The Apple macOS Blog

USB Accessories Disabled

Are you seeing the dreaded "USB Accessories Disabled" message on your Mac?This is can be a scary issue that us Mac users sometimes face, but don't worry it's usually pretty easy to fix.

Today I'm sharing some friendly tips to get your USB devices working again, so please read on to learn more.

Understanding the Error Message

When your Mac says "USB Accessories Disabled," it usually means there's a problem with the power supply to your USB ports. This can happen for several reasons:

• The USB port might be damaged
• You have too many USB devices connected
• Your Mac's power supply is having issues
• There could be a software glitch

Let's look at some simple steps to solve this problem!

Easy Fixes for USB Issues

Restart Your Mac —Sometimes, the easiest fix is to restart your computer. It's like giving your Mac a quick nap to refresh itself!

Get rid of the hub —If you are using a USB hub try unplugging that first — some cheap USB hubs are of low quality and can fail or have compatibility issues.

Unplug and Replug —Try unplugging all your USB devices and then plugging them back in one by one. This can help your Mac recognize them properly, and you narrow down which one might be having an issue.

Try Different Ports —Not all USB ports are the same. Try plugging your device into different ports on your Mac to see if one works better.

Try Different Dongles —If you are using a USB-A to USB-C converter or "dongle", try a different one and see if the problem goes away.

Clean Your Ports —Dust can cause problems too! Gently clean your USB ports with compressed air to remove any dirt.

Update Your Mac —Make sure your Mac's software is up to date. New updates often fix bugs that can cause USB issues.

Hardware Test & Reset the SMC —If you have an older Mac it has an SMC. The System Management Controller (SMC) manages power on your Mac. Resetting it can sometimes fix USB problems. Irrespective of how old or new your Mac is, at this point you should probably run a hardware test. Read Charlie's blog post for instructions on how to run the test, as well as how to reset the SMC if applicable.

When No USB Devices Are Connected

If you're seeing the error message even when no USB devices are plugged in, try these steps:

Check for Malware —Use a trusted Mac security app to scan for any unwanted software that might be causing the problem.

Run Maintenance Tasks —Performing regular maintenance on your Mac can prevent many issues. Use built-in tools or trusted third-party apps to clean up your Mac and improve performance.

What we've learnt

USB issues can be frustrating but they're often easy to solve. By following these friendly tips, you should be able to get your USB accessories working again in no time!If you're still having trouble after following my tips, it might be a good idea to check-in with Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for expert help.

Keep your Mac happy and healthy and it will serve you well for years to come!

❤️ Maria