---
id: external-drives.what-is-allow-accessories-to-connect
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/what-is-allow-accessories-to-connect
category: "External drives"
subcategory: "Mounting and drive problems"
question: "Why does my Mac ask to \"Allow accessory to connect\" when I plug in a drive?"
alt_questions:
  - "Allow accessory to connect MacBook prompt"
  - "External drive not working after I clicked Don't Allow"
  - "Allow accessories to connect setting Mac"
  - "USB-C accessory permission macOS"
  - "how to undo don't allow accessory mac"
short_answer: "On Apple silicon Mac laptops, macOS asks before a new USB or Thunderbolt accessory connects. Click Allow for your drive. If you chose Don't Allow, change it in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Allow accessories to connect, then replug the drive."
tags: ["allow accessories", "security", "usb-c"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/my-external-drive-does-not-show-up-on-my-mac", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/drive-shows-in-disk-utility-but-not-finder", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/how-do-i-set-up-my-external-drive"]
applies_to: "macos>=13"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Why does my Mac ask to "Allow accessory to connect" when I plug in a drive?

On Mac laptops with Apple silicon, macOS asks before a new USB or Thunderbolt accessory can connect. It's a security feature that stops an unknown device from talking to your Mac without your say. Click **Allow** for a drive you trust.

If you clicked **Don't Allow**, the drive won't mount. To change it, open **System Settings → Privacy & Security** and find **Allow accessories to connect**. You can choose to ask for new accessories, allow them automatically when the Mac is unlocked, or always allow. Then unplug the drive and plug it in again.

Storage Studio can't use a drive macOS hasn't allowed to connect, so approve your fast drive the first time you plug it in.