[100% Workable] 7 Methods to Solve External Hard Drive Not Showing Up on Mac

Part 1. What May Cause External Hard Drive Data Loss

An external hard drive is used for important data storage, transfer, and backup for Windows and macOS users. Though nowadays the computer has a wide range of storage space, inserting more and more large media files or system resources will put pressure on its capacity. That can gradually influence the computer’s performance.

The external hard drive is versatile; however, it will become a big trouble when it crashes or loses data.

• Unexpected disconnection and power surges during data transfer may lead to logical issues. You can try some data recovery software to fix this.

• After a sudden voltage spike, it can result in a dead hard drive. Usually, you just need to replace the inner printed circuit board (PCB).

• File corruption may make your hard drive show up on computers, but not be accessible to the inner files.

• Viruses, worms, malware, and hacking attacks are also reasons to make your data inaccessible. Especially in recent years, encrypting your data and demanding a hefty ransom has become mainstream.

• When your hard drive is not compatible with the computer’s motherboard, the computer can’t detect your hard drive either.

Besides, factors like accidental deletion or formatting, physical hard drive damage, power outages, partition structure compromise, system crashes, etc., can also cause our hard drive to lose data. With this said, learning how to retrieve files from external hard disk is a necessary skill for those who own one.

Part 2. 4 Methods to Recover Data from External Hard Drive

Method 1: Use a third-party recovery software- The Best

To handle the most complex situations or maintain a high success rate, we recommend you use third-party recovery software to improve your recovery efficiency. And that software is Aiseesoft Data Recovery. No matter you want to recover data from any scenario, this feasible data recovery tool is your ultimate answer. It can handle all types of storage device recovery. Meanwhile, it supports rescuing all file-type data from external hard drives. Aiseesoft Data Recovery is easy and simple for all-level users without any computer or file knowledge requirements

• Recover data from hard drives, memory cards, computers, flash drives, digital camera camcorders, and other removable drives.

• Recover data from external hard drives in images, email, video, audio files, documents, etc.

• Complete data recovery of deleted files, hard drives, recycle bin, disks, crashed PC/Mac, partitions, virus attack, and more.

• The bonus feature of image fixes with the latest AI technology.

Here is the step-by-step guide on how to use Aiseesoft Data Recovery.

With Aiseesoft Data Recovery, you can conquer almost all recoveries caused by internal factors. But if your hard drive is physically damaged, you still need to try other professional assistance.

Method 2: Use a hard drive data recovery service

This method suits those hard drives physically damaged. For example, you can try to contact data recovery centers like SalvageData with more advanced equipment and experienced staff. To find such a service to help you, you can call them with the steps below.

You need to note that you should not try to DIY data recovery at home under these circumstances. Or you may make your drive status even worse. What’s more, this method may be time-consuming. It won’t be recommended if you want the recovery urgently.

Method 3: Use manual HDD recovery fixes

This is good for external hard drive data recovery under a corrupted file system.

Method 4. Use built-in tools on Windows and macOS

On Windows

On macOS

Part 3. Tips to Prevent External Hard Drive Data Loss

• Regularly back up your important data to different storage devices.

• Choose the high-quality external hard drive manufacturers when purchasing.

• Take care of your external hard drive from any harmful factors like drops, extreme temperatures, and more.

• Always remember to safely remove the drive from the computer.

• Regularly update related computer systems or software.

• Use antivirus software to check and wipe out any potential malware risks on a regular basis.

Tip: click here to learn how to repair your external hard driveif it's not working.

Part 4. FAQs about Data Recovery from External Hard Drive