Sd Slot Not Working On Imac

Summary: SD card not working on your Mac? Mac won't read SD card? macOS Big Sur is not recognizing SD card? In this article, we will help fix Mac not reading or recognizing SD card issue.

Part Three: Professional Ways to Fix Mac SuperDrive Not Working Issues. To solve various iMac/MacBook SuperDrive not working issues, Apple also gives out some effective ways. If you don't find the correct ways from the former guide, you can turn to the below tutorial. If it is your first time experiencing your SD card not showing up on your Mac, you are probably panic-stricken. My advice, relax and read on. The SD card errors can result from minor factors, such as dust, any other substance coating the contact points, or imperfect insertion into the slot.

Accidents happen at any time (For example: When I insert SD card, nothing happens on Mac). When your SD card is not working properly, you can't open and access the files stored the SD card.

As you see SD card is not readable by your Mac, those are possible questions in your mind. Why is Mac not reading SD card and SD card not working? How do I get my Mac to recognize my SD card? How to do SD card data recovery?

This passage explains why SD card not reading or recognized on Mac, how to use SD cards to prevent 'SD card not reading or recognized' in future, and troubleshooting guide SD card not working, reading or recognized issue. It helps if:

• SD card showing up in Disk Utility but not desktop
• SD card shows up in Disk Utility but not Finder
• SD card showing up in Disk Utility but not mounting
• SD card is not recognized/detected by Mac Disk Utility

How to fix Mac not reading or recognizing SD card?

As below, we have listed some feasible solutions to fix SD card not working or reading on Mac:

• 1. Check your Finder Desktop and Sidebar preferences
• 2. Restart your Mac
• 3. Check if SD card reader is not working
• 4. Check for USB and other connection issues
• 5. Check if SD card is locked
• 6. Insert the SD card to a different device
• 7. Reset NVRAM/PRAM
• 8. Mount SD card in Disk Utility
• 9. Update the SD card drivers on Mac
• 10. Repair SD card via First Aid
• 11. Reformat your SD card
• 12. Send SD card to an expert for reparation
• 13. Replace SD card with a new one

Option 1: Check your Finder desktop and sidebar preferences

On Mac, you can choose to show connected items on the desktop, including hard disks, external disks, connected servers. Therefore, if you don't set the preference to show your SD card on the desktop, it won't appear on Mac. Easy to understand, huh? Let's see how to show SD card on the desktop?

• 1. Go to Finder > Preferences > General, make sure the 'External disks' option is ticked. This will make the SD card show up on the Desktop.
• 2. Select the Sidebar tab on the top, make sure the External disks option under Locations is also ticked.

Option 2: Restart your Mac

Whether the issue is related to networking, graphics, slow performance, faulty programs or macOS issue, a simple reboot can fix a computer issue 80-90% of the time. It also works when external drives are not recognized by macOS.

When your SD card is not reading on Mac, you can try to remove the SD card and then switch off the Mac. Leave it for a few minutes, turn it back on, and try again.

Option 3: Check if SD card reader is not working

To access an SD card, you usually need a card reader. When your SD card won't work on Mac, the first thing to check is whether the card reader is working or not. It doesn't matter that you access the SD card by the built-in slot on your Mac or a third-party one. Simply follow these steps to check if the SD card reader is recognized or not.

• 1. Simply click Apple Menu > About This Mac > System Report.
• 2. Find Card Reader under the Hardware list.
• 3. If the card reader works, you can see its Vendor ID, Serial Number, and some other product information. When your SD card is inserted, it should also be listed at the right with specifications.

Sd Slot Not Working On Imac Pro

If unfortunately, the card reader is not recognized, it might be an SD card hardware issue. For a broken slot built-in your MacBook, you need to send it to a local Apple store for repair service. Instead, for a malfunctioned external SD card reader, you can simply replace it with a new one.

• How to fix SD card reader not working on Mac?

Option 4: Check for the connection issue

If the card reader is working fine, then you should check the connections. First of all, make sure you insert your SD card properly. (The metal contacts must face down and point toward your Mac). Secondly, you can test your SD card on a different card reader. If you can access the SD card then, it should be the card reader that has a problem.

Option 5: Check if SD card is locked

Another case for SD card not working on Mac is that the SD card is write protected. When you try to write content to the locked SD card, you cannot modify the files on the locked SD card. To work on the SD card again, you need to safely eject the SD card and adjust the lock slider tab on the card to unlock the card. Then you can access the SD card after you reinsert it to the slot.

Option 6: Insert your SD card in different devices

Another very effective strategy that you can implement is to insert the SD card in different devices, such as phones, digital cameras, or other computers. For instance, you can remove the SD card from your Mac and insert it into your Android phone. If your SD card is still not detected or working on a phone, the card might be damaged or you need to try the following solutions.

Option 7: Reset NVRAM/PRAM

NVRAM/PRAM is a chip in Intel-based Macs used to remember the setting for your computer, including sound volume, display resolution, startup disk selection, time zone, peripheral devices and more. It's worth resetting whenever you find your computer's hardware acting in unexpected ways.

To reset NVRAM, you should shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R. Keep holding down those keys for about 20 seconds. Then release the keys and allow your Mac to continue starting normally.

Option 8: Mount SD card in Disk Utility

After resetting NVRAM/PRAM, your SD card is still not recognized on Mac. You should go to Disk Utility again and see whether the SD card is listed. If you can see your SD card in Disk Utility, but the SD card is greyed out, that means the SD card is not mounting. Simply select the Mount option to see if the SD card will be mounted in Finder and desktop.

Option 9: Update the drivers on Mac

If the issue still exists, you can check whether the drivers on your Mac is renewed. If your Mac drivers are outdated, your SD card or other external hard drives will not be recognized by your Mac. Here are steps to update drives on Mac:

1. If you have upgraded to macOS Mojave, you should choose System Preferences from the Apple menu, then click Software Update to check for updates. If any updates are available, click Update Now to install them.

2. If you are using earlier macOS versions, just launch the Mac App Store, click the Update tab on the top and then choose the 'Update All'.

Option 10: Repair SD card via First Aid

Still, have no luck to get your Mac to read the SD card? The SD card may be corrupted and needs to be repaired. All portable hard drives have a limited life span, as wear and tear could bring bad sectors on the disk. Thankfully, macOS has a built-in repair tool - First Aid, which allows you to fix SD card errors on Mac.

• 1. Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
• 2. Select the corrupted SD card and click 'First Aid' on the top.
• 3. Wait until the reparation process finished.

Option 11: Format your SD card

If unfortunately, you receive the error message: 'Disk Utility can't repair this disk. Back up as many of your files as possible, reformat the disk, and restore your backed-up files', the file system of your SD card is seriously damaged and you need to reformat it.

Step 1: Recover data from SD card.

Reformatting will erase all data on the SD card, so please recover important data from SD card first.

• How to recover data from SD card on Mac?

Sd Card Reader Not Working On My Imac

Step 2: Format your SD card with Disk Utility.

• How to format an SD card on Mac?

Option 12: Send SD card to an expert for reparation

If your SD card can't be seen in Disk Utility at all after trying all above methods, it means the SD card has some hardware problem so that Mac can't detect it. In this situation, you have no choice but to send the SD card to an expert for reparation.

Option 13: Replace SD card with a new one

If the warranty of your SD card is still valid, it's most likely time to invest in a replacement or ask for a refund.

Understanding why SD card not reading or recognized on Mac

However, there are times when you insert SD card into Mac, the SD card won't show up on Mac. Or what's worse, SD card won't work on your Mac. You must have experienced a similar situation. Don't be panicked, as you are not the only person, many Mac users have encountered this problem:

I connected my SD card to transfer some necessary files and folders, but my card is not recognized by MacBook Pro. I thought to check my card properly and I connected that SD card to my friend's machine but again card didn't get recognized on his Mac machine. Maybe there is a problem with my SD card? Any solution to resolve the issue?

Wondering why the SD card is not recognized by Mac? Go on, please.

SD cards are prone to be damaged. Here are 7 common reasons why an SD card isn't working on Mac.

• USB port is not working or damaged.
• SD card reader is not working.
• SD card is formatted incorrectly (the file system is not compatible with macOS)
• SD card driver is outdated.
• SD card is logically corrupted.
• There are bad sectors in the SD card.
• SD card is physically damaged.

In a word, you'll need to determine whether your SD card's error is due to a logical problem or a physical one. For the former, you can try to fix it by yourself, otherwise, you have to ask for help from a trained expert.

How to prevent 'SD card not reading or recognized' in future?

SD cards are easy to be damaged, but using them in the right way, corruption can be avoided to some extent. Read on for 7 effective tips to prevent 'SD card not working':

1. Format the new SD card as soon as you get it. When you buy an SD card, you should format it on the device and make sure it is compatible with the device system.
2. Always safely eject SD card from the device. On Mac, click on the Finder icon on the Dock. Locate the SD card from the left sidebar and click on the Eject icon next to the name of the SD card. As an alternative, you can drag the device to the Trash on the desktop to eject it. More specifically, you should avoid removing the SD card from the device when it is still accessed, such as transferring data or reading data, etc.
3. Keep some space left on the SD card. Keep in mind that you should never run out of the space of your SD card.
4. Turn off the device before removing the SD card. If you want to remove your SD card from a digital camera or mobile phone, you should ensure the device is entirely turned off. Otherwise, the SD card can easily be corrupted.
5. Properly store your SD card in a safe place. Store the SD card in dry, cool space since dirt, moisture, and other factors could damage them.
6. Stop using the SD card when getting any errors. As soon as you receive any errors when trying to access the SD card, such as “the disk you inserted is not readable by this computer”, you’d better stop all operations at once in case further damage will be made to the SD card.
7. Install antivirus software and run it regularly. It’s important to scan an SD card for viruses and running antivirus software to remove any malware on your computer. In this way, you can prevent malware and virus from damaging your SD card.

How to use and open SD card on Mac?

Apple dropped the SD card slot in MacBook Pro starting with 2016 model. While MacBook Air 2015 and later MacBook never included an SD slot.

If your Mac comes with a built-in SD card slot, you can insert a compatible SD card, avoiding using SD card that has a thickness greater than 2.1mm.

When inserting SD card, you should make sure that the metal contacts face down and point toward the computer. Then your computer will recognize SD card inserted into the card slot as a storage device. You can read and write to SD card just like any other external drive.

• How to fix Mac not recognizing external drives issue?

But if your Mac doesn't have an SD card slot, you need to buy an SD card adapter. Insert the micro SD card into the slot face up with the gold pins going first.

How to open an SD card on Mac?

Step 1: Open SD card in Finder.

Click the Finder app, you will see your SD card listed in the left pane and then view the contents of the SD card in the right pane.

Step 2: Safely eject SD card.

After you finish your work on the SD card, you can remove it properly. But before that, you need to make sure that all data transfer to SD media is completed. Then the SD card will work correctly next time. To eject the card, drag its icon on the desktop to the Trash. After the icon disappears from your desktop, you are safe to remove the card from the slot.

You should avoid removing an SD card while your Mac is sleeping. It could lead to data loss. Always wake your computer, save your work, and then safely eject the SD card.

Conclusion

How to deal with SD card not working or recognized on Mac? No matter what causes this problem, there are lots of potential solutions. You can begin by checking the connection and then try to repair the corrupted SD card. If your SD card is still not recognized by Mac, you should format the SD card on Mac to see if this fixes your issue.

If you experience any data loss issue during this process, the good news is that your data can still be recovered with iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac. This free Mac data recovery tool can recover deleted/lost photos from SD card quickly and easily.

Should you have another suggestion to fix SD card not working or detected issue on Mac? Or have any questions when you are using iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac? Please feel free to contact us by sending an email.

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Choose your iMac model

If you're not sure which iMac you have, you can identify your iMac and then select it from the list below.

27-inch

24-inch

21.5-inch

• iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019)*
• iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017)*
• iMac (21.5-inch, 2017)*
• iMac (21.5 inch, Mid 2014)*
• iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013)*
• iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012)*

20-inch

17-inch

* Memory is not removable by users on iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012), iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013), iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014), iMac (21.5-inch, 2017), iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017), and iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019). If the memory in one of these computers needs repair service, contact an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. If you’d like to upgrade the memory in one of these models, an Apple Authorized Service Provider can help. Before you schedule an appointment, confirm that the specific Apple Authorized Service Provider offers memory upgrade services.

Memory in iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2015), and iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, Late 2015) is not upgradeable.

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020)

Get memory specifications for iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020), then learn how to install memory in this model.

Memory specifications

This iMac model features Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots on the rear of the computer near the vents with these memory specifications:

Sd Card Reader Not Working On Macos Catalina

For optimal memory performance, DIMMs should be the same capacity, speed, and vendor. Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:

• PC4-21333
• Unbuffered
• Nonparity
• 260-pin
• 2666MHz DDR4 SDRAM

If you have mixed capacity DIMMs, see the install memory section for installation recommendations.

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019)

Get memory specifications for iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019), then learn how to install memory in this model.

Memory specifications

This iMac model features Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots on the rear of the computer near the vents with these memory specifications:

Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:

• PC4-21333
• Unbuffered
• Nonparity
• 260-pin
• 2666MHz DDR4 SDRAM

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017)

Get memory specifications for iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017), then learn how to install memory in this model.

Memory specifications

This iMac model features Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots on the rear of the computer near the vents with these memory specifications:

Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:

• PC4-2400 (19200)
• Unbuffered
• Nonparity
• 260-pin
• 2400MHz DDR4 SDRAM

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015)

Get memory specifications for iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015), then learn how to install memory in this model.

Memory specifications

This iMac model features Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots on the rear of the computer near the vents with these memory specifications:

Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:

• PC3-14900
• Unbuffered
• Nonparity
• 204-pin
• 1867MHz DDR3 SDRAM

For these 27-inch models

Get memory specifications for the following iMac models, then learn how to install memory in them:

• iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Mid 2015)
• iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014)
• iMac (27-inch, Late 2013)
• iMac (27-inch, Late 2012)

Memory specifications

These iMac models feature Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots on the rear of the computer near the vents with these memory specifications:

Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:

• PC3-12800
• Unbuffered
• Nonparity
• 204-pin
• 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM

Installing memory

The internal components of your iMac can be warm. If you've been using your iMac, wait ten minutes after shutting it down to let the internal components cool.

After you shut down your iMac and give it time to cool, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your computer.
2. Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or other flat surface to prevent scratching the display.
3. Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay the computer face-down on the towel or cloth.
4. Open the memory compartment door by pressing the small grey button located just above the AC power port:
5. The memory compartment door will open as the button is pushed in. Remove the compartment door and set it aside:
6. A diagram on the underside of the compartment door shows the memory cage levers and the orientation of the DIMM. Locate the two levers on the right and left sides of the memory cage. Push the two levers outward to release the memory cage:
7. After the memory cage is released, pull the memory cage levers toward you, allowing access to each DIMM slot.
8. Remove a DIMM by pulling the module straight up and out. Note the location of the notch on the bottom of the DIMM. When reinstalling DIMMs, the notch must be oriented correctly or the DIMM won't fully insert:
9. Replace or install a DIMM by setting it down into the slot and pressing firmly until you feel the DIMM click into the slot. When you insert a DIMM, make sure to align the notch on the DIMM to the DIMM slot. Find your model below for specific installation instructions and notch locations:
   • iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020) DIMMs have a notch on the bottom, slightly left of the middle. If your DIMMs are mixed in capacity, minimize the capacity difference between Channel A (slots 1 and 2) and Channel B (slots 3 and 4) when possible.
     
   • iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019) DIMMs have a notch on the bottom, slightly left of the middle:
   • iMac (27-inch, Late 2012) and iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017) DIMMs have a notch on the bottom left:
     
   • iMac (27-inch, Late 2013) and iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014, Mid 2015, and Late 2015) DIMMs have a notch on the bottom right:
     
10. After you install all of your DIMMs, push both memory cage levers back into the housing until they lock into place:
    
11. Replace the memory compartment door. You don't need to press the compartment door release button when replacing the compartment door.
12. Place the computer in its upright position. Reconnect the power cord and all other cables to the computer, then start up the computer.
    

Your iMac performs a memory initialization procedure when you first turn it on after upgrading memory or rearranging DIMMs. This process can take 30 seconds or more, and the display of your iMac remains dark until it's finished. Make sure to let the memory initialization complete.

For these 27-inch and 21.5-inch models

Get memory specifications for the following iMac models, then learn how to install memory in them:

• iMac (27-inch, Mid 2011)
• iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011)
• iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010)
• iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2010)
• iMac (27-inch, Late 2009)
• iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009)

Memory specifications

Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:

i5 and i7 Quad Core iMac computers come with both top memory slots populated. These computers will not start up if only a single DIMM is installed in any bottom slot; these computers should operate normally with a single DIMM installed in any top slot.

Core Duo iMac computers should operate normally with a single DIMM installed in any slot, top or bottom. ('Top' and 'bottom' slots refer to the orientation of the slots in the pictures below. 'Top' refers to the slots closest to the display; 'bottom' refers to the slots closest to the stand.)

Installing memory

The internal components of your iMac can be warm. If you've been using your iMac, wait ten minutes after shutting it down to let the internal components cool.

After you shut down your iMac and give it time to cool, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your computer.
2. Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or other flat surface to prevent scratching the display.
3. Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay the computer face-down on the towel or cloth.
4. Using a Philips screwdriver, remove the RAM access door in the bottom of your computer:
   
5. Remove the access door and set it aside.
6. Untuck the tab in the memory compartment. If you're replacing a memory module, gently pull the tab to eject any installed memory module:
   
7. Insert your new or replacement SO-DIMM into the empty slot, noting the orientation of the keyway of the SO-DIMM as shown below.
8. After you insert it, press the DIMM up into the slot. There should be a slight click when you seat the memory correctly:
   
9. Tuck the tabs above the memory DIMMs, and reinstall the memory access door:
   
10. Place the computer in its upright position. Reconnect the power cord and all other cables to the computer, then start up the computer.

For these 24-inch and 20-inch models

Get memory specifications for the following iMac models, then learn how to install memory in them:

• iMac (24-inch, Early 2009)
• iMac (20-inch, Early 2009)
• iMac (24-inch, Early 2008)
• iMac (20-inch, Early 2008)
• iMac (24-inch Mid 2007)
• iMac (20-inch, Mid 2007)

Memory specifications

These iMac computers have two side-by-side Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots in the bottom of the computer.

The maximum amount of random-access memory (RAM) you can install in each computer is:

You can use a 1GB or 2GB RAM module in each slot for iMac (Mid 2007) and iMac (Early 2008). Use 1GB, 2GB, or 4GB modules in each slot for the iMac (Early 2009).

Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:

DIMMs with any of the following features aren't supported:

• Registers or buffers
• PLLs
• Error-correcting code (ECC)
• Parity
• Extended data out (EDO) RAM

Installing memory

The internal components of your iMac can be warm. If you've been using your iMac, wait ten minutes after shutting it down to let the internal components cool.

After your iMac cools down, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your computer.
2. Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or other flat surface to prevent scratching the display.
3. Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay the computer face-down on the towel or cloth.
4. Using a Philips screwdriver, remove the RAM access door in the bottom of the computer:
   
5. Remove the access door and set it aside.
6. Untuck the tab in the memory compartment. If you're replacing a memory module, untuck the tab and pull it to eject any installed memory module:
   
7. Insert your new or replacement RAM SO-DIMM into the empty slot, noting the orientation of the keyway of the SO-DIMM as shown above.
8. After you insert it, press the DIMM up into the slot. There should be a slight click when you seat the memory correctly.
9. Tuck the tabs above the memory DIMMs, and reinstall the memory access door:
   
10. Place the computer in its upright position. Reconnect the power cord and all other cables to the computer, then start up the computer.

For these 20-inch and 17-inch models

Get memory specifications for the following iMac models, then learn how to install memory in them:

• iMac (20-inch Late 2006)
• iMac (17-inch, Late 2006 CD)
• iMac (17-inch, Late 2006)
• iMac (17-inch, Mid 2006)
• iMac (20-inch, Early 2006)
• iMac (17-inch, Early 2006)

Memory specifications

For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.
*iMac (Late 2006) uses a maximum of 3 GB of RAM.

Installing memory in the bottom slot

The internal components of your iMac can be warm. If you've been using your iMac, wait ten minutes after shutting it down to let the internal components cool.

After you shut down your iMac and give it time to cool, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your computer.
2. Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or other flat surface to prevent scratching the display.
3. Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay the computer face-down on the towel or cloth.
4. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the RAM access door on the bottom of the iMac and set it aside:
   
5. Move the DIMM ejector clips to their fully open position:
   
6. Insert your RAM SO-DIMM into the bottom slot, keeping in mind the orientation of the keyed SO-DIMM:
   
7. After you insert it, press the DIMM up into the slot with your thumbs. Don't use the DIMM ejector clips to push in the DIMM, as this might damage the SDRAM DIMM. There should be a slight click when you seat the memory fully.
8. Close the ejector clips:
   
9. Reinstall the memory access door:
   
10. Place the computer in its upright position. Reconnect the power cord and all other cables to the computer, then start up the computer.

Replacing memory in the top slot

After you shut down your iMac and give it time to cool, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your computer.
2. Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or other flat surface to prevent scratching the display.
3. Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay the computer face-down on the towel or cloth.
4. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the RAM access door on the bottom of the iMac and set it aside:
   
5. Pull the two levers on each side of the memory compartment to eject the memory module that's already installed:
   
6. Remove the memory module from your iMac as shown below:
   
7. Insert your RAM SO-DIMM into the top slot, noting the orientation of the keyed SO-DIMM:
   
8. After you insert it, press the DIMM up into the slot with your thumbs. Don't use the DIMM ejector clips to push in the DIMM, as this might damage the SDRAM DIMM. There should be a slight click when you seat the memory fully.
9. Close the ejector clips:
   
10. Reinstall the memory access door:
    
11. Place the computer in its upright position. Reconnect the power cord and all other cables to the computer, then start up the computer.

If your iMac makes a tone after you install memory

iMac models introduced before 2017 might make a warning sound when you start up after installing or replacing memory:

• One tone, repeating every five seconds signals that no RAM is installed.
• Three successive tones, then a five-second pause (repeating) signals that RAM doesn't pass a data integrity check.

If you hear these tones, confirm that the memory you installed is compatible with your iMac and that it's installed correctly by reseating the memory. If your Mac continues to make the tone, contact Apple Support.

Confirm that your iMac recognizes its new memory

After you install memory, you should confirm that your iMac recognizes the new RAM by choosing Apple () menu > About This Mac.

The window that appears lists the total memory, including the amount of memory that originally came with the computer plus the newly added memory. If all the memory in the iMac has been replaced, it lists the new total of all installed RAM.

For detailed information about the memory installed in your iMac, click System Report. Then choose Memory under the Hardware section in the left side of System Information.

If your computer doesn't recognize the memory or doesn't start up correctly, confirm that the RAM you installed is compatible with your iMac and that it's installed correctly by reseating the memory. If you continue to have issues with the memory in your iMac, contact Apple Support.