memory card readers constantly disconnect then reconnect

Russell Brunet1 Said:

"memory card readers constantly disconnect then reconnect: The problem is with the card readers not maintaining a stable connection. You plug it in, and it is recognized. You start copying files, and it disconnects mid transfer with nothing near or touching the computer. It is not a loose connection. This happens on all three of our macs."

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Troubleshooting Hardware Compatibility:

Try the following. It may be incompatible.

I. Verify Compatibility:

Find the model number of this card reader. Then, see if it is compatible with your Mac model and macOS. If not, then using it may not be an option. If it is compatible, then get the drivers.

II. Single-Out this User:

Create a new administrator user, seeing if you get this error. If so, then it is an issue with the current user. If not, then it is an issue with the device itself.

III. Boot in Safe Mode:

In Safe Mode, Login Items do not run at login, certain preferences are set aside, and damaged system files are then reset. So, once booted in to Safe Mode, wait 30 seconds, and then boot up normally, attempting this once more. For instructions, go here: How to Use Safe Mode on your Mac - Apple Support

IV. Remove Login Items:

While in Safe Mode, remove all of your Login Items, and then restart the Mac.  Go Here: Change Users & Groups Login Items Preferences on Mac - Apple Support

V. Reset your SMC and your NVRAM:

(Applies to Intel-Basel Macs Only) Sometimes changes (i.e. Installations) are made to the system and then settings (i.e. Networking) become corrupted, technically. So, reset both on your Mac. So, reset the SMC and reset the NVRAM or PRAM. It might take three tries. to fix this. So, be certain you have the time to do so.

Start With This:

• Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support
• How to Reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support

Russell Brunet1 Said:

"memory card readers constantly disconnect then reconnect: This problem happens on three different computers with every brand memory card reader I've tried (three different brands so far). The card reader will be plugged in and shortly after it will give me this message: [...]Fortunately it will usually reconnect immediately, but unfortunately it will frequently happen in the middle of downloading images to Lightroom. I am at wits end! I can't afford to keep trying different memory card readers. This will happen while the device is plugged in and nothing is touching the computer, the cables or the memory card."

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Troubleshooting Non-Seen Card Readers:

See what happens when you try to view this in Safe Mode. Also, see if it is seen in Disk Utility.

A. Try Safe Mode:

In Safe Mode, login items do not run, and corrupt system files(i.e. caches) are intentionally reset as a way to fix issues

1. Boot: in to Safe Mode: [Hold Down: shift key upon boot].
2. Log in: as same user
3. Wait: 30 seconds
4. Restart; your Mac
5. Log in: as same user

B. See if your Hard drive is Failing:

What to Try:

• Verify your Drive: Repair your Disk in Disk Utility - Apple Support
• Go Here: If your Mac Starts Up to an Apple Logo or Progress Bar - Apple Support
• Perform the following in Recovery Mode:

1. Boot: into Recovery Mode. Go Here:  How to Use Safe Mode on your Mac- Apple Support
2. Select: Disk Utility
3. Select: the Drive
4. Click: First Aid button

C. Verify Compatibility:

Visit the manufacturers site of the reads and the card. See if they are combine with your device model.

Russell Brunet1 Said:

"memory card readers constantly disconnect then reconnect: By ram being maxed out, I mean it has 64 GB of ram, not that the ram is being used up. There are no apps running except for finder when this happens."

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Contact Apple support:

If you cannot get the RAM issue fixed, then contact Apple Support.

Apple Contact Info:

• Contact Us - Choose Locations
• Proceed from there, as necessary
• Why the Wait: Phone calls are taking a bit to go through at the moment, due to lots of calls. With the Coronavirus Pandemic, many are at home at the moment, with much time on their hands to contact Apple. So, just stay on the line, and you will get through.

Russell Brunet1 Said:

"memory card readers constantly disconnect then reconnect: The problem is not that it is unseen. It works fine, but will randomly disconnect and reconnect. This happened on my older iMac all the time, but happens more with my brand new MacBook Pro 16" with maxed out ram, as well as my daughters MacBook Air which is also brand new. I tried safe mode and it didn't help anything. I know the drives are good and the cards are definitely Mac compatible."

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Troubleshooting Non-Seen Card Readers:

A. Maxed Out RAM:

If the RAM is maxed out, then its going to manage you Mac in a way to avoid usage. So, disable an apps that are consuming large amounts of RAM.

B. Update Using a Computer.

Use my User Tip: Making Use of a Computer for Updating an iOS Device - User Tip