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Before we get into the software fixes, let’s start with the simplest solution of all: restarting your Mac. Switch the Mac off and back on again. You’ll be surprised at how many problems a quick restart solves.
Next, check the USB device. There’s a chance that it could have failed, particularly so if you’re using a cheaper cable. Inspect the device visually, looking for damage to the connector and any signs of frayed wiring. If there is no apparent damage, take two different USB devices and test them against different ports. If the devices aren’t working on one or all of the ports it’s more likely to be an issue with your Mac and not the device.
A USB device that works on one port but not another is a sign of a faulty port. If this is the case, the only real solution is to contact an authorized Mac specialist for a hardware diagnostics test and have the port repaired.
If the device doesn’t work in any of your ports, then continue reading for some potential fixes.
What to do if Mac USB devices are not working
All of your Mac or MacBook USBs not working is actually better news than one failing. It’s unlikely that all of your ports would fail at once which means the fix is probably an easy one.
Here are three things to try, starting with the most common fix.
1. Reset the SMC
Resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) is a simple fix that cures a wide range of hardware issues. How this is done depends on whether you’re using a MacBook or Mac desktop.
Resetting the SMC on a MacBook
- Shutdown your MacBook.
- Connect the power adapter.
- Hold Shift+Control+Option and the Power button at the same time.
- Release all the keys at the same time.
- Let your MacBook boot up as usual and the SMC will be reset.
Resetting the SMC on an iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Pro
- Shut down your Mac.
- Disconnect the power cord.
- Press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds and release.
- Reconnect the power cord and switch the Mac back on.
2. Check for updates
Outdated firmware and software results in various hardware issues, including... Yep — Mac USB ports not working.
Check for system updates by opening the App Store and clicking on the Updates tab. If updates are available, click on the Update button next to each application that you want to install.
3. Reset PRAM/NVRAM
The PRAM (Parameter RAM) and NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) hold information about various USB components. Resetting them could be the solution to your USB woes.
It’s a slightly different process to resetting the SMC, but no less difficult.
- Shutdown your Mac.
- Restart it, holding down Command+Option (ALT)+P+R as you do.
- Hold down the keys until you hear a sound and see the screen flash.
- Listen for the chime sound and let the Mac boot up as usual.
4. Uninstall potentially conflicting apps
If the USB ports not working on your MacBook Pro or iMac is a recent issue and there doesn’t seem to be any problem with USB devices, it could be that an app is conflicting with USB functionality. If you’ve downloaded an app from an unknown source there is the potential for it to contain malware, which could also be the cause of the problem.
In any case, it’s worth uninstalling recently downloaded and installed apps. If they aren't the reason for the USB ports acting up, you can easily reinstall them from the App Store.
One way to remove apps is to use Launchpad or Finder. Or you can use a quicker, more effective method: CleanMyMac X.
To completely remove an app and every file associated with that app, use CleanMyMac.
CleanMyMac’s Uninstaller tool scans your entire system for every trace of an app and completely removes it. Using the tool is every bit as easy as deleting an app manually.
- Download and launch CleanMyMac (free download).
- Click on Uninstaller from the sidebar menu.
- Select the app that you want to remove from the list.
- Click Complete Removal in the Smart Selector panel.
- Hit Uninstall.
While CleanMyMac lets you uninstall apps in bulk, in this case, you should delete apps one at a time until you find the culprit. CleanMyMac also lets you clean up unwanted junk, declutter your Mac and improve performance.
One way to uninstall apps manually is by using the Launchpad:
- Open the Launchpad.
- Find the app that you want to remove and click and hold the icon until it starts to jiggle.
- Click on the X that appears in the corner of the app, then click Delete.
You can also uninstall apps from the Finder:
- Open the Finder and go to Applications.
- Find the app that you want to remove and drag its icon to the Trash (you might need to enter your admin credentials to confirm you want to delete the app).
- Click on the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
Having one or more USB ports not working on your Mac can be hugely frustrating, especially if you rely on those ports for data backup and external peripherals. That said, USB problems are quite rare and are usually easy to fix. Work your way through these troubleshooting tips until you find the one that works and restore your Mac to its full glory.
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USB port types and names
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry standard for connecting computers and other devices. It's available with many types of ports, and each type has a unique shape. On Mac computers, USB is available with these ports, depending on your Mac model:
USB-A
Type USB-A ports are commonly called USB, USB 2, or USB 3 ports, depending on the USB specification they support. They aren't reversible, so a USB-A connector plugs into the port only when oriented correctly.
More Usb Ports For Mac
USB-C
Type USB-C ports are available as either standard USB-C ports or Thunderbolt 3 ports that also support USB-C connections. They both look the same, and the connector plugs into the port in either orientation.
Usb Port Hub For Tv
Learn more about identifying the ports on your Mac, as well as the adapters and cables you can use to connect older devices to type USB-C ports.
USB specifications
4 Port Usb Hub For Mac
USB specifications are important primarily when you want the most speed and power for your USB device, or your device needs more power or is using too much power. Every USB port supports a particular USB specification, which determines the port's maximum>USB specifications on MacData transferPowerUSB 3.1 Gen 2
Also known as USB 3.2 Gen 2
Up to 10 GbpsUp to 15W at 5VUSB 3.1 Gen 1
Also known as USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 3
Up to 5 GbpsUp to 900 mA at 5VUSB 2.0
Up to 480 MbpsUp to 500 mA at 5VUSB 1.1
Up to 12 MbpsUp to 500 mA at 5V
To learn which specification is supported by a type USB-A or type USB-C port on your Mac model:
- Choose Apple menu > About This Mac, click Support, then click Specifications.
- Check the System Information app for more details, including about USB devices connected to USB ports on your Mac. Select USB in the sidebar, then select a USB bus on the right.
Get the best performance from your USB devices
USB specifications all work with each other, but speed and power are limited by the cable or device that uses the earliest specification. For example, if you connect a USB 3 device to USB 2 port, your device is limited to USB 2 speeds, and it can't draw more power from the port than can be delivered over USB 2. In other words, to get the best performance, make sure that the USB port on your Mac and the USB cable to your device meet or exceed the USB specification of the device itself.
Multi Port Usb Hub
If your Mac doesn't recognize a USB device after you plug it into your Mac:
- Check all connections: Unplug the device from your Mac, then plug it back in, and make sure that all cables and adapters are securely connected at both ends. Test with another cable or adapter, if available.
- Plug the device directly into your Mac instead of a USB hub or other device, and if necessary test with a different USB port on your Mac or device.
- Some devices need their own software, such as drivers or firmware. Others work without additional software. Check with the maker of your device, and install all available Apple software updates as well.
- If your device came with an AC power adapter, use it. Some devices can be powered by the USB port on your Mac. Others need more power than your Mac can provide.
- Restart your Mac.
Usb Port Hub For Macbook Pro
Learn more
- USB 3 devices can create wireless interference that affects Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices. Learn how to resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference.
- Mac notebook computers with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 can charge over that port using a compatible USB-C power adapter and cable.
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