Recently, several Mac users have complained about seeing the error message USB Accessories Disabled, which typically manifests when utilising a USB-C hub with multiple devices connected to it. When a Mac is linked to a camera, USB-C power cable, USB drive, disc, standard keyboard, or gaming keyboard, the error notice may occasionally appear as well. In order to re-enable USB devices, the notice advises users to unplug the accessory that is consuming a lot of power. We have the practical advice you need if you have also seen this notice and are looking for ways to cure USB Accessories Disabled on Mac. So let’s resolve it now without further ado!
8 Tips to Fix USB Accessories Disabled on Mac (2022)
What Could be Causing the USB Accessories Disabled Error to Occur on Mac?
USB Accessories Disabled: Unplug the accessory using too much power to re-enable USB devices, according to the pop-up notice.
Disconnect & Reconnect USB Devices
The alert makes it apparent that a power-hungry attachment is the cause of the issue. But what if the notice continues to appear even when you plug in a device that uses less power, such as a keyboard? In this instance, there may be additional causes for the problem, such as a potential software flaw.
Connect Your External Device to a Different Port
You must first disconnect and re-connect all USB devices to the computer in order to fix the USB Accessories Disabled problem on your macOS device. Try unplugging USB devices one at a time if you are unable to identify the Mac device that is malfunctioning. Prioritizing the USB-C devices that might be using more power could also assist you in avoiding the mistake.
Attempt to connect your external device to a different Mac port. If you attach the accessory to a different port and the error notice doesn’t appear, the port itself may be at fault.
Connect Your External Device Directly to Your Mac
Make sure the port is spotless and that there isn’t any debris or dust buildup inside. Using a toothpick, slide a small piece of cotton that has been dampened with isopropyl alcohol around inside the port. It will assist you in cleaning up the debris inside your port.
Make Sure USB or Thunderbolt Hub is Connected to an AC Adapter
Is your external device plugged into a Thunderbolt or USB hub? Attempt directly attaching the external device to your Mac. If the problem message doesn’t appear this time, your USB hub might be to blame.
Restart Your Mc
Do you have a self-powered Thunderbolt or USB hub? If the response is yes, make sure the USB/Thunderbolt hub is plugged into an AC power source.
- First off, disconnect all the USB devices. Then, click the Apple menu icon at the upper left corner of the screen and select Restart in the drop-down menu.
- After your Mac has rebooted, reconnect the USB devices to see if the problem is gone.
Reset PRAM and NVRAM (Intel-Based)
Rebooting your Mac is another quick and somewhat effective fix that you should try to solve this problem.
- To get going, turn off your Mac (Intel-based Macs). After waiting for a few seconds, turn on your computer.
- Then, hold down the Command, Option, P, and R keys at once immediately after you hear the startup sound.
- Be sure to hold these keys until your Mac restarts and you hear the startup sound again.
Reset SMC on Your Mac (Intel-Based)
Your Mac employs NVRAM, or nonvolatile random-access memory, to record settings like display resolution, sound volume, time zone, startup disc choice, and details of recent kernel panics. Similar settings can also be stored in PRAM (Parameter RAM). Common macOS problems can frequently be resolved by resetting PRAM and NVRAM.
Reset SMC on MacBooks with T2 Chip
- Shut down your notebook. Next, press and hold the Control, Option (Alt), and Shift keys for 7 seconds.
- After that, press and hold the power button as well. Make sure to hold all the four keys for another 7 seconds and then release them all. Next up, wait for a few seconds and then press the power button to turn on your Mac.
Reset SMC on Mac Desktops With/Without T2 Chip
- Turn off your Mac and then unplug the power cord. After that, wait for 15 seconds and then plug the power cord back in.
- After waiting for 5 seconds, press the power button to turn on your computer.
Reset SMC on MacBooks with Removable Battery
- Shut down your MacBook and then remove the battery.
- Once you have removed the battery, press and hold the power button for five seconds. Then, reinstall the batter and press the power button to turn on your notebook.
Reset SMC on MacBooks with Non-Removable Battery
- Turn off your MacBook (Apple menu -> Shut Down). After you have shut down your notebook, hold down the Shift, Control, and Option keys and the power button at once.
- Make sure to hold down all four keys for 10 seconds.
- After that, release all the keys and then press the power button to turn on your MacBook.
There is still no answer? No worries, try restarting your Mac’s SMC (System Management Controller). For those who are unaware, SMC is in charge of controlling the actions of a number of important parts, including power (both the power button and the power button to the USB), battery and charging, fans, indicators/sensors, and more. Therefore, resetting it might enable you to solve this problem.
- There is no option to reset NVRAM/PRAM or SMC on Apple Silicon Macs. However, you shouldn t worry about it as Apple Silicone Macs are designed to handle these functions by themselves.
- If need be, you can force restart your Macs with M-Series chip. Simply, press and hold the power button until your Mac turns off. Then, press the power button again to reboot your Mac.
Update Software on Your Mac
Note:
- Launch System Preferences app on your Mac. Alternately, click on the Apple menu icon at the upper-left corner of the screen and choose System Preferences.
- Now, click the Software Update pane. Then, wait for some time until your Mac has checked the available updates. If it shows any available update, download and install it as usual.
Reliable Tips to Fix USB Accessories Disabled on Mac
If your Mac’s USB accessory functionality is still disabled, there is a significant possibility that a software bug is at blame. You ought to attempt updating the macOS device in this situation.