How to quickly view or unhide hidden files on a USB in MacOS

Many times, operating systems hide important files or folders as a security measure, thus protecting them from accidental deletion.

MacOS is no exception, each of the versions of this sophisticated system has security parameters very similar to those of Windows or Linux, in which certain files or folders are hidden.

External storage devices also do not escape this as it involves hiding things inside them to protect them.

There could also be an attack by a computer virus whose function is to hide our documents stored on the pendrive or USB memory.

Many of these malicious software can also attack less prone operating systems such as the Apple brand system.

How to view hidden USB files on Mac

From your personal Mac, go to the page » vai «, Then select the section» Applications «, Click on the option» Useful info " and finally " terminal «.

This terminal, like in other operating systems, is a console that allows us to perform actions through a series of commands, specific to each situation.

In this case, to be able to see hidden files from a USB in macOS it is necessary to change a default value of the operating system that does not allow us to view them.

This is done by writing the following code, as is: defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE. And accordingly, we press «Enter».

The computer will then proceed to change the value to "True" or "Valid" which will allow us to see the hidden files.

But before we can do that, we need to complete the next step. Once the console action has been performed, press the «ALT» key and right-click on the «Finder» icon.

We choose the option of " Forced restart ". All files and folders on our USB storage device will be displayed immediately.

After they appear, one way to identify which files were hidden will be the transparent tone of the icons, as opposed to those that were not.

How to view hidden USB files on Mac from a shortcut

Although the previous method allows for see hidden files of a USB in MacOS, not all users may be so inclined to make configurations via the console.

If they don't feel comfortable making these kinds of changes, they get confused following the steps or just looking for a more direct way to do it. Well yes, there is, you won't have to look any further.

We bring the easiest and fastest way to make the hidden files of the external storage drive visible, this is via a keyboard shortcut.

Which consists, after opening a Finder window, to press the keys together " Command "+" Shift "+" . " (point).

This joint choice of keys will make hidden files appear. Being able to distinguish them by the low intensity that will show both their icon and the text, as in the previous case.

Hide files on USB again

If what you want is to hide hidden files or folders on your storage device again, because the appearance of the icons bothers you visually or for another reason, it's simple, you just need to open the console again and type the following:

defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles FALSE. That way, what we're going to do is change the settings of the display at its previous value. If you liked this article, you might also be interested in How to hide folders and see hidden files on your PC.