Sandisk usb is read only - can't delete files

USB Flash Drives Phone Drive
1

Hello everyone, my Sandisk Ultra USB 3.0 32gb has become “read only.” There are no options on my Mac computer to change permissions (see screenshot), and Disk Utility does not work in erasing or giving first aid. This is a problem as I can’t modify or delete files on the USB.

Thanks for your help :slightly_smiling_face:

Screenshot 2025-08-03 at 10.05.07 pm
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Screenshot 2025-08-03 at 10.20.14 pm
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Screenshot 2025-08-03 at 10.20.33 pm
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2

@Xailes

Have you checked our knowledge base articles?
(Get Support for Your SSDs and Flash Products | Sandisk)

Try this one

Have you opened a Support Case?
If not, contact SanDisk Technical Support for assistance.
(Contact Support | Sandisk)

3

To fix the issue, restart your Mac and enter Single User Mode, then use the FSCK command to check and repair the file system. If this doesn’t fix the problem, use professional data recovery software to retrieve your files and then reformat the external hard drive using Disk Utility. (Related how-to post: [Solved] Disk Utility First Aid Repairing Failed on External Hard Drives )

Once reformatted, the drive should function correctly. However, if it still doesn’t work on your Mac after reformatting, it might have sustained physical damage. In such cases, you should consider sending it to a service center for repairs or replacing it with a new one.

4

Your SanDisk USB drive is not just misbehaving. It has actually put itself into a permanent read-only state. When these USB drives start failing, the controller inside them locks the drive so you can still open files, but you can’t erase, edit, or format anything anymore.

The only things you can do now are:

  • Save any files you still need
  • Replace the USB drive
  • If it’s still under warranty, SanDisk will usually give you a replacement