Apple SuperDrive not working on Mac mini (M4, macOS26.4)

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Apple SuperDrive not working on Mac mini (M4, macOS26.4)

MacMini (M4, macOS26.4) with Ray Cue docker will not accept my Apple SuperDrive. The CD goes about 90% in, but trying to push it in further receives a spring action to push it back out again to the 90% state. I don't use the CD drive often but it was working prior to upgrading to macOS26. As the drive has a USB-A jack, it is plugged into the docker. This configuration has worked well until lately. I have tried using the other two USB jacks on the docker, but no joy to be had.

Mac mini, macOS 26.4

Posted on Apr 9, 2026 9:26 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

D.I. Johnson

Level 8

44,643 points

Apr 9, 2026 9:49 AM in response to frank1209

The Apple SuperDrive optical drive notoriously does not like docks or hubs. It really wants to be connected directly to the Mac. Use a USB-A to USB-C plug adapter or cable to connect it to a current Mac.

With normal operation, inserting a disc into the SuperDrive should result in the device itself pulling the disc in once it has been inserted to about 80%. But the SD must be getting full power in order to do that.

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Answer 2

frank1209 Author

Level 1

21 points

Apr 9, 2026 1:25 PM in response to den.thed

den.thed:

A while ago I almost took my 2014 Mac to recycling. Fortunately I didn't as I found I could use it as a second hi-res monitor on the mini Mac. (The main monitor is a 4K LG) So I tried the SuperDrive there and it works. Thanks for the tip. I then moved it back to the mini Mac and found another USB A-C adapter. This one worked OK and I am back in business. The only drawback is that I only had only a front USB-C available so the cable with the adapter sticks out into the limited work space on my desk. However, the CD drive is rarely used now so it will remain unplugged when I don't need it.

Thanks to all of you for your help here.

For anyone who is interested, I use the Luna dongle to connect to the old Mac as it was before the pre-screen-sharing days of the old Mac. Worked well straight out of the box, and comes to life quickly when needed.

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

97,998 points

Apr 9, 2026 11:23 AM in response to frank1209

It is the CD that shows up in Finder, not the empty Apple USB SuperDrive.

From your description, it sounds like the Apple USB SuperDrive is failing.

I would test the Apple USB SuperDrive plugged into a different Mac or PC.

Then if it fails, I would replace it with an after-market LG or other brand.

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Answer 4

Apr 9, 2026 11:39 AM in response to frank1209

Unlike with Windows, on the Mac the CD drive won't on its own show up in Finder. It needs to have a disc inserted, recognized and read properly for the disc itself to show up in Finder.

You may see the drive in System Settings ➜ General ➜ About ➜ System Report ➜ Disc Burning though, if it has been properly detected even if no disc is inserted.

A good adapter that is confirmed to work with Apple SuperDrives is this green USB-A to USB-C adapter.

click here ➜ UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter 10Gbps,2 Pack USB C to A Adapter - Amazon.com

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Answer 5

frank1209 Author

Level 1

21 points

Apr 9, 2026 10:37 AM in response to frank1209

Thanks, D.I.:

I did try to use an adapter to try a USB-C source, without success. They, too, are notorious in whether they work or not. I have some which will not provide power to a device. As far as power is concerned, there doesn't seem to be an inclination of the drive to pull a CD in, so perhaps there is no power to it. I don't know if the OS would be sufficiently intelligent that power is not provided to a storage device not registered with Finder. Something else I should have mentioned in my original post is that the CD drive has disappeared from the Finder sidebar. Also, going through System Settings, I can find no reference to a CD-Drive.

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Answer 6

den.thed

Level 10

97,998 points

Apr 9, 2026 2:36 PM in response to frank1209

You're welcome. Glad to hear you found a solution.

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