Simple Methods to Eject a CD/DVD from MacBook Pro (External Drives)

Last updated: November 6, 2025

Apple removed the internal CD/DVD drive from all MacBook Pro models over a decade ago. If you are using a modern MacBook Pro (2016 model or newer), you are using an external optical drive connected via a USB port or a hub.

Ejecting a disc from an external drive or resolving a disc that is stuck often requires using a variety of software, keyboard, and physical methods.

Here are the simple, effective ways to eject a CD or DVD from your MacBook Pro in 2025.

See also: Top 8 Websites to Get Refurbished MacBooks

Phase 1: Software & Keyboard Ejection Methods

These methods are the safest and should be tried first, as they use macOS commands to communicate with the external drive.

1. Eject via the Finder Sidebar

This is the standard and most reliable method for ejecting any connected media, including external drives and discs.

1. Open a Finder window.
2. In the left-hand sidebar, find the disc under the Locations section (it will usually be labeled with the disc title or “DVD/CD-ROM”).
3. Click the Eject symbol (a small upward-facing triangle) next to the disc name.

2. Use the Keyboard Shortcut

macOS has a universal keyboard shortcut for ejecting media, which works regardless of the specific key layout on your MacBook.

• Action: Click anywhere on your desktop, and then press Command (⌘) + E.

3. Drag to the Trash (Icon Ejection)

This classic macOS method is still a quick way to eject media.

1. Locate the disc icon on your desktop (if visible).
2. Click and drag the disc icon to the Trash icon in the Dock.
3. You will notice the Trash icon changes into an Eject symbol as you hover over it.
4. Release the mouse button to eject the disc.

4. Eject via Disk Utility

If the disc is mounted but the above methods fail, Disk Utility can often force a clean unmount.

1. Open Finder > Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
2. In the sidebar, locate and select your CD or DVD.
3. Click the Eject button in the Disk Utility toolbar.

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Phase 2: Troubleshooting Stuck Discs (Physical Methods)

If the disc is stuck due to a hardware glitch or the external drive being unresponsive, you must use one of these physical methods.

5. Use the External Drive’s Eject Button or Switch

Many third-party external drives, such as the Apple USB SuperDrive and other brands, have a mechanical or electrical eject button.

• Dedicated Button: Locate the physical eject button, often found on the front edge of the drive. Press it to activate the eject mechanism.
• Power Cycle: If the button doesn’t work, unplug the drive’s USB cable from the MacBook, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Immediately press the physical eject button as the drive powers up.

6. The Emergency Manual Eject (Paperclip Method)

If the drive is completely unresponsive, nearly all tray-loading external optical drives have a manual override pinhole.

1. Locate the Pinhole: Find the tiny hole on the faceplate of the external drive, usually next to the disc tray opening.
2. Insert the Tool: Carefully straighten a paperclip and gently push the end into the pinhole until you feel resistance.
3. Push and Eject: Push the paperclip slowly but firmly. This manually releases the tray lock, allowing you to pull the tray open and retrieve the disc.

7. Force Eject During Startup (Legacy MacBooks Only)

This method only works for very old MacBooks (2012 models and earlier) that have an internal drive, but can sometimes work on stubborn external drives as well.

1. Restart your MacBook Pro (Apple Menu > Restart).
2. As the computer restarts, immediately press and hold the mouse button (or the trackpad button) until the disc ejects.

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FAQs

Question	Answer
How do I manually eject a CD from my MacBook Pro?	For external drives, use the paperclip method (Step 6) in the small emergency pinhole on the drive’s faceplate. For legacy internal drives, shut down the Mac and hold down the trackpad button while turning it on.
Why doesn’t my MacBook Pro have an Eject key?	Modern MacBook Pro models (from 2016 onward) do not have an internal optical drive, so the dedicated Eject key was removed from the keyboard. Use the universal keyboard shortcut: Command (⌘) + E.
My external drive is unresponsive after plugging it in. What do I do?	The drive may not be receiving enough power. Try plugging it directly into a different USB port on your MacBook or connecting it to a powered USB hub to ensure it receives sufficient electricity to spin the disc.
Can I damage the drive with the paperclip method?	If done gently, no. The paperclip is designed to activate a release latch. Never use sharp or bulky objects, and stop if you encounter severe resistance.

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