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Will Apple's Thunderbolt to USB-C adapter work for a Thunderbolt HDD? My HDD only has Thunderbolt ports (2) which both work perfectly when connecting directly to my MacBook Air but since my iMac only has USB ports, every other adapter and cable I've tried does not work. I've been trying to connect this HDD via a 3rd party Thunderbolt to USB-C adapter which failed then I tried a Thunderbolt to USB-C cable which also failed.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you.
If I am reading you right, your external HDD has Thunderbolt ports (I assume you mean that your external HDD has either Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 ports). Also you say you have a 2017 27" Retina iMac, which as was stated has Thunderbolt 3 ports. I also have 2017 iMac with an external Thunderbolt drive. This is what I use and it works great.
Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple
About the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple Support
If I am reading you right, your external HDD has Thunderbolt ports (I assume you mean that your external HDD has either Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 ports). Also you say you have a 2017 27" Retina iMac, which as was stated has Thunderbolt 3 ports. I also have 2017 iMac with an external Thunderbolt drive. This is what I use and it works great.
Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple
About the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple Support
Without knowing what iMac you we cannot answer your question! Please review https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-5931 , in short without knowing some basics of your system it is difficult to help as iMacs have been out for over 20 years in many many different configurations!
So sorry. Here is my info:
macOS Mojave
version 10.14.6
iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017)
Processor 3.5 GHz Intel Core i5
Memory 32GB 2400 MHz DDR
Startup Disk. Macintosh HD
Graphics. Radeon Pro 575 4GB
Thank you again,
Photojeep1722
Thank you but I guess I didn't ask the question properly. My drive does NOT a USB C port. It has the original Thunderbolt port that I have seen also called a mini display port (or something similar). If it helps, it is a port that is rectangular with two of the corners beveled off so it only goes in one way.
It is the same port that exists on my MacBook Air (13.3 inch early 2015 model) that I use to plug in an exterior monitor. It also works perfectly well with this external HDD. My problem is that my iMac doesn't have this older Thunderbolt port.
Thank you again.
Thank you Fuzzymo,
I was hoping to not have to spend $50 for an adapter (poor cheapskate that I am) but if this is the only way to make it work, then so be it.
I'll report back once I get one and give it a go.
Thank you again.
Your 2017 27" iMac has 2 USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) ports, so if your EHD has USB-C ports too then you don't need any adapters. You just need a USB-C to USB-C cable.
Thunderbolt to USB-C adapter
