[Top Solutions] to Samsung Data Migration Not Detecting SSD

Why Samsung Data Migration does not detect SSD?

Samsung Data Migration (SDM) is a useful tool for cloning your HDD to a Samsung SSD, but sometimes you may encounter the Samsung Data Migration SSD not recognized issue. Here are the most common reasons:

🎯Unsupported SSD Models

🎯Connection Issues (Cable, Port, Power)

🎯Outdated Software or Firmware

🎯Driver Conflicts or Missing Drivers

🎯Partition or Initialization Problems

🎯BIOS/UEFI Configuration Issues

How to fix Samsung Data Migration not detecting SSD

If Samsung Data Migration does not recognize SSD, don’t worry! There are 6 effective solutions to help you fix it.

Fix 1: Check Your SSD Models

First things first: Samsung Data Migration only works with Samsung-branded SSDs. If you’re trying to clone your data to a non-Samsung drive, the software won't detect it at all. Even among Samsung drives, certain models (especially OEM versions or older generations) might not be fully supported. Always check the official compatibility list before starting.

Fix 2: Reconnect SSD Properly

A loose or unstable connection is one of the simplest reasons why Samsung Data Migration fails to detect your SSD. Follow these troubleshooting steps:

👉For SATA SSDs:

• Power off your PC and unplug it.
• Ensure both the SATA data cable (to motherboard) and power cable (from PSU) are firmly connected. If available, try a different SATA port on the motherboard (preferably SATA III 6Gbps).

👉For NVMe SSDs (M.2):

• Reseat the SSD by removing and reinstalling it in the M.2 slot.
• Ensure the screw is properly tightened to avoid loose contact.

👉For External SSDs:

• Try a different USB port (preferably USB 3.0 or higher).
• Use a different USB cable (some cables are charge-only).
• Test the SSD with another PC to rule out USB port issues.

Fix 3: Update Samsung Data Migration and SSD Firmware

If your SSD is properly connected but Samsung Data Migration still isn’t detecting it, the next step is to update your software and firmware.

1. Download the Latest Version of Samsung Data Migration

Visit Samsung’s official support website and download the newest version of Samsung Magician (SDM has been integrated into Samsung Magician now).

2. Update Your SSD's Firmware Using Samsung Magician

• Install Samsung Magician. Open the app and select your SSD from the list.
• If a firmware update is available, the tool will prompt you to update it. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.

3. Restart After Updating

After updating both the Data Migration software and your SSD firmware, restart your PC. Then, reopen Samsung Data Migration and check if your SSD is now recognized.

Fix 4: Install Latest SATA/NVMe Drivers

If correct drivers are missing, corrupted, or outdated, the SSD might not appear even though it’s physically connected. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

2. Expand IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers and Storage controllers.

3. Right-click each controller and select Update driver.

4. Choose Search automatically for drivers. If Windows finds an update, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

5. Once the update is complete, reboot your PC and verify if your SSD is now detected in SDM.

Note: For Samsung NVMe SSD, it’s better to install the official drivers via the Samsung NVM Express Driver tool to ensure full compatibility.

Fix 5: Check Disk Management for Detection

If Samsung Data Migration isn't detecting your SSD, it’s possible that Windows recognizes the drive — but it’s not initialized or properly formatted yet. You can confirm this by using Disk Management.

1. Press Windows + X and select Disk Management.

2. Check if the SSD is listed.

👉If your SSD appears but shows as “Not Initialized”

• Right-click on the SSD and select Initialize Disk.
• Choose either MBR or GPT and click OK. GPT is recommended for modern systems (especially those with UEFI BIOS).

• Once initialized, the drive will show as Unallocated. Right-click the unallocated space and choose New Simple Volume. Follow the wizard to create a new partition on your SSD.

👉If your SSD appears but shows as “Unallocated”

As mentioned above, you need to create a new partition on your SSD by right-clicking and choosing New Simple Volume.

3. Restart Samsung Data Migration and check if your SSD is detected now.

Fix 6: Check If the SSD Is in AHCI Mode

Most SSDs require AHCI mode (not RAID or IDE) for optimal performance and compatibility. Use these steps to check if the SSD is in AHCI Mode:

1. Restart your PC. During boot, press F2, F12, DEL, or ESC (varies by motherboard) to enter BIOS/UEFI.

2. Look for Storage, SATA Mode, or Advanced Settings. If it’s set to IDE or RAID, change it to AHCI.

3. Press F10 to save changes and reboot. Check if Samsung Data Migration recognizes your SSD now.

Recommend: Clone HDD to Samsung SSD via best alternative

If Samsung Data Migration continues to give you trouble or if it simply doesn’t detect your SSD, don’t worry. There is an excellent alternative - AOMEI Cloner that can clone your entire HDD to your Samsung SSD safely and quickly.

Download AOMEI Cloner now and follow the instructions below to clone your HDD to Samsung SSD:

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Cloner. Next, go to Clone and select Disk Clone.

Step 2. Choose the current HDD as the source drive and select your Samsung SSD as the target.

Step 3. Check the SSD Alignment option for peak SSD performance. Then initiate the process by clicking Start Clone.

Summary

When Samsung Data Migration not detecting SSD, it can be caused by several factors, such as unsupported SSD models, bad connections, outdated software or firmware, missing drivers, or uninitialized drives. You can fix the issue with the corresponding solutions offered above.

If Samsung Data Migration still fails, using a trusted alternative like AOMEI Cloner is a smart move. It offers a simple and highly compatible solution for disk cloning. Not only Samsung SSD, you can use it to clone HDD to WD SSD, etc. Why not give it a shot?