Individuals using the recently launched iPhone 15 Pro Max, equipped with USB-C support for direct data storage on external drives, have encountered challenges while attempting to connect their devices to external SSDs, including the Seagate Firecuda 2TB. These challenges present as sporadic issues with device recognition, occasional compatibility glitches, and frequent interruptions in the connection between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the SSD.
Despite attempts to reformat the SSD to the ExFat file system using a Windows computer, the iPhone 15 Pro Max still grapples with recognizing the external drive. It appears that this concern stems from a connectivity problem between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and SSD hard drives.
Why Does the iPhone 15 Pro Max Not Recognize External SSD?
When your iPhone 15 Pro Max encounters difficulty in detecting an external SSD, typically two primary factors come into play. First, the issue may arise from improper formatting of the SSD to the ExFat file system. Second, there’s a possibility that the USB cable in use may lack compatibility with both the iPhone and the SSD drive, especially when dealing with a 2TB SSD.
iPhone 15 Pro Max Not Connecting to External SSD – How To Fix It?
To address recognition issues between your iPhone 15 Pro Max and an external SSD, follow these steps:
1. Reformat with a MacBook:
If formatting on Windows proves ineffective, attempt SSD reformatting through a MacBook’s Disk Utility, selecting the ExFat format. Then, reconnect the SSD to your iPhone 15.
2. USB4/240W cable solution:
Many users have reported success using a Thunderbolt 4 cable with a 40Gbps transfer rate and 240W power output. This cable is known to provide reliable connectivity between the iPhone 15 and the SSD.

If your iPhone 15 Pro Max still Not Connecting to an external SSD, consider seeking assistance from Apple support.
Also Read: How to Address OnePlus/ Android Error: Unable to Use Camera: “Camera does not support split-screen”
Conclusion
In summary, the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s challenges with connecting to external SSDs, including the Seagate Firecuda 2TB, are primarily linked to issues related to formatting and cable compatibility. To resolve this, consider reformatting the SSD with a MacBook, ensuring it employs the ExFat file system, or opt for a Thunderbolt 4 cable boasting a 40Gbps transfer rate and 240W power delivery for more dependable connectivity. If these measures fail to resolve the problem, it is advisable to reach out to Apple support for further assistance.