External Drives Not Sleeping

Question

External Drives Not Sleeping

I'm having issues with my 3 external Hard Drives (1 LaCie connected via Thunderbolt and 2 WD connected via USB) not going to sleep and constantly running. All websites have said to go to Energy Saver in the settings and ensure Put Hard Drives to Sleep When Possible is selected. It is selected, but they do not go to sleep.

I've looked all over, but can't seem to find out how to fix it. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'm working with macOS Sierra on a late 2013 iMac.

iMac, macOS Sierra (10.12), Late 2013

Posted on Oct 2, 2016 8:56 AM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

92,380 points

Oct 2, 2016 9:34 AM in response to jasonfromcincy

Did the external drives sleep as expected with the previous OS X...?

If so, then try resetting the SMC as per > Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Dec 10, 2016 5:44 PM in response to jasonfromcincy

I have several external Western Digital drives. If plugged directly into my iMac, they will sleep. If they are plugged into a Powered USB Hub, they will not sleep. Since all of the drives have their own power supply, they don't need a powered hub. (The power is only needed to charge cameras and phones.) I also have two firewire drives plugged into a thunderbolt to Firewire adapter. They don't spin down or do to sleep either. Anyone have a solution or explanation?

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