If you're trying to transfer files from a USB drive to your Mac, but the drive doesn't seem to be recognized or is showing up as empty, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue.

Firstly, make sure that the files you're trying to transfer are compatible with macOS. It's possible that the problem lies not with the drive itself, but with the types of files you're trying to access. If your USB drive shows up on a Mac, but appears to be empty, it could be due to compatibility issues.

Another thing you can try is using a different drive or port on your Mac. If the issue persists across multiple drives and ports, then there may be a problem with the drive itself. Alternatively, try using your USB drive with a different computer to see if it works with that. This will help you determine whether the problem lies with the drive or with your specific Mac.

If your USB flash drive or external hard drive doesn't show up in Disk Utility, then there is likely a physical problem with the drive or the USB port on your Mac. In this case, you can try using the First Aid button in Disk Utility to fix any issues with the drive, and then try accessing it again in Finder.

When it comes to formatting, make sure that your USB drive uses a compatible format such as ExFAT, FAT32, APFS, or Mac OS Extended. If your drive is formatted in NTFS, you'll need to reformat it before it will work with your Mac. To check the format of your drive, go to Finder > Preferences > General and make sure that the box next to External Disks is selected.

By following these steps, you should be able to access your USB drive on your Mac without any issues. Remember to always back up your important files regularly to prevent data loss in case something goes wrong.

How do i access usb drive on mac