My external backup drive randomly ejects itself on iMac M1

external backup-drive eject itself on imac m1?

After Apples decision to abandon the time capsule in macOS Tahoe , I connected an external backup drive to my iMac m1, but it eject itself randomly? why? I have an ssd in a usb3 cabinet with usb-a connected to an adapter with usb-c this solution has worked great, but it ejected yesterday! I first tried connecting it to an ugreen dock with a couple of other external drives, they al ejected itself ( without me touching them) randomly. then I bought an usb-a to usb-c cable(linocell brand), and connected it directly to the thunderbolt port ...which didn´t work( no power!) ....please help! - which cable to buy? - does the thunderbolt ports disconnet power after awhile to save power!?

every thing worked so well with my time capsule before Tahoe !!




[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: external drive eject itself

iMac (M1, 2021)

Posted on Nov 18, 2025 7:22 PM

Reply
1 reply

Nov 20, 2025 9:30 AM in response to tomazo

tomazo wrote:

external backup-drive eject itself on imac m1?

I connected an external backup drive to my iMac m1, but it eject itself randomly? why?

I have an ssd in a usb3 cabinet with usb-a connected to an adapter with usb-c this solution has worked great, but it ejected yesterday!

I first tried connecting it to an ugreen dock with a couple of other external drives, they al ejected itself ( without me touching them) randomly. then I bought an usb-a to usb-c cable(linocell brand), and connected it directly to the thunderbolt port ...which didn´t work( no power!) ....please help! - which cable to buy? -

does the thunderbolt ports disconnet power after awhile to save power!?



[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: external drive eject itself


The Time Capsule has been done away with since 2018. The company discontinued the entire AirPort line.


A one off ejection does not constitute an issue(?) if it is an ongoing issue then I might raise a flag of concern— you certainly do not clarify the totality of the circumstances.



I can not speak to your third party adapter...

This is the only adapter I ever needed— USB-C to USB Adapter



I would bypass any third party Dock/hub/station if that is your issue— or if in doubt search the developers website or contact their: Support/Help/FAQ/Known issues/compatibility/firmware update…


Contact a third-party vendor - Apple Support

Contact a third-party vendor - Apple Support



I can say when a drive is working in a "state of failure" is it can lose the connection spontaneously, as well as the following classic error messages:


  • Time Machine has completed a new backup for you
  • can't create the backup
  • failed to complete the backup
  • an error occurred while preparing the backup


The test would be try a different drive in comparison.


verify your software is up to date—

The current stable release of Tahoe including bug fixes, security updates is macOS 26.1

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support



You would not expect Thunderbolt ports by default to eject connected peripherals — no


To be proactive you can file a bug report / submit your Apple Feedback here: Product Feedback - Apple



Uninstall all third party apps that are Cleaners/Optimizers/VPN/Anti-Virus

all known to cause issues on the macOS



further—


Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)


or on line https://getsupport.apple.com/


Outside the USA—Contact Apple for support and service by phone

See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world.

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support





My external backup drive randomly ejects itself on iMac M1

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