Mac OS X: Remove the USB stick safely - how it works

In this practical tip, we explain how to safely remove your USB stick under Mac OS X. Similar to Windows, you should not simply remove the removable medium from the slot.

How to remove your USB stick safely on Mac OS X.

If you copy data in the background or unknowingly use an inserted USB stick, it can have fatal consequences if you simply remove it. Another practical tip tells you in this case how to save data on a USB stick.

• If the active USB stick is still in the slot, open the Finder by tapping on the symbol in the dock.
• You can see your removable medium in the "Devices" area on the left.
• Click on the underlined triangle next to the name of your USB stick.
• The Finder window closes and you can remove the USB stick from the slot and safely remove it.

The instructions refer to Mac OS X 10.9.3 on a MacBook Air. Other versions and devices may differ. Another practical tip will tell you how to lock your Mac using a USB stick.