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As technology continues to evolve, users often find themselves needing to access files stored on different file systems. Mac computers, equipped with the powerful M1 or M2 chips, offer exceptional performance and user experience. The Ext4 file system, widely used in Linux environments, can pose a challenge for Mac users due to compatibility limitations.
However, due to differences in file system structures, accessing Ext4-formatted USB drives becomes a roadblock for many Mac users. Fortunately, there are reliable solutions available that allow you to read and write Ext4 drives on your Mac.
Introduction to Ext4 File System
Ext4, short for Fourth Extended File System, is a widely used file system primarily associated with Linux-based operating systems. It is the successor to Ext3 and offers numerous improvements and features that enhance performance, reliability, and scalability.
Ext4 is known for its robustness and stability, making it a popular choice for various Linux distributions. It supports large file sizes of up to 16 terabytes and volumes of up to one exabyte. These capabilities make it suitable for a wide range of applications, including personal computers, servers, and even storage devices.
Does Mac Support Ext4 By Default?
No, macOS does not natively support the Ext4 file system by default. The default file systems supported by macOS include HFS+ (Mac OS Extended) and APFS (Apple File System). These file systems are designed specifically for macOS and are not compatible with Ext4.
When you connect an Ext4-formatted USB drive to a Mac, it will not be recognized or mounted automatically. Attempting to access or write to an Ext4 drive using the built-in macOS utilities, such as Finder, will result in an error or the drive appearing as unreadable.
However, despite the lack of native support, there are alternative solutions available that allow you to read and write Ext4 drives on your Mac. These solutions provide the necessary tools and drivers to enable Ext4 compatibility and ensure seamless access to Ext4-formatted storage devices.
By using third-party software or drivers specifically designed for macOS, you can overcome the default limitations and access Ext4 drives on your Mac. These solutions act as bridges between macOS and the Ext4 file system, allowing you to mount, read, and write to Ext4 USB drives.
Method 1: How to Read or Write Ext4 USB on Mac with ext4fuse
One popular open-source solution for accessing Ext4 drives on a Mac is ext4fuse. It acts as a bridge between the Ext4 file system and macOS, allowing users to mount and interact with Ext4-formatted USB drives. In this section, we will introduce ext4fuse and guide you through the steps of using it to write Ext4 USB drives on your Mac.
What is ext4fuse? ext4fuse is a lightweight, command-line tool that enables Mac users to mount Ext4 partitions and access their contents. It utilizes the FUSE (Filesystem in Userspace) framework, which allows file systems to be implemented as user-space programs rather than as part of the operating system kernel.
To use ext4fuse, you need to have Homebrew, a popular package manager for macOS, installed on your system. Follow these steps to install and use ext4fuse to write Ext4 USB drives on your Mac:
Step 1: Install Homebrew
Open Terminal, which can be found in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder, or by using Spotlight search (Cmd + Space, then type "Terminal"). Copy and paste the following command into the Terminal and press Enter:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
Follow the instructions in the Terminal to complete the Homebrew installation. Ensure that you have Homebrew installed correctly by typing the following command in Terminal:
brew –version
Step 2: Install ext4fuse
If Homebrew is installed, you should see the version number. Proceed with installing ext4fuse by running the following command in Terminal:
brew install ext4fuse
Wait for the installation to complete. Homebrew will automatically download and install the required dependencies.
Step 3: Mount the Ext4 USB Drive on Mac
Connect the Ext4-formatted USB drive to your Mac. Open Terminal and create a directory where you want to mount the Ext4 drive. For example, if you want to mount it in a folder called "ext4usb" on your desktop, use the following command:
mkdir ~/Desktop/ext4usb
To mount the Ext4 drive, run the following command in Terminal:
ext4fuse /dev/diskXsY ~/Desktop/ext4usb
Replace "/dev/diskXsY" with the appropriate identifier for your USB drive. You can find the correct identifier by running the command diskutil list in Terminal and locating the corresponding device. For example, it might be "/dev/disk2s1".
Once the command is executed, the Ext4 drive will be mounted at the specified directory, and you can access its contents using Finder or Terminal.
Step 4: Write to the Ext4 USB Drive
After mounting the Ext4 drive, you can write to it just like any other external drive on your Mac.
Open Finder and navigate to the mounted Ext4 drive location. Copy or move files from your Mac to the Ext4 drive by dragging and dropping them into the appropriate directory.
Step 5: Unmount the Ext4 USB Drive
Before disconnecting the Ext4 USB drive from your Mac, you must unmount it properly.Open Terminal and run the following command to unmount the drive:
diskutil unmount ~/Desktop/ext4usb
Once the command executes successfully, it is safe to remove the Ext4 USB drive from your Mac.
Using ext4fuse provides a convenient way to access and write to Ext4 USB drives on your Mac. However, it’s important to note that this method requires a certain level of technical knowledge and comfort with the command-line interface. If you prefer a more user-friendly and feature-rich solution, you may consider using Paragon’s extFS for Mac, which we will discuss in the next section.
While ext4fuse is a reliable option, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Compatibility: ext4fuse is compatible with a wide range of macOS versions, but it’s always recommended to check the official documentation for any specific requirements or known issues.
- Limitations: Although ext4fuse provides read and write access to Ext4 drives, it might not offer the same level of performance or feature set as a dedicated commercial solution like Paragon NTFS for Mac. Keep in mind that ext4fuse is a community-driven project, and while it’s actively maintained, it might not have the same level of dedicated support as a commercial product.
- Command-line interface: Using ext4fuse involves interacting with Terminal and executing commands. If you are not comfortable with the command-line interface, it might be a good idea to explore alternative options like Paragon’s extFS for Mac, which offers a graphical user interface.
- Updates and security: Since ext4fuse is an open-source project, it relies on community contributions for updates and security patches. While the community generally provides timely updates, it’s important to stay informed about the latest releases to ensure that you have the most stable and secure version.
In summary, ext4fuse is a valuable open-source solution that enables Mac users to read and write Ext4 USB drives. By following the installation and mounting steps, you can successfully access and modify files on your Ext4 drives using Terminal. However, if you prefer a more user-friendly and comprehensive solution, Paragon’s extFS for Mac, which we will discuss in the next section, might be a more suitable option for you.
Method 2: How to Read or Write Ext4 USB on Mac with Paragon’s extFS
Paragon’s extFS for Mac is a commercial software solution that provides seamless read and write access to Ext4 drives on your Mac. It offers a user-friendly interface and a range of advanced features, making it an excellent choice for Mac users who require full compatibility with Ext4 file systems. In this section, we will introduce extFS for Mac and guide you through the steps of using it to write Ext4 USB drives on your Mac.
What is Paragon’s extFS for Mac? Paragon’s extFS for Mac is a premium software solution designed to bridge the gap between macOS and Ext4 file systems. It allows Mac users to read, write, and access Ext4 drives without any compatibility issues. The software seamlessly integrates with macOS, providing a familiar and intuitive user experience.
To use extFS for Mac and write Ext4 USB drives on your Mac, follow these steps:
Step 1: Purchase and Install extFS for Mac
- Visit the Paragon Software website or any authorized retailer to purchase a license for extFS for Mac.
- Once you have obtained the license, download the extFS for Mac installer package.
- Double-click the installer package and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
- After installation, you may need to restart your Mac to ensure proper integration with the operating system.
Step 2: Connect and Mount the Ext4 USB Drive
- Connect the Ext4-formatted USB drive to your Mac.
- Once the drive is connected, extFS for Mac will automatically detect it and mount it on your system.
- You can find the mounted Ext4 drive in the Finder sidebar or on your desktop.
Step 3: Write to the Ext4 USB Drive
- Open Finder and navigate to the mounted Ext4 USB drive location.
- You can now copy, move, delete, and create files and folders on the Ext4 drive, just like you would with any other drive on your Mac.
- Use drag and drop or the usual file operations to manage the content on the Ext4 drive.
Step 4: Safely Eject the Ext4 USB Drive
- Before disconnecting the Ext4 USB drive from your Mac, make sure to eject it properly to avoid data corruption.
- Right-click on the mounted Ext4 drive icon in the Finder sidebar or on your desktop.
- Select "Eject" from the context menu to safely unmount the drive.
- Wait until the drive icon disappears from the desktop or Finder sidebar before physically disconnecting the USB drive from your Mac.
Paragon’s extFS for Mac offers a reliable and feature-rich solution for reading and writing Ext4 USB drives on your Mac. With its user-friendly interface and seamless integration into macOS, it provides a smooth experience for managing Ext4 file systems. By following the installation and usage steps outlined above, you can effortlessly read from and write to Ext4 USB drives on your Mac, expanding your compatibility options and streamlining your workflow.
The Conclusion
Accessing Ext4-formatted USB drives on M1 or M2 Mac computers may initially seem challenging, but with the right tools, it becomes a seamless process. By utilizing ext4fuse or Paragon’s extFS for Mac, you can mount and interact with Ext4 drives effortlessly, enabling both read and write operations. Whether you prefer open-source solutions like ext4fuse or choose the user-friendly interface of extFS for Mac, the ability to mount Ext4 drives expands your compatibility options and enhances your workflow on macOS. Embrace these solutions to unlock the full potential of your Mac and seamlessly interact with Ext4 USB drives.
Both ext4fuse and Paragon’s extFS for Mac offer reliable solutions for accessing Ext4 drives on macOS. Depending on your requirements and preferences, you can choose the solution that best suits your needs. By leveraging these alternative options, Mac users can overcome the default lack of Ext4 support and work with Ext4 USB drives effectively.