Only 1 of 3 Mac consider t5 ssd Read-only

[Rockman413]

Hi there,
For some reason suddenly my samsung t5ssd becomes Read-only on the main computer it used to connect to, I tried it with another two Mac but both read&write good.
The reason caused maybe:
1. Plug and unplug another SSD near it and got it unmount somehow; Run First Aid doesn't help;
2. Install and uninstall of extFS, but I double checked the login items or full disk access as the same as before;
Furthur more these two actions I did recently, when I plug in another samsung T7 the read/ write speed is so so slow, tried on another mac same slow but after update t7 fireware it's fast and normal, I take it back to the main mac and the speed is also normal now

Any thoughts?

 

[MRxROBOT]

Sounds like a damaged usb port.

 

[gpat]

Either cable issue or port issue.
Backup everything for good measure.

 

[Rockman413]

Sounds like a damaged usb port.

Well, connecting another drive is not read-only.

 

[Rockman413]

Either cable issue or port issue.
Backup everything for good measure.

Replaced cable, tried another port, same thing

 

[jchap]

I also own a Samsung T5 SSD, and have experienced the same issues with Macs in particular.

Samsung has released a troubleshooting guide that specifically deals with connection issues to Macs, as shown here: https://download.semiconductor.sams...ting_Guide_for_MacOS_Compatibility_ver1.2.pdf

It might be helpful to check this out, if you haven't already.

That said, the product is discontinued, and Samsung will likely offer no more support beyond this.

I've had no trouble using it with my MacBook Pro 16-inch 2019 model (Intel Core i9), but I had troubles recognizing the drive with my MacBook Air M1. However, after reinstalling/upgrading macOS, updating the firmware on the T5 and also using the drive with other machines (including a Microsoft Surface Laptop 4, with which it works fine), I was later able to use the T5 with the MacBook Air M1 without problems.

Also, you mentioned "read-only". You might already know that the T5 uses the read-only partition by default. (Actually, I think you can still write to that partition, but it is quite small and pretty much useless. It's just there for initially installing the required software.) It will only allow access to the secured partition if you have the Samsung software installed and have unlocked the drive.

Aside from this, I really can't pinpoint what could be the issue. That said, I really like the T5 for its built-in encryption mechanism, which makes it a viable choice for use when exchanging files between Mac and Windows machines (my use case). I contacted Samsung over a year ago about these issues, back when the drive was still officially supported, but the information I gave you above was the extent of their help, sadly enough.