Usb Ports For Mac

Check the Connection. Like we mentioned above, it is likely that the Mac is not the problem at all but. Transmit Full HD content to an external display with this three-port j5create USB-C to HDMI adapter hub. It supports high-definition resolutions up to 2048 x 1152, and it has a USB Type-C port for charging a compatible gadget. The USB 3.0 port of this j5create USB-C to HDMI adapter hub provides high-speed data transfers up to 5 Gbps. 2-meter version USB-C to Lightning Cable (1m) USB-C to 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub The new MacBook Pro comes with two or four external ports, depending on the model you pick. And the new MacBook Air has a.

Either way, we have some helpful tips in this article that you can follow to fix USB port on Mac Air Pro. Overview of the USB Port Problems: Like we pointed out in the paragraph above, the problem may be a result of the port being damaged or an internal fault in the flash drive. To be sure that the port is not to blame, consider connecting the.

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.

Usb Ports For Macbook

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.

These might also interest you:

Information about these and other types of Mac ports is in the specifications for your Mac: Choose Apple menu  > About This Mac, click Support, then click Specifications. Or check your Mac user guide.

Thunderbolt 3

Use Thunderbolt 3 with displays and other devices that connect using either a Thunderbolt 3 cable or USB-C cable. You can also connect a USB-C power adaptor and cable to charge your notebook computer. If you have a device that doesn't connect to this port, you might be able to use an adaptor to connect it.

These Mac models have Thunderbolt 3 ports:

MacBook Pro introduced in 2016 or later
MacBook Air introduced in 2018or later
iMac introduced in 2017 or later
iMac Pro (all models)
Mac mini introduced in 2018
Mac Pro introduced in 2019

If your Mac notebook or desktop computer has more than one port like this, each port supports ThunderBolt 3 and USB-C.

USB-C

Use USB-C with displays and other devices that connect using a USB-C cable. You can also connect a USB-C power adaptor and cable to charge your notebook computer. If you have a device that doesn't connect to this port, you might be able to use an adaptor to connect it.

MacBook models introduced in 2015 or later have a single USB-C port. This port doesn't support Thunderbolt devices.

If your Mac has only one port like this, it's a MacBook that supports USB-C but not Thunderbolt.

Thunderbolt

Use Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 with displays and other devices that connect using a Thunderbolt cable.

These Mac models have Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 ports:

MacBook Pro introduced in 2011 until 2015
MacBook Air introduced in 2011 until 2017
Mac mini introduced in 2011 until 2014
iMac introduced in 2011 until 2015
Mac Pro introduced in 2013

Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 are not the same as Mini DisplayPort . They have the same shape, but use different symbols on the cable and port. However, this port does support Mini DisplayPort for video output, so you can use a Mini DisplayPort cable to connect a Mini DisplayPort display.

Mini DisplayPort

Use Mini DisplayPort with displays that connect using a Mini DisplayPort cable.

These Mac models have Mini DisplayPort:

MacBook Pro introduced in late 2008 until 2010
MacBook Air introduced in late 2008 until 2010
Mac mini introduced in 2009 and 2010
iMac introduced in 2009 and 2010
Mac Pro introduced in 2009 until 2012

Extra Usb Ports For Mac

Mini DisplayPort is not the same as Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 . They have the same shape, but use different symbols on the cable and port.

USB-A

Use USB-A with devices that connect using a USB cable. USB ports are sometimes known by the USB specification of the port, such as USB 2 or USB 3.

Left to right: power, two Thunderbolt, USB-A, and Audio-Out.

HDMI

Use HDMI with displays and TVs that connect using an HDMI cable.

Ethernet

Use Ethernet with networks and devices that connect using an Ethernet (RJ45) cable.

FireWire

Use FireWire with devices that connect using a FireWire 400 or FireWire 800 cable.

SD card

Use the SD card slot with SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC and UHS-II media cards, such as those used by digital cameras.

Audio

Use Audio-Out — or — with headphones, speakers and other audio-output devices that connect using an audio cable that has a 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) audio jack.

Use Audio-In with a microphone or other audio-input device that connects using an audio cable that has a 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) audio jack.

Usb Ports For Mac

Power

Use the power port , if available, to connect your computer to AC power using a MagSafe cable or adaptor. This port isn't available on newer Mac notebook computers, which use Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C for power and charging. Learn more about power adaptors and cables for Mac notebook computers.