Why Does my Mac Show “USB accessories disabled”?

Whenever your Mac pops up with an error “USB Accessories Disabled. Unplug the accessory using too much power to re-enable USB devices.”, it means that a device with more power consumption (like a monitor, hard disk, etc.) than Mac is being connected to the USB port and you need to use some caution when connecting it because it may not be possible to enable USB devices again once it’s connected.

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If you are experiencing problems connecting low-power devices like keyboards and mice, there may be a problem with your USB port. ..

  1. Check to see if your Mac is using an unsupported USB type.
  2. If it is, try using a different USB port or device.
  3. If those steps don’t work, you may need to reformat your Mac and/or update its firmware.

Use Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C Type) or Powered USB

You can connect external USB devices to the thunderbolt 3 (USB-C type) or the powered USB hub. These ports can power to and fro connections from the devices. For any reason, if the USB port does not have any power, this method comes in handy.

Disconnect and Reconnect all the USB Devices

If the error is not popping up, then you can continue to follow these steps:

  1. Check if the USB devices are properly connected
  2. If they are not properly connected, reconnect them back to the USB ports one by one
  3. If the error is still not popping up, then your Mac may have a problem with its USB drivers

If you find that one or more devices are consuming more power than usual, disconnect them from your Macbook and see if the power usage goes down. ..

Wake Up your Macbook After Putting it to Sleep

If you are constantly getting the “USB accessories disabled” error, it is recommended to put your Mac to sleep for a while and then wake it up. After your Mac wakes up, the notification should disappear automatically. ..

Reduce Unwanted USB Devices

To reduce the number of USB devices connected to your Mac, it is recommended that you disconnect them when not in use.

Connect the External Device to a Different USB Port

If the error does not appear after changing the port, then there is an issue with your USB port.

Clean the USB port on your computer to ensure that it is in good working condition. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the port. If you use a rough cloth, it could damage the port. ..

Connect the USB Device Directly to the Macbook

If you are using a USB connector to connect the external device with Mac, make sure that it is self-powered. If the USB connector is not self-powered, the chances of facing the “USB accessories disabled” error are high.

In the case of a USB connector that is not self-powered, we recommend you disconnect the external devices from the connector and directly connect it to your Macbook.

Make Sure You Are Connected to a Right Port and Cable

External devices come with a set of instructions and specifications regarding the USB port requirements. Make sure to check the device specifications and connect it to the right USB port. When the device is connected to the wrong USB port, it can either be unstable or consume more power than required. ..

Check if the Thunderbolt Hub or Powered USB is connected to an AC Adapter

If you are using a self-powered USB connector or a thunderbolt hub, then make sure to check if it is connected to an electrical outlet. ..

Try a Different Cable

Some USB cables are designed to draw more power than others, depending on the type of USB connection you’re using. For example, a USB-C type cable can draw more power than a USB-A type cable.

If you connect a USB-C type cable to a USB-A type port, the Mac will draw more power from the port, resulting in the “USB accessories disabled” error.

Update the Firmware and the Driver

When the USB device’s driver or firmware is outdated, it can cause an “USB accessories disabled” error. To fix this issue, it is recommended to update the drivers on your Macbook.

For this, you can open System Preferences and then click on the “Software Update.” This will refresh the driver for your Apple gadget and fix the “USB accessories disabled” issue.

Restart the MacBook

If you are experiencing the “USB accessories disabled” error on your Mac, try this simple solution. ..

  1. Open the Apple Menu and select “Restart”
  2. After restarting, your MacBook should be ready to use

If the issue has not been fixed, disconnect all your USB devices and restart your MacBook. If the issue still persists, then you may need to replace the battery.

Reset SMC

The System Management Control in Mac helps you manage the low-level device settings like USB connection, battery management, etc. If your SMC on your MacBook is corrupted, even then, you face the “USB accessories disabled” error.

To reset the System Management Control on your Mac, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
  2. Click on the Security & Privacy icon.
  3. Click on the General tab.
  4. Under Reset System Management Control, click on the Reset button. ..

When your MacBook restarts, hold the keys down until you see the Apple logo. Then, your Mac will boot normally.

If you have a Mac with T2 Chip, follow the process given below:

  1. Boot your Mac into Recovery Mode
  2. Choose “Macintosh” from the Apple menu
  3. Choose “T2 Chip” from the drop-down list
  4. Select “Create a new recovery drive”
  5. Enter your computer’s name and location (e.g., “C:\Users\username”)
  6. Click on the “Create” button
  7. Follow the prompts to create a new recovery drive and enter your computer’s password
  8. Click on the “Finish” button

Plug the power cord into an outlet and turn off the MacBook. Wait at least 15 seconds for the power to drain completely. Plug back in the power cord and turn on the MacBook. ..

Reset NVRAM

If your Mac cannot access the USB ports, you may need to reset the NVRAM. This error can be caused by a corrupt NVRAM or by a mistake you made when setting up your Mac. To fix this issue, you can reset the NVRAM.

Boot into Safe Mode

If you are experiencing USB errors on your Mac, Safe Mode can help to clear them off. Additionally, Safe Mode clears any third-party software logs that may be causing the issue. ..

Scan for Malware

If you have malware on your Mac, it can interfere with the USB ports. Sometimes it will disable the USB port altogether. To fix this, you should download a trusted antivirus software and perform a malware check. ..

Replace I/O board data cable

If you have tried everything to fix the “USB accessories disabled” error but still could not fix it, then we recommend you replace the I/O board cable. A faulty I/O cable can limit the functionality of your MacBook.

Conclusion

Fixing the “USB accessories disabled” error on a Mac can be done in a few different ways. In most cases, these methods work and solve the issue. If the error persists, it may be helpful to seek help from a Mac professional or visit an Apple store. ..