External M.2 SSD w/ Thunderbolt 3 USB C >--> iMac w/ Thunderbolt 2 & USB-3 ports -- HELP!

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External M.2 SSD w/ Thunderbolt 3 USB C >--> iMac w/ Thunderbolt 2 & USB-3 ports -- HELP!

I was early adopter of the OWC Envoy Express--a M.2 SSD enclosure with Thunderbolt 3 USB C male connector, and I'm quite happy using it with my MacBook Pro 2019 with Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports.

Now … I’d like to transfer some files from the Envoy Express SSD to my iMac Late 2015 (Ports: USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 2).

Question: Is there any combination of hardware/adapters I can use to plug the Envoy Express into the older iMac?

I've tried a USB-C female to USB-3 male adapter and plugged it into the USB-3 port on the iMac, but that doesn't work--the iMac displays the message "Cannot Use Thunderbolt Accessory -- Connect accessory to a Thunderbolt port on this Mac".

Is Thunderbolt 3 backwards compatible to Thunderbolt 2? If so, is there an adapter Thunderbolt 2 (male) to Thunderbolt 3 (female)? Any suggestions for plugging my Envoy Express in to the older iMac?

Thanks, Randy

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Apr 2, 2022 6:08 PM

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Jack-19

Level 8

45,716 points

Apr 2, 2022 6:17 PM in response to drandel

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities.

Unfortunately, you can only connect a Thunderbolt 3 device to a Thunderbolt 1/2 Mac if the Thunderbolt 3 device provides its own power (has a separate power supply). Unfortunately, the Envoy Express does not, nor does it support USB, so it cannot be connected to an iMac (Late 2015). Sorry about that.

Jack

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