TL;DR
To fix Mac usb ports not working issue, try these methods:
- Resetting the SMC: Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) to clear corrupted settings affecting USB ports.
- Clearing the PRAM or NVRAM: Reset the PRAM/NVRAM to resolve hardware-related issues, including USB port problems.
- Check for Software Updates: Update your macOS to fix software bugs that may be causing USB port malfunctions.
Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.
It’s frustrating when your Mac’s USB ports suddenly stop working, especially when you’re in the middle of something important. In this post, you’ll find quick and effective methods to troubleshoot and fix USB port issues on your Mac. Whether it’s resetting your system, updating your software, or using specific commands, I’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow steps that will have your USB ports back in action in no time.
Before We Begin
Not always, but sometimes your Mac’s USB ports may stop working due to malware. It’s crucial to address this issue instantly, or the virus will affect your Mac’s performance. Download MacKeeper to run a virus scan on your Mac, and it may resolve the USB port problem.
Tip 🔧:Try plugging your device into a different USB port. Sometimes a port may seem unresponsive, but switching to another one might do the trick.
How to Fix Mac USB Ports Not Working: Software Solutions
To fix Mac USB ports not working, start by resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) to resolve hardware-related issues. If that doesn’t work, try clearing the PRAM or NVRAM, which resets stored settings that could be causing the problem.
Additionally, check for and install any available macOS software updates, as these often include fixes for USB port issues. If the problem persists, consider using terminal commands or checking for any malware that might be affecting system operations.
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Here are the detailed steps for nine different methods to fix USB port issues:
1. Resetting the SMC (System Management Controller)
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) on a Mac can resolve many hardware-related issues, including problems with USB ports.
The SMC is responsible for managing several aspects of your Mac’s hardware, such as power management, thermal management, and certain peripheral devices like USB ports. Resetting the SMC can clear corrupted settings or configurations, causing the USB ports to malfunction.
💡 Did You Know? The SMC reset can also resolve issues with your Mac’s battery, fan control, and display backlight, making it a useful first step for troubleshooting various hardware-related problems.
Here’s how to reset the SMC on your Mac to potentially fix USB port issues:
a. On a Mac With a Removable Battery
- Shut down your Mac.
- Remove your MacBook’s battery.
- Press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds while the battery is removed.
- Release the Power button and reinstall the battery.
- Turn on your Mac by pressing the Power button.
b. On a Mac With a Non-Removable Battery
- Tap the Apple icon and select Shut Down from the drop-down menu.
- Press and hold the Shift ⇧ + Control ^ + Option ⌥ keys with the power button for 10 seconds.
- Release all the keys and press the power button to turn on your MacBook.
After resetting the SMC, test your USB ports to see if they work correctly.
2. Clearing the PRAM or NVRAM
Clearing the PRAM (Parameter Random Access Memory) or NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory) on a Mac can potentially resolve certain hardware-related issues, including USB port problems.
The PRAM/NVRAM stores various settings and configurations your Mac uses to function properly, including USB port information. Clearing this memory can reset these settings and potentially fix USB port issues.
Macs with Apple Silicon don’t require manual NVRAM resets because the system handles it automatically during reboots.
Here’s how you can reset the PRAM/NVRAM on your Mac:
a. On Intel-Based Macs
- Turn off your Mac.
- Press the Power button to turn on your Mac.
- Press and hold the Option ⌥ + Command ⌘ + P + R keys simultaneously before the gray screen appears.
- Keep holding the keys until your Mac restarts, and you hear the startup chime twice. If you have a Mac with the T2 Security Chip, keep holding the keys until the Apple logo appears and disappears twice.
- Release the keys and let your Mac start up normally.
b. On Macs With Apple Silicon Processors
There’s no need to reset NVRAM on Macs with an M1 or M2 processor. If a reset is needed, your Apple Silicon Mac will make it happen automatically during a restart. You don’t need any keyboard shortcuts to initiate the reset.
3. Check for Software Updates
macOS updates often include bug fixes and improvements, including addressing known issues with hardware components like USB ports. Updating your macOS can apply these fixes and resolve software-related bugs causing the USB ports to malfunction.
Here are the steps to check for software updates on your Mac to fix USB port issues:
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings from the drop-down menu.
- Click General and select Software Update.
- Check for available software updates and install them by clicking the Update Now button.
- Restart your Mac after installing updates, and it should resolve the Mac USB not working issue.
4. Check for Malware and Viruses With MacKeeper
While malware and viruses themselves may not directly cause USB port issues, they can sometimes interfere with system operations and potentially impact the functionality of various hardware components, including USB ports.
By ensuring your Mac is free from malware and viruses, you can eliminate any potential software conflicts that might be affecting the USB ports. Here’s how you can check for malware and viruses on your Mac using MacKeeper’s Antivirus:
- Download and install MacKeeper.
- Launch MacKeeper and click the Antivirus tab in the left sidebar.
- Enable real-time antivirus protection to keep your Mac safe from viruses.
- Once you have configured your security settings, MacKeeper will continue to protect your Mac in the background, scanning for threats and blocking malicious activity.
- You can also run an instant virus scan by clicking the Start Scan button.
- If the scan finds any viruses, click the Fix Items button.
- If there are no issues in your system, click Restart to run the scan again or close the program.
What Else Can MacKeeper Do?
Besides detecting and removing malware, MacKeeper can clear junk files, delete duplicates, and uninstall unwanted apps. Check out my detailed MacKeeper review to know more about its features.
5. Remove Conflicting USB Devices
Sometimes, conflicts between different USB devices connected to your Mac can lead to connectivity or functionality problems. By removing or disconnecting these conflicting devices, you can potentially restore the proper functioning of your USB ports.
Here are the step-by-step instructions to remove conflicting USB devices on your Mac to fix USB port issues:
- Disconnect all USB devices from your Mac.
- Restart your Mac.
- Reconnect each USB device individually, testing the USB port after each device is connected.
- If a USB device causes issues with a USB port, disconnect it and try connecting it to a different one.
- If the USB device continues to cause issues on multiple USB ports, the device may be defective and require replacement.
6. Use Terminal Commands
Here are the steps to fix software problems by using Terminal commands on your Mac to fix USB port issues:
- Open the Finder app.
- Click Applications in the left-hand sidebar and open the Utilities folder.
- Launch Terminal.
- Type the following command into the Terminal window and press Enter:
sudo killall -STOP -c usbd
- Type your administrator password when prompted, and press Enter.
- Type the following command into the Terminal window, and press Enter:
sudo kextunload /System/Library/Extensions/AppleUSBComposite.kext
- Type your administrator password when prompted, and press Enter.
- Restart your Mac, and it should resolve the USB port issue.
Check the USB device itself on another computer. If it’s still not working, the problem might be with the device, not your Mac.
Hardware Solutions to Fix Mac USB Ports Not Working
Sometimes USB wires or connectors have a problem like they are bent or broken. It can also cause Mac USB ports not to work errors. Here are some methods to check and resolve the hardware issues on Mac.
1. Check USB Cables and Connectors
To check USB cables and connectors on your Mac to fix USB port issues:
- Inspect the USB cable for any physical damage, such as fraying or cuts.
- Use a different USB cable to connect your device to your Mac.
- Inspect the USB connector on the device you are trying to connect for any physical damage, such as bent or broken pins.
- Use a different USB connector or port on the device you are trying to connect.
- If the USB port on your Mac is a USB-C port, ensure the USB-C connector is fully inserted and oriented correctly.
- Ensure the USB cable and connector are compatible with your Mac and device.
2. Clean the USB Port
Now check the ports, as they may have debris in them. To clean the USB port on your Mac to fix USB port issues:
- Shut down your Mac.
- Disconnect all USB devices from your Mac.
- Use a toothpick or small brush to remove any debris or dust from the USB port gently.
- Compressed air blows any debris or dust out of the USB port.
- Dampen a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol and gently clean the inside of the USB port.
- Let the USB port dry completely.
- Reconnect your USB devices to your Mac.
- Start up your Mac.
🚫 Be careful when cleaning USB ports. Using excessive force or inserting objects that are too large can damage the delicate internal components.
3. Get the Mac Serviced
If nothing works, you should get your Mac serviced. Here is the instruction to get your Mac serviced:
- Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to make an appointment for service.
- Describe the issue you are having with your USB ports.
- Provide your Mac’s serial number, which can be found in the About This Mac section of the Apple menu.
- If your Mac is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare, provide proof of purchase or coverage information.
- Follow any instructions Apple Support or the Apple Store provides to send in your Mac for repair or bring it in for a service appointment.
Common Causes of Mac USB Ports Not Working
There are several common causes of USB ports not working on a Mac:
- 🛡️ Security Settings: Some security settings in the Mac may prevent USB devices from working properly. It can be caused by settings related to file sharing, firewall, or antivirus software.
- 🛠️ Hardware Issues: The USB port may be damaged or faulty. It can be caused by physical damage, such as a bent, broken connector, or electrical problems.
- 💻 Software Issues: The operating system may not recognize the USB port due to a software problem. Outdated or corrupted drivers or system files can cause this.
- 🔌 Power Issues: Some USB devices require more power than others, and the USB port may need to be able to provide more power to the device. A faulty power adapter or USB cable can cause this.
- 🚧 Overloaded USB Bus: The USB port may only work if fewer devices are connected to the same USB bus. It can be caused by connecting too many devices to a single USB hub or chain.
Wrapping Up
Although the fixes mentioned above should resolve the Mac USB ports not working issue, you may suffer again if you don’t pay attention to Mac maintenance.
If you face issues with your Mac’s USB ports again, here are 3 steps you must take to resolve USB port problems:
- If you face USB-related issues, shut down your Mac and restart it to get rid of any temporary glitches.
- Update your macOS to address known issues with USB ports and other hardware components.
- Run the Apple Diagnostics test to learn about Mac hardware issues and address them efficiently.
