We’ll select ExFAT as it’s universally compatible. Note: If you choose MS-DOS and ExFAT format (next step), the disk name must be eleven characters or less due to the legacy limitations of Microsoft’s file system.Ħ) Click the Format popup menu, then choose the desired disk format. How to erase and format an external drive on Macġ) Connect the external drive to your Mac’s USB port.Ģ) Open the built-in Disk Utility app on your Mac.ģ) In the sidebar, select the disk or its volume you want to erase.ĥ) Enter the name you want to use as the drive’s new name once it’s formatted. If the existing data on the drive is valuable, make sure to copy it to your Mac or somewhere else before formatting it. Warning: Formatting a drive will erase all its contents and henceforth be treated like a completely new drive being set up for initial use. Learn more about the different file system formats. If you want to use it on Windows, macOS, Linux, TVs, phones, and elsewhere, choose ExFAT (recommended) or MS-DOS (FAT).If you want to use it only on Mac computers only, you can choose Mac OS Extended.What file system format to chooseĪsk yourself where you want to use the external hard disk, SSD, SD card, pen drive, etc.

To make the data unrecoverable: While formatting, you can opt to erase the drive securely, which will make its existing data unrecoverable by file-recovery apps. To erase everything: Formatting a drive wipes everything, and is a quick way to clean the drive without having to manually delete files.

For example, you may see a popup alert saying, “ You need to format the disk before you can use it.” In such instances, formatting the drive should fix the ongoing issues. To fix a corrupted drive: A flash drive may get corrupted and show errors when you connect it to a computer. In this situation, you’ll have to format the external drive to a supported file format. To change the file system format: If the external drive you’re trying to connect isn’t recognized by a computer, smart TV, tablet, phone, or other such devices, that’s likely because the drive’s existing file system format is one that’s unsupported by the operating system of that device. 8) Looking to erase your startup volume? Why format a drive

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