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I have a 2021, M1 IMAC with two thunderbolt and two lightning connections in the back of computer. Can I get an adapter that will accept a male USB connector to connect my external hard drive back up?

I have a 2021, M1 IMAC with two thunderbolt and two lightning connections in the back of computer. Can I get an adapter that will accept a male USB connector to connect my external hard drive back up?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Jan 2, 2023 10:27 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 2, 2023 10:46 AM

Those are ThunderBolt 3 (USB-C) ports on the back of your M1 iMac.


What you need to plug in a USB external drive that has a USB-A plug, is a USB-C to USB-A adapter.


For the $20 Apple branded USB-C to USB-A adapter, see > USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple


For a $10 aftermarket Philips adapter that I know works with the M1 Mac's,

see > https://www.target.com/p/philips-usb-c-to-3-0-usb-a-female-adapter/-/A-79804275

and > https://www.amazon.com/Transfer-Charging-Connector-Portable-Convertor/dp/B0842CV8NY?

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 2, 2023 10:46 AM in response to jayhawk1971

Those are ThunderBolt 3 (USB-C) ports on the back of your M1 iMac.


What you need to plug in a USB external drive that has a USB-A plug, is a USB-C to USB-A adapter.


For the $20 Apple branded USB-C to USB-A adapter, see > USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple


For a $10 aftermarket Philips adapter that I know works with the M1 Mac's,

see > https://www.target.com/p/philips-usb-c-to-3-0-usb-a-female-adapter/-/A-79804275

and > https://www.amazon.com/Transfer-Charging-Connector-Portable-Convertor/dp/B0842CV8NY?

I have a 2021, M1 IMAC with two thunderbolt and two lightning connections in the back of computer. Can I get an adapter that will accept a male USB connector to connect my external hard drive back up?

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