If you are trying to play a CD on your MacBook Pro and cannot find a disc slot you are not alone. In recent years Apple has removed built-in optical drives from nearly all MacBook models including the MacBook Pro. This has made things sleeker and lighter but also a little more complicated if you want to watch a film or listen to music from a physical disc.
In this article you will learn how to play a CD on your MacBook Pro using external hardware and built-in apps. Whether you are using CDs for media backup or simply want to enjoy an old album you will find out what your options are and how to get started quickly.
Does the MacBook Pro Have a CD Drive
Most modern MacBook Pro models do not have a built-in CD or DVD drive. Apple stopped including SuperDrives several years ago in order to save space and encourage users to rely on digital downloads or streaming services. If you are using a MacBook Pro made after 2012 it is likely that your device does not have an optical drive.
However this does not mean you cannot use CDs at all. You can still play or access disc content using an external USB CD or DVD drive.
Use an External CD Drive
To play a CD on your MacBook Pro you will need to connect an external CD or DVD drive. Apple sells a USB SuperDrive which works seamlessly with macOS. There are also third-party drives from brands like LG Samsung and ASUS that are compatible with Mac.
If your MacBook Pro only has USB-C ports you will need a USB-C to USB-A adapter or a drive that supports USB-C directly. Once connected the external drive should appear as a new device in Finder.
You can insert a CD into the drive and your MacBook will automatically recognise it. For audio CDs the Music app will usually open and begin reading the disc. For data or video discs you may be prompted to choose an app or view the contents in Finder.
Playing Audio CDs with the Music App
If you insert an audio CD your MacBook Pro will typically launch the built-in Music app. The CD will appear in the sidebar and you can click on it to see the track list. Press play to start listening. You can also import songs to your library if you want to save them locally.
Tracks imported from a CD will appear in your music collection and can be synced to other Apple devices. Keep in mind that macOS will store these files in your music folder unless you change the settings in the app preferences.
Playing Video CDs or DVDs
If your disc contains video files or is a DVD movie you will need to use an app that supports playback. The built-in DVD Player app may launch automatically when a DVD is inserted. If not you can open it manually from your Applications folder.
For video files stored on a data CD you can use apps like QuickTime Player or VLC Media Player to play them. If the disc contains a mix of file types you can explore the contents using Finder then open each file with your chosen application.
Importing Files from a CD
Some CDs are used for storing files rather than music or films. If you insert a data CD your MacBook Pro will mount it like a USB drive. You can browse its contents in Finder then drag and drop files to your desktop or folders.
This is useful for accessing old documents backing up photos or transferring media between systems.
Ejecting the CD Safely
Once you are finished with the disc make sure to eject it properly. You can do this by dragging the disc icon to the Trash which will change to an Eject symbol. You can also click the Eject button next to the drive in Finder or press the Eject key on some external keyboards.
Ejecting safely ensures that no files are in use and prevents damage to the disc or drive.
Final Thoughts
Although MacBook Pro models no longer come with built-in CD drives it is still easy to use CDs with an external drive. Whether you are listening to music watching films or transferring files the process is straightforward and fully supported by macOS.
With a reliable USB or USB-C drive and the right apps your MacBook Pro can still handle CDs just as well as older models. It just takes a small adapter and a few simple steps.