---
id: external-drives.can-i-plug-a-drive-into-my-monitors-usb-ports
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/can-i-plug-a-drive-into-my-monitors-usb-ports
category: "External drives"
subcategory: "Speed, cables and hardware"
question: "Is it OK to plug my external drive into my monitor's USB ports?"
alt_questions:
  - "External drive through display USB hub"
  - "Monitor USB port slow external SSD"
  - "Studio Display USB drive"
  - "drive disconnects when monitor sleeps"
short_answer: "It works, but monitor ports are a built-in hub: often slower, sharing bandwidth and power, and sometimes switching off when the display sleeps. Plug drives you rely on — especially your Storage Studio drive — directly into the Mac."
tags: ["monitor", "usb hub", "ports"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/should-i-plug-the-drive-into-a-hub-or-directly", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/what-is-bus-power", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/does-it-matter-which-port-i-use"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Is it OK to plug my external drive into my monitor's USB ports?

It works, but it's often slower and less reliable than a port on the Mac. A monitor's USB ports are a hub built into the display: they may run at a lower USB speed, share bandwidth with the display's other devices, supply limited power, and switch off when the display sleeps or changes input.

For a drive you use all the time — and especially for the drive Storage Studio moves apps and folders to — plug it straight into the Mac. Use monitor ports for keyboards, mice and occasional sticks. See [hubs, docks or direct](https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/should-i-plug-the-drive-into-a-hub-or-directly).