Finding things in Finder · When the drive isn't connected

My external drive is connected but doesn't appear in Finder's sidebar or on the Desktop — why?

Short answer: Usually a Finder setting: in Finder → Settings, tick External disks on the Sidebar tab (and on the General tab for the Desktop). If it's still missing, check Disk Utility, try another cable, or click Remount fast drive.

Usually it's a Finder setting. Open Finder, choose Finder → Settings, then:

  • Sidebar tab: tick External disks under Locations.
  • General tab: tick External disks to show it on the Desktop.

If it's still missing, the drive may not be mounted. Open Disk Utility to see whether macOS recognises it, try another cable or port, or click Remount fast drive in Storage Studio's popover. Inspect fast drive confirms whether Storage Studio sees it as your prepared drive.

You can always reach it from Storage Studio with Show in Finder once it's mounted.

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