USB-C card reader was "not readable by this computer"

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Level 1

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USB-C card reader was "not readable by this computer"

Recently purchased Apple - USB-C to SD Card Reader to import all my pictures from various SDHC cards. I connected the adapter with SD card but nothing happens. Then I get the message "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer". Have restarted the MacBook Pro (2019) which is connected via USB-c. The photos do not open automatically and even when I open photos there’s no option to import. Are SDHC not comparable with this card reader?

I also

Posted on Sep 24, 2020 6:49 PM

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Answer 1

chuck_3rd

Community Specialist

Oct 1, 2020 11:39 AM in response to Natalie__

Hi Natalie,

Thanks for reaching out to us here in Apple Support Communities. We understand that you're currently unable to import photos from your SD cards to the Photos app, and we're happy to assist. So we're on the same page, are you trying to import the images directly into the Photos app? If so, does the behavior change at all if you try to import them using Image Capture instead?

The resource below is normally what we would use to import images to the Mac:

Import photos from storage devices and DVDs using Photos on Mac

Another thing we may want to check is whether the images on the card are in a universal format like .jpg or if they're a native camera format.

Please let us know and we'll take it from there.

Cheers!

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Answer 2

Oct 4, 2020 11:12 AM in response to Natalie__

Hi Natalie,

You're very welcome. By chance, do you remember if the SD card was formatted in the camera, or was it formatted using another computer such as a PC? The reason we ask is that we want to make sure the card is formatted using something like exFAT that the Mac can read.

We have some more information about formatting here:

About the SD and SDXC card slot on your Mac

Thanks!

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Answer 3

Natalie__ Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 3, 2020 7:30 PM in response to chuck_3rd

Thank you for getting back to me regarding my question about the Apple - USB-C to SD Card Reader. I tried to use the resource you provided in your response, however the computer still does not recognize my SD card. I still get the message "The disk you inserted was not readable by this computer". Since the computer can not read my disk there is no option to import to photos app or to save them in a folder. I don't even get to see an icon on my desktop indicating that I have a device in a port.

All of my images are saved as .jpg.

I still need assistance with my question.

Thank you,

Natalie

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Answer 4

Natalie__ Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 4, 2020 6:58 PM in response to barberlives123

I don't remember if I formatted the card with my camera or a computer. If I had to guess, I would say that this particular card was formatted with a computer. I don't think that this card was ever in a camera. I know that the card was not formatted with a PC. I have only ever used Mac computers and this is the only time that I haven't been able to open an SD card.

Here is a screen shot of my USB-C SD card reader under my system reports.

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Answer 5

Oct 12, 2020 8:01 AM in response to Natalie__

Hi Natalie,

This is super helpful! From what we're able to see in the screenshot, the card and card reader are both recognized. The next step is to check and see if the SD card is recognized in Disk Utility. If it is, you should be able to mount it so it can be read by Finder. This will allow you to then see the contents of the drive.

Follow the steps in this article for how you can mount the drive: Mount a volume that’s been ejected using Disk Utility on Mac.

Let us know if it will mount, and once mounted, are you able to view the contents in Finder?

Best regards!

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USB-C card reader was "not readable by this computer"

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