As you may already know, the Mac operating system (macOS) does not natively support displaying or reporting SMART data information for connected external USB storage devices, unlike other operating systems. To address this, we offer an updated version of the SAT SMART Driver extension, which adds support for external USB storage devices. However, please note that not all connected USB external storage devices are supported. Currently, macOS only natively supports SMART data information for internal solid state drives (SSDs) and external Thunderbolt connected storage devices.

It’s possible the connected external USB storage device is using a bridge chipset that does not allow for the pass through of SMART data information from the storage device within the enclosure or the storage device in the enclosure contains little to no SMART data information for displaying reliably information. 

Additionally, external USB enclosures that house NVMe-based SSDs are not compatible with the SAT SMART Driver extension. At this time, there are no native NVMe SMART drivers for USB connections on macOS, and unfortunately, no manufacturer specific workarounds are available. This is due to the absence of a standard for devices using this configuration.

Finally, it’s important to note that this issue is not specific to any particular Mac model. Rather, it is related to the bridge chipset in the external enclosure and the connection type of the storage device. Both we and other third party Apple developers have submitted a request to Apple for native external USB support of SMART data on macOS. However, we have not yet received a response regarding this request.

To request that Apple provide native support for displaying or reporting SMART data information for connected USB external storage devices, please use their macOS feedback page. Thank you!