Apple SSD SM2048L shows no file system

Device Identifier: disk0

Device Node: /dev/disk0

Whole: Yes

Part of Whole: disk0

Device / Media Name: APPLE SSD SM2048L


Volume Name: Not applicable (no file system)

Mounted: Not applicable (no file system)

File System: None


Content (IOContent): GUID_partition_scheme

OS Can Be Installed: No

Media Type: Generic

Protocol: PCI-Express

SMART Status: Not Supported


Disk Size: 2.0 TB (2001111162880 Bytes) (exactly 3908420240 512-Byte-Units)

Device Block Size: 4096 Bytes


Read-Only Media: No

Read-Only Volume: Not applicable (no file system)


Device Location: Internal

Removable Media: Fixed


Solid State: Yes

OS 9 Drivers: No

Low Level Format: Not supported


MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Oct 14, 2026 3:44 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 14, 2026 6:28 AM

It seems the Mac (which model, which macOS was lastly installed?) is booted to Recovery, right?


Try Disk Utility > View > Show All Devices and the Erase the topmost device (not any volume under it) as GUID, APFS (or MacOS Extended, Journaled if APFS is not available), case insensitive.


Then switch to macOS installer and install to that freshly formatted disk.

7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 14, 2026 6:28 AM in response to patrickfromter

It seems the Mac (which model, which macOS was lastly installed?) is booted to Recovery, right?


Try Disk Utility > View > Show All Devices and the Erase the topmost device (not any volume under it) as GUID, APFS (or MacOS Extended, Journaled if APFS is not available), case insensitive.


Then switch to macOS installer and install to that freshly formatted disk.

Oct 14, 2026 9:08 AM in response to patrickfromter

With respect to that screenshot, I typed


Schijf-EHBO uitvoeren op 'AppleAPFSMedia'


Schijf-EHBO heeft een beschadiging gevvonden die moet worden hersteid. Voer Schif-ECBO uit vanaf het herstelvolume om het opstartvolume te herstellen. Klik op 'Gereed' om door te gaan.


into Google Translate. It didn't auto-detect the correct language, but after trying German, then Dutch, I saw


Run Disk First Aid on 'AppleAPFSMedia'


Disk First Aid has found damage that needs to be repaired. Run Schif-ECBO from the recovery volume to restore the boot volume. Click 'Done' to continue.

Oct 14, 2026 9:15 AM in response to patrickfromter

A MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017) can run anything from macOS 10.12.5 (Sierra) to the latest version of macOS 13.* (Ventura).


I don't think that version of Sierra knows anything about APFS. High Sierra would have converted an internal SSD from HFS+ to APFS, and most or all later versions of macOS would have required that the SSD be formatted APFS.


Were you by any chance trying to use Internet Recovery to reinstall the original version of macOS, after previously using later versions?

Oct 14, 2026 7:55 AM in response to patrickfromter

What is the exact model of your Mac? You can get this information by using the Apple check coverage page here:

View Coverage - AppleCare & Warranty


Also, what version of macOS was running on it before this issue occurred?


What version of macOS installer are you booted into in those pictures (it is definitely 10.12 or earlier)?


These are important details since older versions of macOS don't understand the newer macOS file system used by later versions of macOS. Plus it can make a difference on how to erase the physical drive and reinstall macOS.


Were you having any problems or notice any issues prior to this?


What may have changed hardware and software from when the computer last booted fine and this problem?



You may want to read the following article for tips with asking for assistance online as you don't provide enough details or background:

Writing an effective Apple Support Communities Question - Apple Community


FYI, the online discussion forum here does not result in instant responses. It may take hours for people to respond here, not minutes.

Apple SSD SM2048L shows no file system

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.