USB-C to USB-C cable not powering external SSD

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jhbarrera
 
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USB-C to USB-C cable not powering external SSD

Post by jhbarrera »

I purchased an Adafruit USB-C to USB-C 6" cable for connecting my external SSD to my MacBook Air through a USB-C 3.1 port. When I connect them all up, the drive seems not to be getting any power as the light doesn't light up and the drive doesn't show up in the OS. The drive works using a USB-A (blue connector) to USB-C cable on a different MacBook Air. If it makes any difference, my order invoice says "USB C to USB C Cable - USB 3.1 Gen 4 with E-Mark - 6" long[ID:4198]" but the cable doesn't have any markings on it. Please help. Thank you.

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mikeysklar
 
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Re: USB-C to USB-C cable not powering external SSD

Post by mikeysklar »

There might be an issue here with a thunderbolt USB 4 port versus ordinary USB 3 port. Which model of Macbook Air do you have and which port are you connecting it to? Does it have a lightning signal by it (thunderbolt).

Any difference when you flip the cable on either end?

What model SSD are you using?

While we are happy to do a return/replace your cable there are a just a few points of confusion to resolve first.

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jhbarrera
 
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Re: USB-C to USB-C cable not powering external SSD

Post by jhbarrera »

Thanks for the reply. I have model A2337, which is the kind with an M1 chip and it has two USB 3.1 ports and an audio jack. There are no lightning symbols on the machine even near the USB ports. I have tried every possible variation of using the cables (including all sorts of flippings). The SSD is of an unknown make and is quite anonymous in its markings. The drive still works in the other configuration mentioned in my original post. BTW, that MBA has the intel chip. I hope this can help. Thanks.

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mikeysklar
 
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Re: USB-C to USB-C cable not powering external SSD

Post by mikeysklar »

Thank you for the details.

Do you have another USB-C device you can try plugging in with the cable? I think that would help narrow this down to being a cable specific failure versus a Macbook Air port or USB-C SSD compatibility issue.

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jhbarrera
 
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Re: USB-C to USB-C cable not powering external SSD

Post by jhbarrera »

I don't have another device. Please advise about next steps. Thank you

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mikeysklar
 
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Re: USB-C to USB-C cable not powering external SSD

Post by mikeysklar »

You can return the cable if you like. There is not much more we can try if you have no other USB-C devices or machines to test the cable with.

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jhbarrera
 
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Re: USB-C to USB-C cable not powering external SSD

Post by jhbarrera »

okay, let's pursue the return. will you be assisting me with that?

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mikeysklar
 
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Re: USB-C to USB-C cable not powering external SSD

Post by mikeysklar »

@jhbarrera,

Please send an e-mail to [email protected] requesting a refund for your USB-C cable. Include your original order# and a link to this forum thread.

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jhbarrera
 
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Re: USB-C to USB-C cable not powering external SSD

Post by jhbarrera »

Thank you. Will do

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