How to Troubleshoot USB Ports on Mac
Malfunctioning USB ports on a Mac might be a more common issue than you think. There are several ways to try potential fixes, but first you make sure that the peripheral you are trying to connect is not causing the problem. Try to see if the USB device you are trying to connect works on another computer. Furthermore, we advise you to disconnect USB hubs, and try connecting devices directly to your Mac. The fewer connections they are, the less likely you are to encounter issues. If the issue continues to persist, then there is likely to be either a software or hardware issue with your Mac USB ports. To try and fix them, follow these troubleshooting steps:
Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)
This is a commonly recommended fix for all sorts of hardware issues on Macs. If you are using a Mac book, then you should start by turning off your device and then hold down the Shift + Control + Option buttons before pressing the Power button. Release the keys simultaneously, and wait for your Mac to boot up.
If you own a desktop Mac, then you need to turn off the device and disconnect the power cord. Hold the Power button for 5-6 seconds and release it. Reconnect the power, and turn the device back on.
Reset PRAM and NVRAM
Macs use Parameter RAM (PRAM) and Non-Volatile RAM (NVRAM) to store information about various hardware settings. Resetting them may fix issues with your USB ports. To do it, shut down the device. Start it back up, and then hold the keys Command + Option + P + R. Keep holding them until you encounter a screen flash and a sound.
Remove Unknown Apps
An unlikely cause for USB issues might be a conflicting application on your device. This is likely to be an app you downloaded from a non-trustworthy source, and it probably does not have an excellent reputation. If you recall downloading such software before the USB issue started to bother you, then we suggest that you try to remove the app temporarily by using our guide on How to Uninstall Apps on Mac.
