How to Fix USB Accessories Disabled on Mac

 

When you encounter the "USB Accessories Disabled" message on your Mac, it generally indicates that your USB devices are drawing too much power or there is a problem with the USB ports or the devices themselves. Here are several steps you can take to resolve this issue:

1. Disconnect and Reconnect USB Devices

  • Disconnect All Devices: Unplug all USB devices connected to your Mac.
  • Reconnect Devices One by One: Reconnect each device one at a time to identify if a specific device is causing the issue.

2. Check for Physical Issues

  • Inspect Ports and Connectors: Ensure that the USB ports and connectors are clean and free from debris.
  • Try Different Ports: Use different USB ports on your Mac to see if the issue is with a specific port.

3. Restart Your Mac

  • Restart the System: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve power management issues with USB ports.
    • Click the Apple menu and select Restart.

4. Reset SMC (System Management Controller)

The SMC controls power management on your Mac, and resetting it can fix USB power issues.

  • For Macs with Apple Silicon (M1 and later): Simply restart your Mac. There is no separate SMC reset procedure for these models.
  • For Intel-based Macs:
    1. Shut down your Mac.
    2. Unplug the power cord and all peripherals.
    3. Wait for 15 seconds.
    4. Plug the power cord back in and wait for 5 seconds.
    5. Turn on your Mac.

5. Check System Information

  • System Information App: Use this app to check the power usage of connected USB devices.
    • Go to Applications > Utilities > System Information.
    • Select USB from the sidebar.
    • Look at the power information for each connected device to identify if any device is drawing too much power.

6. Use a Powered USB Hub

  • Powered USB Hub: If you need to connect multiple devices, consider using a powered USB hub. This hub has its own power source and can reduce the power load on your Mac's USB ports.

7. Update macOS

  • Software Update: Ensure your Mac is running the latest version of macOS, as updates often include bug fixes and improvements.
    • Click the Apple menu and select System Preferences > Software Update.

8. Reset NVRAM/PRAM

Resetting NVRAM/PRAM can resolve various hardware-related issues.

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R keys.
  3. Keep holding the keys for about 20 seconds, then release them.
  4. Your Mac may restart during this process.

9. Run Apple Diagnostics

  • Apple Diagnostics: This tool can help identify hardware issues.
    1. Shut down your Mac.
    2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold the D key.
    3. Follow the on-screen instructions to run the diagnostics.

10. Visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider

If none of the above solutions work, there may be a hardware issue with your Mac’s USB ports. Visit an Apple Store or an authorized service provider for a professional diagnosis and repair.

By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the "USB Accessories Disabled" issue on your Mac.

11. Verify Power Supply to Your Mac

Ensure that your Mac is receiving adequate power, especially if you are using a MacBook.

  • Check the Power Adapter: Use the original power adapter and cable that came with your Mac.
  • Avoid Low-Power Adapters: If using a third-party power adapter, make sure it meets the power requirements for your Mac.

12. Use a Different Cable or Adapter

  • Test with Different Cables: The cable connecting your USB devices might be faulty. Try using different cables to see if the problem persists.
  • Adapters and Dongles: If you are using adapters or dongles (especially with newer Macs with USB-C ports), they could be the issue. Test with different adapters.

13. Check for Firmware Updates

Some USB devices have firmware that can be updated. Check the manufacturer's website for firmware updates for your USB devices.

14. Inspect USB Device Power Requirements

Certain USB devices require more power than others. High-power devices like external hard drives might need their own power source.

  • Check Manufacturer Specifications: Refer to the manufacturer’s documentation to confirm the power requirements for each device.
  • Use Powered USB Hubs: For devices that require more power, use a powered USB hub to offload the power requirement from the Mac.

15. Test USB Devices on Another Computer

  • Isolate the Problem: Connect the USB devices to another computer to see if they work correctly. This helps to determine whether the issue is with the devices or your Mac.

16. Check for Conflicting Devices

Sometimes, certain USB devices can conflict with each other.

  • Minimal Setup: Start with connecting only one USB device at a time to identify if a specific device is causing the conflict.

17. Disable USB Selective Suspend (Advanced Users)

For advanced users, modifying power settings in macOS can sometimes help:

  • Terminal Commands: Use terminal commands to disable USB selective suspend, which can sometimes cause power issues with USB ports.

18. Check for Kernel Extensions (Kexts)

Outdated or incompatible kernel extensions (kexts) can cause issues with USB devices.

  • Safe Mode: Boot your Mac in Safe Mode to see if the problem persists. Safe Mode loads only essential system extensions.
    • Restart your Mac and hold the Shift key immediately after hearing the startup sound.
    • Release the Shift key when you see the login window.
  • Remove Problematic Extensions: If the issue does not occur in Safe Mode, it might be due to third-party kexts. Investigate and remove any recently installed extensions that might be causing the conflict.

19. Perform a Clean macOS Installation

As a last resort, if you have tried all the above steps and the issue persists, consider performing a clean installation of macOS. This will help determine if the issue is software-related.

  • Backup Your Data: Ensure you have a complete backup of your data using Time Machine or another backup solution.
  • Reinstall macOS: Follow Apple's guidelines to reinstall macOS, ensuring a clean installation.

20. Professional Assistance

If none of the steps resolve the issue, it might be time to seek professional help.

  • Apple Support: Contact Apple Support for assistance. They can guide you through advanced troubleshooting steps or recommend hardware repairs.
  • Authorized Service Providers: Visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider for diagnostics and repairs.

By following these comprehensive steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the "USB Accessories Disabled" issue on your Mac. This approach covers both basic troubleshooting and advanced solutions, ensuring that you can address both software and hardware-related causes of the problem.

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