---
id: external-drives.drive-works-on-old-mac-but-not-new-mac
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/drive-works-on-old-mac-but-not-new-mac
category: "External drives"
subcategory: "Mounting and drive problems"
question: "Why does my external drive work on my old Mac but not my new one?"
alt_questions:
  - "External drive not working on new MacBook"
  - "Drive recognized on old Mac not new Mac"
  - "New Mac won't mount my external drive"
  - "usb-a drive not working new macbook"
short_answer: "Usually a setting or the connection: approve it under Allow accessories to connect on newer Mac laptops, try another adapter or cable, give it more power with a powered hub, and run First Aid if it's detected but won't mount."
tags: ["new mac", "adapter", "allow accessories"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/what-is-allow-accessories-to-connect", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/can-i-use-an-adapter-with-my-external-drive", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/drive-shows-in-disk-utility-but-not-finder"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Why does my external drive work on my old Mac but not my new one?

Usually it's the connection or a setting rather than the drive. Check these, in order:

1. **Allow accessories** — newer Mac laptops ask before a new accessory connects; if it was declined, the drive stays hidden. See [Allow accessory to connect](https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/what-is-allow-accessories-to-connect).
2. **Adapter and cable** — a USB-A drive needs an adapter; cheap ones can be power- or data-limited. Try another.
3. **Power** — new Mac ports or hubs may supply less than the drive needs; try a powered hub.
4. **Format** — a drive formatted for very old systems still reads, but a damaged one may need **First Aid**.

If Disk Utility sees it but Finder doesn't, see [mounting a drive](https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/drive-shows-in-disk-utility-but-not-finder).