Experiencing a read only error on your Mac external hard drive? Searching for solutions to resolve this problem? No need to worry! Read this article to learn how to tackle the read-only issue on your Mac external hard drive using 7 effective solutions. If you're concerned about safeguarding and recovering your data, consider using a reliable, professional data recovery tool for Mac, like Remo Recover Mac.
No need to stress if your external hard drive shows up as "read-only" on your Mac. Here, you'll find 7 dependable solutions to help you get rid of this issue. These methods will make your Mac's external hard drive readable again. Choose any solutions below to fix the Mac external hard drive read only error.
User Query: I have always used the same Seagate external drive with my MacBook Pro for years, but today my MacBook ran out of juice, and the external drive was attached to it. I charged it and turned it on, and now the external is read only, and I can’t figure out what to do. Any tips?
Source: Reddit
The real-life scenario described above involves a user encountering a read-only error on their Mac computer. In this case, the Seagate external drive became read-only after the user's MacBook Pro experienced a battery depletion. This situation can be attributed to several potential factors. However, it's crucial to note that not all users might experience the same issue, as the reasons can vary based on individual MacBook setups.
Before delving into solutions, it's essential to grasp the underlying causes behind the "Read Only" error. Below are some common reasons that can lead to read-only errors on external hard drives connected to Mac computers.
Below we have added 7 tried and tested methods to solve the MacBook external hard drive read only error on macOS. But it is important to note that a few of these methods might result in data loss. Therefore, we strongly advise you to prioritize retrieving the data from your external hard drive beforehand to prevent potential data loss.
In cases where your storage device turns read-only, you're usually still able to retrieve files from it. Even if you can't see all your stored data, there is a solution which is Remo Recover Mac, a professional data recovery tool designed for recovering data from various storage devices, including your external hard drive, with read-only error.
Remo Recover Mac is advanced software that helps you effortlessly retrieve photos, videos, audio, documents, and more from various storage devices on your Mac computer. Trusted for its excellence, Remo Recover Mac tackles complex data loss scenarios using sophisticated algorithms.
Moreover, you can experience the convenience of previewing your data before restoration, all without any cost. Whether you're using the latest macOS, Ventura, or any other version, Download this tool now and follow the below-mentioned steps to recover your data.
Once you have successfully exported and secured your critical files, proceed with the following solutions to resolve the Mac external hard drive read only error.
If your external drive is acting up, start by checking the USB connection. A faulty port might be causing the read-only issue. Here's what to do:
Sometimes, outdated or incompatible drivers can be the culprit behind read-only access. To ensure smooth operation, follow these steps:
Running Disk Utility can help fix file system issues that might be causing the read-only error on your Macbook. Follow the below simple steps to run the disk utility:
Incorrect sharing and permissions settings can lead to read-only access. Follow these steps to adjust them:
If other methods don't work, reformatting the drive might help. Keep in mind that this will erase all data on the drive, so back up or recover your important files using Remo Recover before proceeding:
Note: Choose APFS, HFS+, or exFAT as your file system formats. These are the ones that work well with Apple devices.
Terminal, Mac's command line tool, can be a powerful ally for adjusting system settings. Using it to enable NTFS Write support is possible and can be quite handy. If you're comfortable using Terminal, follow these steps:
sudo nano /etc/fstab
LABEL=DISKNAME none ntfs rw,auto,nobrowse
If none of the above methods work, the issue might be due to physical or logical problems with the drive. In such cases, you need to check the hard drive's health as soon as possible.
If your hard drive is failing, move your important files to another device if you can access your files. Or you can always use the best external hard drive recovery tool like Remo Recover to recover data from a failing hard drive, which can help safeguard your data in advance. Remember, taking action early can save your important data from being lost forever.
Encountering the Mac external hard drive "Read Only" error can be frustrating, but with these seven methods, you can easily regain control over your external storage. Remember to adjust sharing and permissions, check and repair disk errors, remount the drive, and use Terminal commands if necessary. By following these steps, you'll be back to accessing and modifying your files without any further issues.