to display external drives in Finder. Go to Finder > Preferences > General and check "External disks." Also, make sure "External disks" is checked under the Sidebar tab.
• Try Different Hardware: Swap out the USB cable or try a different USB port on your Mac. If you're using an adapter (e.g., USB-C), test with another adapter or connect directly if possible.
• Disconnect Other Peripherals: Sometimes other connected devices can interfere with the mounting process. Disconnect any unnecessary peripherals and try connecting your exFAT drive again.

If basic troubleshooting doesn't resolve the issue, follow the advanced methods:

Fix 1. Repair exFAT External Drive Errors via Disk Utility

Step 1. Navigate to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.

Step 2. Find your exFAT drive in the left sidebar. If it's grayed out, it means it's detected but not mounted.

Step 3. Select your drive and click on the "Mount" button in the toolbar. If it mounts successfully, you're good to go!

Step 4. If mounting fails or prompts an error (e.g., com.apple.DiskManagement.disenter error), run "First Aid" on your drive by selecting it and clicking "First Aid" in Disk Utility. This will check for errors and attempt repairs.

Fix 2. Repair Unmountble exFAT Drive via Terminal

Step 1. Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

Step 2. Type diskutil list and press "Enter" to see all connected drives.

Step 3. Identify and locate your external hard drive.

Step 4. Type the command diskutil mount /dev/disk# (replace # with your disk number) to mount this exFAT external hard drive via Terminal.

Step 5. If mounting still fails, use sudo fsck_exfat /dev/disk& (replace & with your disk number) to check for file system errors and repair them if necessary.

Bonus Tip: One-stop exFAT Disk Manager on Mac

EaseUS Partition Master For Mac is a powerful and versatile disk management tool designed specifically for Mac users. This software simplifies complex disk management tasks, allowing you to clone your Mac hard drive or macOS effortlessly, enabling seamless data migration and backup. It supports users to read and write on NTFS drives. Additionally, EaseUS Partition Master makes it easy to format FAT drives to exFAT, enhancing compatibility for larger file sizes and improving overall performance. 

Connect the exFAT external hard drive to your Mac, launch EaseUS Partition Master For Mac and you are able to mount this disk and access the data.

Other Key Features of EaseUS Partition Master For Mac

• Clone SD Card on Mac
• Clone macOS to New SSD
• Clone Mac hard drive

If you're looking to enhance your disk management experience on your Mac, consider downloading EaseUS Partition Master for Mac.

Why is the exFAT External Won't Mount on the Mac

There could be several reasons why an exFAT external hard drive won't mount on a Mac. Some common reasons include:

1️⃣File System Corruption:

One of the most common reasons an exFAT drive won't mount is corruption within the file system. This can occur if the drive was improperly ejected from a computer or was subjected to unexpected power loss during file transfers.

2️⃣Connection issues:

Ensure that the external hard drive is properly connected to the Mac and that the cables are not damaged. Also, try connecting the drive to a different USB port or using a different cable to rule out connection issues.

3️⃣Compatibility Issues:

While macOS supports exFAT, older operating system versions may have trouble recognizing drives formatted with this file system. Always ensure your macOS version is up-to-date to minimize compatibility issues.

4️⃣Hardware Problems:

Sometimes, the issue may not lie with the drive but rather the hardware. Faulty USB ports, damaged cables, or incompatible adapters can prevent the drive from mounting properly.

5️⃣Outdated software:

Make sure that your Mac's operating system and disk utility software are up to date. Outdated software may not be able to properly recognize and mount an exFAT external hard drive.

6️⃣Permissions settings:

If the permissions on the external hard drive are set to read-only, the Mac may not be able to mount the drive. Check the permissions settings and adjust them if necessary.

Final Verdict

To sum up, the exFAT file system stands out as an excellent choice for users seeking cross-platform compatibility between macOS and Windows environments. Encountering issues with an exFAT external hard drive not mounting on a Mac is often resolvable through systematic troubleshooting steps. However, if you find that these methods don't yield results, consider using EaseUS Partition Master for Mac. This powerful Mac disk management tool allow users to read and write exFAT disk on Mac. Don't let mounting issues hold you back; give EaseUS Partition Master a try and regain control over your external storage devices.

FAQs of How to Mount exFAT External Hard Drive on Mac

Still have queries about exFAT drive not mounting on Mac. Stick to us and discover answers in this FAQ section:

1. How to make my Mac recognize the exFAT disk?

Follow the five ways to fix exFAT disk not showing on Mac issue:

• Method 1. Restart Mac.
• Method 2. Check Finder Settings.
• Method 3. Use Disk Utility to Repair the Drive.
• Method 4. Run Terminal Commands.
• Method 5. Try Different Hardware Configurations.

2. Can Mac read FAT32 or exFAT?

• FAT32 Compatibility: macOS supports FAT32 file system, allowing users to read and write files without the need for additional software. 
• exFAT Support: Similarly, Macs also support the exFAT file system, which is particularly useful for larger files that exceed the 4GB limit imposed by FAT32. 

3. What is the difference between exFAT and APFS?

exFAT is a cross-platform file system that allows for seamless file sharing between Windows and macOS, making it ideal for external drives. In contrast, APFS is optimized for macOS, specifically for solid-state drives (SSDs), and offers advanced features like encryption and improved data integrity, but it is not compatible with Windows systems.