Symptoms
- Drive doesn't show up in file manager or 'lsblk'
- Drive spins up but nothing happens
- Worked before on the same computer
- Works on a different computer
Likely causes
- CommonFaulty USB cable or portCables and ports are common failure points, especially with heavy use.
- CommonExternal drive not getting enough powerLarger desktop drives may need their own power adapter or a powered USB hub.
- PossibleDrive's filesystem is unreadable or corruptedA drive that was improperly ejected can develop errors that prevent it from mounting.
- PossibleDrive itself has failedMechanical or electronic failure inside the drive prevents any detection.
What to do
- Try a different USB cable and a different port on the computer.
- For desktop external drives, confirm the drive's own power adapter is plugged in and working.
- Run 'lsblk' or 'sudo fdisk -l' in terminal to see if the drive is detected at all, even without mounting.
- Test the drive on another computer to determine whether it's a drive fault or a computer-side issue.
- Listen for unusual clicking or grinding sounds from the drive, which suggest mechanical failure.
- If the drive is detected but won't mount, check the filesystem with 'sudo fsck' as described in filesystem troubleshooting.
Tools and parts
- Different USB cable
- Powered USB hub (for bus-powered drives)
External hard drive enclosure or replacement driveSearch: “external hard drive USB enclosure”
When to call a pro
If the drive makes clicking sounds or contains important data and doesn't mount, stop trying repeatedly and use a professional data recovery service.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.