How do you fix an undetected USB on a Mac?

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How do you fix an undetected USB on a Mac

Having issues with your USB device not being detected on a Mac? Don’t worry, this is a common problem that can often be easily fixed. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through all the potential causes and solutions to get your USB device working again.

Quick Diagnosis

Here are some quick things to check if your USB is not being detected on Mac:

  • Check if the USB port itself is working by trying another USB device
  • Try plugging the USB into different ports on your Mac
  • Check if the USB cable is damaged or faulty
  • Make sure the USB device does not need extra power that your Mac cannot provide
  • Check if the USB device works on another computer
  • Reset NVRAM on your Mac
  • Try a different USB cable
  • Check for any dirt/debris in the USB ports on your Mac

If the device is still not detected, read on for more detailed troubleshooting steps.

1. Check Your USB Cable

The first thing to check is whether the problem lies with the USB cable. Use the cable that came with the USB device if possible. Here are some things to look out for:

  • Inspect both ends of the cable for any damage or bent pins
  • Try connecting the cable to another USB port on your Mac
  • Connect the cable to another USB device to test if the cable works
  • Replace the cable if available or try another high quality cable

If the cable is damaged, frayed or deteriorating, it can interrupt the connection between your USB device and Mac. Replacing the cable often resolves the issue of the undetected device.

2. Check the USB Ports

Faulty or damaged USB ports on your Mac can also prevent detection of USB devices. Here are some troubleshooting tips for the ports:

  • Visually inspect all your USB ports for any apparent damage
  • Try connecting your USB device into different USB ports on your Mac
  • Plug another USB device you know works to verify the port functions
  • For MacBooks, test both left and right side USB ports
  • For Mac desktops, test ports both on the front and back of the machine
  • If one port is not detecting, it could be faulty – avoid using it

If the USB device is still not recognized in any port, the ports are likely not the issue. But if it works in one port but not another, there could be a hardware problem with that particular USB port.

3. Check Power Requirements

Some USB devices, especially external storage devices, require extra power to operate that your Mac may not be providing through the USB port. Insufficient power can prevent the USB from being detected. Here are some tips regarding power:

  • For hard drives, use the original power adapter that came with it
  • For low power devices, try using a USB hub with its own power adapter
  • If you have a laptop, connect it to a power source while using power-hungry USBs
  • For desktop Macs, plug the USB into the rear ports for more power
  • Test if the USB device works on a different computer

Providing consistent and adequate power to your USB device can allow your Mac to detect it properly.

4. Restart Your Mac

Before getting into more complex solutions, try the simple step of restarting your Mac. Restarting will clear any software bugs or glitches that could be preventing USB detection. Here is a quick guide to restarting a Mac:

  • Save any open documents and close all programs
  • For MacBooks, click the Apple menu then select Restart
  • For Mac desktops, press the Power button and click Restart
  • Wait for your Mac to shut down and start back up
  • Once restarted, reconnect your USB device

Make sure to safely eject the USB device before restarting. Restarting your Mac essentially provides a “clean slate” for USB connectivity and often resolves detection issues.

5. Reset NVRAM on Your Mac

Resetting the NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) can help clear any corrupted settings that may be interfering with USB detection. Here are the steps to reset NVRAM:

  1. Shut down your Mac fully
  2. Turn it back on and immediately press and hold Command + Option + P + R
  3. Keep holding the keys until your Mac restarts again and you hear the startup chime a second time
  4. Release the keys after the second startup chime
  5. Once your Mac finishes restarting, reconnect the USB device

Resetting NVRAM resets many low-level settings on Macs and can often resolve USB connectivity issues. It’s a useful troubleshooting step for Macs experiencing problems detecting devices.

6. Update Your Software

Having outdated software can also prevent your Mac from properly detecting USB devices. Here are some tips for software updates:

  • Update macOS to the latest version from System Preferences > Software Update
  • Update any USB device drivers from the manufacturer’s website
  • Check for updates to apps related to the USB device
  • Update your antivirus software if applicable
  • Upgrade to the latest versions of programs like iTunes

Keeping your Mac’s software, drivers, and firmware up-to-date ensures maximum compatibility with USB devices. Apply any available updates, especially for the macOS version itself.

7. Use a Different USB Port

Though it may seem obvious, try using a different USB port for your device. Even if other devices work in a problem port, it may not detect a particular USB device. Follow these tips for switching ports:

  • Unplug from the current problematic USB port
  • Plug into another port, preferably on the opposite side of your Mac
  • For laptops, switch between left and right side ports
  • For desktops, switch between front and rear ports
  • Avoid faulty, damaged or dusty ports

Keep trying different USB ports until you find one that reliably detects your USB device. Make note of any ports not detecting the device.

8. Remove USB Hub

If you are using a USB hub to connect multiple devices, the hub may be preventing detection. Try connecting directly to the Mac instead:

  • Disconnect the USB hub from your Mac
  • Plug the USB device directly into the Mac’s USB port
  • If using a desktop, connect directly to a rear port for best results
  • See if the device is now detected without the hub
  • If so, the hub may be faulty, underpowered or incompatible

Hubs can sometimes interfere with USB devices connecting properly. Eliminate the hub and attach the device directly to isolate if the hub is the issue.

9. Check if USB is Recognized on Another Computer

To rule out a hardware issue with the USB device itself, test it on another computer. Try the following steps:

  1. Connect the USB device to a Windows PC or another Mac
  2. See if the computer immediately recognizes and mounts the USB device
  3. If it works on a different machine, the USB is likely not faulty
  4. If it still is undetected, the device itself may have a hardware problem
  5. Contact the device manufacturer for support if the issue persists

Verifying the USB device works on other computers helps determine if the problem is with your specific Mac setup. If the USB works elsewhere, it indicates your Mac’s USB ports or software are the issue.

10. Check for Physical Damage

Carefully inspect the physical USB device, port, and cable for any signs of damage:

  • Examine USB device for cracks, dents, water damage or other physical issues
  • Check that no USB pins are bent or broken in the device or cable
  • Ensure no USB ports on your Mac have broken or bent pins
  • Look for internal damage to USB ports – may require inspection by technician
  • Dust or debris in ports can also impact connectivity

Damaged USB hardware like ports, cables and connectors are a common reason for devices not being detected properly. If physical damage is found, you may need repairs or replacement parts.

11. Reinstall USB Drivers

Outdated, corrupted or missing USB drivers can result in undetected devices. Try reinstalling the USB drivers:

  1. For external storage, reinstall the driver from the manufacturer’s website
  2. For printers and scanners, download the latest driver from the maker’s site
  3. For cameras, uninstall and reinstall the photo software like iPhoto
  4. Completely uninstall then reinstall USB device software and drivers

Freshly installing the latest USB drivers can often resolve detection issues caused by faulty drivers. However, some USB devices like keyboards and mice do not require extra drivers.

12. Reset SMC on Macbooks

For MacBooks and laptops, resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) may clear up USB problems. Here are the steps:

  1. Fully shut down and power off the MacBook
  2. Keep the MagSafe adapter plugged in if applicable
  3. Press and hold Shift + Control + Option + Power button for 10 seconds
  4. Let go and wait a few seconds before turning back on
  5. Test the USB device after restarting

Resetting SMC resets the hardware management chip and can restore proper USB functionality. Try this step for USB issues on MacBooks, MacBook Pros, and MacBook Airs.

13. Contact Apple Support

If you still cannot get your USB device detected after trying all troubleshooting, it’s time to get help directly from Apple. Some things you can try:

  • Book a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store for in-person support
  • Call Apple Support to troubleshoot over the phone
  • Use Apple’s online support chat to message a live advisor
  • Schedule a callback from Apple Support to diagnose remotely

Apple’s technicians have advanced tools and resources to diagnose stubborn USB connectivity problems. Provide as many details as possible on your USB device and the troubleshooting steps attempted.

Conclusion

Checking cables, ports, power, physical damage and software are the main ways to troubleshoot an undetected USB device on Mac. Resetting NVRAM and SMC can also help clear up many USB issues. If problems persist, Apple Support has specialists who can get your USB device properly recognized again. With the right systematic troubleshooting, you can get back to properly accessing your important USB devices.