The left USB port on this MacBook Air stopped working properly. Any USB device plugged in into the left port doesn’t fit all the way in. It feels like something inside the USB port is staying on the way. Also, any USB device plugged in into the left port is not being recognized by the operating system. If you are certain the problem is not the USB device or the cable, the easiest way to fix the USB not working on Mac problem is to reset SMC. The process is slightly different for different Mac models. Here's how to do it for a MacBook, MacBook Pro and a MacBook Air; Step 1: Shut down the Mac and then connect it to the power cable.
Several reports of USB 2.0 issues affecting the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air have surfaced on social media platforms, including Reddit and Apple’s Support Communities. Looking at the complaints so far, the issues, which are causing users’ computers to freeze, is only affecting the 2020 models of the MacBook.
In this article, we’ll be looking at everything about the USB 2.0 connectivity issues of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.
MacBook Pro and Air Users Facing USB 2.0 Connectivity Issues
According to reports across different social media platforms, some MacBook Pro and MacBook Air users have started complaining about some annoying USB 2.0 connectivity issues.
Looking at the reports, many say their USB 2.0 accessories keep disconnecting from their MacBook devices. They also complained that the issues affect their systems, causing them to freeze.
Let’s have a quick look at some of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro users’ complaints, concerning the USB 2.0 issues below:
According to a Reddit user buro91, he keeps experiencing the issues whenever he tries to connect USB 2.0 accessories to his MacBook Pro. Here’s a brief of what the user posted about the issue below:
“When I use an external USB-C hub in any port of my MBP, and connect USB 2.0 devices that include a Filco keyboard and a Razer DeathAdder mouse… after a while (minute or hours) the USB 2.0 devices will stop responding (keyboard dead, mouse not moving or clicking).”
Furthermore, the user also mentioned that he tried debugging, thinking the issue is from the USB-C port. However, all efforts to get the device to function properly proved abortive for him.
According to another user on Apple’s Support Communities, he’s also experiencing the USB 2.0 issues whenever he tries connecting to his MacBook Air.
“It’s not just 2020 MacBook Airs. I have a 2017 iMac 27″ that I just got. It has a fresh install of Catalina 10.5.5 on it. It had High Sierra on it but I upgraded to Catalina and had these issues, so I reinstalled Catalina from Recovery mode. And I get the same problem with my old USB 2.0 external drives…”
Any Fix Yet?
So far, looking at the reports, many users claim that removing the accessories when their systems freeze-up doesn’t help to solve the issues. That looks more like the issues are software-related.
We are yet to hear anything from Apple as to the fix for the issues. However, I’m hopeful they are already working on it. In case you’re experiencing the issue, you might have to wait for the Cupertino company to roll out a new macOS Catalina update.
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. https://wdwfqn.over-blog.com/2021/02/lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes-1-0.html. 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.
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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
Mac os x yosemite vs el capitan. 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.
Usb Not Showing Up Mac
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.
Macbook Air Sound Not Working
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.