---
id: finder-location.my-external-drive-is-not-in-finders-sidebar
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/finder-location/my-external-drive-is-not-in-finders-sidebar
category: "Finding things in Finder"
subcategory: "When the drive isn't connected"
question: "My external drive is connected but doesn't appear in Finder's sidebar or on the Desktop — why?"
alt_questions:
  - "External SSD not showing in Finder"
  - "Show external disks in Finder sidebar"
  - "external drive not on desktop Mac"
  - "Where is my external drive in Finder?"
  - "Finder doesn't list my fast drive"
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."
tags: ["finder settings", "external drive", "sidebar"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/finder-location/why-is-show-in-finder-greyed-out", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/finder-location/what-happens-to-shortcuts-when-the-drive-is-unplugged"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

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

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.