User profile for user: MissMaggi
MissMaggi Author
User level: Level 1
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Help with USB SuperDrive and my new Macbook Air M3

Doing some housecleaning and came across some old cds with family photos and videos. I used to be able to use an external USB SuperDrive to watch these videos on my old MacBook Pro. I have recently updated to a MacBook Air M3. The USB SuperDrive doesn't seem to even turn on with either my old Pro or new Air. Is the USB SuperDrive now obsolete? Anyway I can use it to view my videos? Is there a new plug-in device to view old videos, etc?

MacBook Air 15″, macOS 14.5

Posted on Jul 23, 2024 6:25 AM

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User profile for user: jeffreythefrog
jeffreythefrog
User level: Level 6
13,968 points

Posted on Jul 23, 2024 8:29 AM

the superdrive should work fine with your M3 MBA. but, how is the superdrive connected to the Mac? if it's through a dock or hub, it will not work. it needs to be connected directly to the Mac. and for Macs that only have TB3 (USB-C) ports, you will need an apple USB-C to USB Adapter to be able to connect it directly. some third party adapters will work, but not all of them will.


you can check in your system settings (preferences) to see if the superdrive is being recognized. if it is, you will have a "CDs & DVDs" pane in your settings, even if there is not a disc in the drive.


Ventura and Sonoma:



Monterey and before:


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User profile for user: jeffreythefrog
jeffreythefrog
User level: Level 6
13,968 points

Jul 23, 2024 8:29 AM in response to MissMaggi

the superdrive should work fine with your M3 MBA. but, how is the superdrive connected to the Mac? if it's through a dock or hub, it will not work. it needs to be connected directly to the Mac. and for Macs that only have TB3 (USB-C) ports, you will need an apple USB-C to USB Adapter to be able to connect it directly. some third party adapters will work, but not all of them will.


you can check in your system settings (preferences) to see if the superdrive is being recognized. if it is, you will have a "CDs & DVDs" pane in your settings, even if there is not a disc in the drive.


Ventura and Sonoma:



Monterey and before:


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Help with USB SuperDrive and my new Macbook Air M3

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