Time Machine external SSD not showing on startup on 24" iMac

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Level 1

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Time Machine external SSD not showing on startup on 24" iMac

I recently bought and use a Netac Slim 1TB SSD as a Time Machine backup for my new 24" iMac. My iMac is up to date- every time I start my iMac the SSD shows on desktop but not on the 3rd (usually) day?? I need to reconnect for it to appear. I've tried many things all to no avail with the same issue on 3rd day. I used the supplied USB to USB-C cable, an apple USB-C charge cable, both connected to the USB3 & USB4 port but each time it still persists. Does anyone know how to fix this? I format it under AFPS (case sensitive). Is it the drive? Thanks in advance

iMac 24″, macOS 11.4

Posted on Jun 25, 2021 10:42 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

tbirdvet

Level 6

14,471 points

Jun 25, 2021 10:58 AM in response to Denyason

Formatting should not be an issue. APFS is the preferred format. My drives either work or not and not intermittent. Usually means the cable or drive but it appears you have tried 2 different cables so perhaps it is the drive. I had a Netac and had issues before so no longer use.

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Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

144,084 points

Jun 25, 2021 10:50 AM in response to Denyason

How is the external drive formatted? Also, can it be seen in Disk Utility on the iMac? If it can be seen in Disk Utility, please format it to Mac OS Extended Journaled (GUID) and then it should be able to be used as your Time Machine backup.

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Answer 3

Denyason Author

Level 1

13 points

Jun 25, 2021 10:57 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Hi, it is formatted to AFPS (case-sensitive). It does show on Disk Utility but the only formats available is 4: AFPS or, AFPS (encrypted) or, ADPS (case-sensitive), or AFPS (case-sensitive, encrypted).

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Time Machine external SSD not showing on startup on 24" iMac

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