What adapter do I need?

[patricem]

My Mac mini crashed. So I decided to buy a MacBook Pro 2016 13" to use until the mini is repaired. All my information is backed up on an external hard drive. I couldn't wait to get home and plug in my external Hd . Couldn't wait to download all my files etc etc. Stupidly, I didn't realize there would be no way to plug my USB external drive into this mac book. Yes I am an idiot. Now I have no way to access my info. Could someone tell me exactly the name of the adapter I need to be able to hook my external up, and if anyplace sells these, without having to order online and wait a few more days. I am majorly disappointed, to say the least. Apple Store isn't an option, too far away. I really really need to get to my files, photos, spreadsheets etc. Need to buy an adapter , like tomorrow. Thanks

 

[IHelpId10t5]

It depends on if your external drive has a full-size USB type-B plug on it or a USB mini-B type plug. What's the model of external that you have.

You will need a USB to USB type-C cable or adapter. Apple has an adapter that will allow you to use the USB cable that came with your external and then convert it to USB-C: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJ1M2AM/A/usb-c-to-usb-adapter

You may be able to find that Apple adapter at a local electronics store like a Staples or Best Buy. Whatever you do do NOT buy some cheap knock-off. Cheap and poorly designed USB-C cables have the real possibility of damaging your equipment.

 

[patricem]

This is what I have. I believe its a full size USB. Thank you

WD 1TB Black My Passport for Mac Portable External Hard Drive - USB 3.0 - WDBFKF0010BBK-WESN

 

[Audit13]

If the drive is formatted as fat32, the files can be read by a Windows machine.

 

[patricem]

No windows machine around.

 

[Audit13]

You'll need a USB-C to female USB A like this: https://www.amazon.com/LENTION-ChromeBook-Multi-Port-Charging-Connecting/dp/B01M8O5FYG

 

[Brammy]

I forget the exact brand I got, but I bought a couple of two-packs of something similar to these: https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-HuDi...-19-spons&keywords=use-c+to+usb+adapter&psc=1

 

[patricem]

Ugg just realized I can't hook up my printer either without an adapter!! Ugg Apple why do this to people?? I should have paid closer attention when I ordered this. Had so much work I was planning to do today . Maybe Staples will have the adaptor I need.

 

[Brammy]

I think in the long run, the USB-C ports will be better than the USB-A. That said, like they did with the headphone jack ion the iPhone, they should have tossed a USB-C to A adapter in the box.
[doublepost=1513531877][/doublepost]Also, Staples has these: https://www.staples.com/staples-usb-3-0-type-a-to-type-c-adapter/product_1913673

They might be in stock near you.

 

[Clix Pix]

I looked online at Amazon, which carries this model, and found that the cable which comes with it is a USB 3.0 A to Micro. What this means is that you will need to either get an adapter, as mentioned in posts above, OR you can purchase a micro-to-USB-C cable. I have done the latter since I have several external drives which use the micro, and that way I can plug one into my 2015 Mac using the cable which came with the portable external drive in order to retrieve files from the machine, and then simply swap cables and stick the cable which has the USB-C - to Micro connectivity on it into my USB-C MacBook. Works a treat! As for printers, my HP Envy is a wireless printer so that has not been an issue with any of my computers.

If you have a Microcenter near you, they would more than likely have both simple adapters and various USB-C cables.