The behavior of the light (or LED) on your external drive can vary in meaning depending on the drive model. This article will provide numerous useful links for checking and troubleshooting this behavior.
If your external drive's LED behavior has recently changed (and particularly if the drive is no longer detected or has changed the way it interacts with your computer), begin troubleshooting by following these steps:
If your external drive's LED behavior has recently changed (and particularly if the drive is no longer detected or has changed the way it interacts with your computer), begin troubleshooting by following these steps:
- Make sure the computer and external hard drive are powered on.
- Safely remove the drive from the computer (if possible).
- Disconnect the external drive's USB or FireWire cable.
- Disconnect the power supply plug from the external drive.
- Power off the computer.
- Disconnect the computer's power supply cord for 60 seconds.
- Reconnect the computer.
- Power on the computer.
- Connect the power supply to the external drive.
- Connect the drive's USB or FireWire cable and check for detection.
If that does not correct the behavior, and if the drive is also not detected by your computer, the blinking light is probably a symptom of a larger problem. If those steps do not return the drive to correct function, it is very possible, even probable, that the drive has failed and needs to be replaced - see our Warranty page to check the warranty.
If your external drive's power supply (also known as the power adapter) needs to be replaced because of malfunction or because it was lost, please contact Seagate Support.
