What to do if…
your external drive keeps disconnecting during file transfers

What to do now

1. Stop the current transfer.
   Cancel or pause it if the computer still responds. Avoid starting another large copy immediately.

2. Simplify the connection.
   After the transfer has stopped, eject the drive through the operating system when possible. If the drive cannot be ejected, follow step 3 before disconnecting it. Then:

   • Connect the drive directly to the computer instead of through a hub, dock, or adapter.
   • Try a different USB port.
   • Try a different compatible cable.
   • If the drive uses USB-C, use a data-capable cable compatible with the drive and try a suitable USB-C port.
   • If the drive has its own power adapter, connect it.
   • If you are using a laptop, connect its power adapter during the test.
   • Disconnect other USB devices that are not needed for the test.

3. If the drive cannot be ejected, shut down before unplugging it.
   On Windows, use Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media when it is available. On a Mac, try ejecting the drive in Finder. If the Mac says the drive cannot be ejected, log out, log back in, and try again. If the drive still cannot be ejected, fully shut down the computer before disconnecting it.

4. Prevent a Mac from sleeping during the next test copy.
   On a Mac, review the sleep settings and temporarily prevent automatic sleep while the copy is running. You can restore your usual settings afterward.

5. Test with one small copy.
   Copy a small folder or a few files to a different safe location. Check that the copied files open normally. If the drive disconnects again, stop using it for large transfers.

6. Copy important readable files in small batches if the connection stays stable.
   Start with files that would be hardest to replace. Copy to a different drive or computer. Do not reorganize the unstable drive while copying.

7. Treat unusual physical signs as a reason to stop.
   If the drive clicks, becomes unusually hot, repeatedly disappears even with a different cable and port, or contains irreplaceable data, minimize further use and consider a data-recovery specialist.

8. Use repair tools only after the important files are safe.
   If a Mac-connected drive stays stable long enough to copy the files you need, Apple’s Disk Utility First Aid may check and repair some disk problems. Do not keep rerunning repair attempts if the drive continues to disconnect or reports that it may be failing.

9. Preserve return and warranty options for a recent purchase.
   Keep the receipt, packaging, error messages, and notes about the ports and cables you tested. Check the seller’s return policy and the manufacturer’s written warranty terms before trying invasive fixes.