---
id: external-drives.how-do-i-see-my-drives-connection-speed
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/how-do-i-see-my-drives-connection-speed
category: "External drives"
subcategory: "Speed, cables and hardware"
question: "How can I see which USB or Thunderbolt speed my drive is connected at?"
alt_questions:
  - "Check USB speed of external drive Mac"
  - "Is my drive connected at full speed?"
  - "System Information USB speed"
  - "external SSD running at USB 2 speed"
  - "link speed external drive macos"
short_answer: "In System Information, open USB or Thunderbolt/USB4 under Hardware and click the drive to see the connection speed it negotiated. If it's lower than expected, try a better cable, plug in directly and try another port."
tags: ["usb speed", "system information", "cable"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/does-the-cable-matter-for-an-external-ssd", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/how-does-the-drive-speed-test-work", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/why-is-my-external-ssd-slower-than-advertised"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# How can I see which USB or Thunderbolt speed my drive is connected at?

Open **System Information** (hold Option and choose **Apple menu → System Information**), then select **USB** or **Thunderbolt/USB4** under Hardware and click your drive. It shows the speed the connection was negotiated at, which can be lower than the drive's maximum.

If it's lower than expected:

- Try a different cable — many USB-C cables, especially charging cables, only carry slower data.
- Plug directly into the Mac instead of through a hub or adapter.
- Try another port.

Storage Studio's drive check measures the speed you actually get, which is the number that matters for moved apps and folders — see [how the speed test works](https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/how-does-the-drive-speed-test-work).