External drives · Ejecting and reconnecting
Why does ejecting fail with "Files still in use"?
Short answer: An app still has a file open on the drive. Storage Studio lists what's holding it — often a moved app, Xcode, Docker, a Terminal window in a folder on the drive, or Spotlight indexing. Quit those and eject again.
Something still has a file open on the drive. When an eject fails, Storage Studio lists the apps still using it so you know what to quit.
Common culprits:
- An app you moved to the drive that's still open.
- Xcode, Docker or another developer tool using files there.
- A Terminal window whose current folder is on the drive.
- Spotlight indexing the drive right after you connected it.
Quit or move out of those, wait a moment, and click Eject fast drive again. Avoid pulling the cable while files are open.