---
id: external-drives.can-i-use-a-wireless-external-drive
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/can-i-use-a-wireless-external-drive
category: "External drives"
subcategory: "Choosing a drive"
question: "Can I use a wireless external drive with my Mac?"
alt_questions:
  - "Wi-Fi hard drive Mac"
  - "Wireless SSD for MacBook"
  - "Network attached wireless drive Storage Studio"
  - "external drive without cable mac"
short_answer: "Yes, but it works as network storage over Wi-Fi — slower and less dependable than a cable. Storage Studio can't use a network share as the fast drive, though you can still copy files to one with Data Transfers."
tags: ["wireless drive", "network", "nas"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/can-i-use-a-network-drive-or-nas", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/what-kind-of-external-drive-should-i-use-with-storage-studio", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/portable-ssd-vs-desktop-external-drive"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Can I use a wireless external drive with my Mac?

Yes, as network storage. A wireless drive shares its files over Wi-Fi, so your Mac sees it as a network share rather than a directly attached disk. That's fine for occasional copies and media, but slower and less dependable than a cable.

Storage Studio won't use a network share as the fast drive, because moved apps and folders need a drive that is always attached — see [using a NAS or network drive](https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/can-i-use-a-network-drive-or-nas). You can still copy to it with **Data Transfers**.