USB port issues with MacBook Pros are not uncommon. Frequently, users keep reporting about USB ports and their failure when it comes to MacBook Pro. Fortunately, some simple tricks can restore your MacBook Pro’s USB ports if you suffer from similar problems.
How to fix USB ports on MacBook Pro? Well, you must first inspect whether the issue arises from the MacBook or the device you want to connect to your Mac computer. Additionally, a temporary software glitch can render USB port failure on your MacBook.
Let’s find out how to eradicate such USB port crashes and revive them without critical hardware repair.
How to Fix USB Port Not Working on MacBook Pro?
You might notice that the USB device doesn’t cooperate or respond to your command even when you have successfully connected it to your MacBook Pro.
In this situation, you may consider that your MacBook’s USB port has been damaged. Before you reach that conclusion, let’s revise how to fix USB ports on MacBook Pro.
A USB port on your MacBook Pro can fail to work properly due to the following probable reasons:
- Software clashes
- Not in use for an extended period
- Dust and debris accumulation
- Long hours of use of that particular USB port
It’s easier to solve the issue once you recognise the reason. In addition, we have gathered some proven solutions that can help you restore the USB port’s functionality if you are lucky. Try them one by one and check which one works for you.
Let’s start with simpler ones first:
1. Reboot Your MacBook Pro
As reported, software bugs and glitches can unresponsive your MacBook Pro’s USB ports. Therefore, you can restart your MacBook if any USB ports don’t let other devices communicate with the computer or pass the power. However, missing communication interprets a software problem.
On the other hand, the inability to pass power through the USB port signifies hardware damage. So, if you find out that your USB device can’t communicate with your MacBook Pro, you can try this troubleshooting.
How to fix USB ports on MacBook Pro with a quick restart? Well, a restart will refresh your MacBook’s processes and hardware contacts.
Here’s how you can restart or reboot a MacBook Pro:
- First, navigate to the Apple icon from the upper left corner of the screen.
- Then, hit the Apple icon or menu.
- Select Restart.
- Next, confirm the Restart action from the dialogue box.
Now, your MacBook Pro should restart automatically. If your MacBook is frozen, then the above-mentioned method won’t help you restart the device. Instead, hold down the Power button for a few seconds until your MacBook shuts down. After a few minutes, you can press the Power button once to turn the device back on.
Check whether the USB device communicates with your MacBook after plugging it into the system. If it does, then it was a temporary glitch. Otherwise, go through the following solutions.
2. Uninstall Apps that Keep Clashing
Is the USB port not working on MacBook Pro a comparatively newer incident with you? The issue may not arise from the USB port itself. Instead, an application might conflict with the functionality of the problematic USB port. You might have installed some new apps recently, and they can be responsible for all this.
Hence, uninstalling those conflicting apps might be the potential fix for the problem. You can navigate to the App Store and explore the list of downloaded apps on your MacBook Pro. Next, find out all the recent downloads and uninstall them one by one.
In addition, you can keep inspecting whether the USB device starts responding while connecting to your Mac. Apart from uninstalling apps from the App Store, you can also do the same through Finder.
Here’s how to uninstall Mac apps via Finder:
- Explore Finder and navigate to Applications.
- Next, spot the application that you want to uninstall. Select it and drag it to the Trash icon. Remember, you should provide admin credentials before you delete it.
- Now, click the Trash icon. Choose the option that says, ‘Empty Trash’.
3. Look for macOS Updates
How to fix USB ports on MacBook Pro? Try updating your MacBook Pro to the latest software version available if you’re still struggling with malfunctioning USB ports. An outdated operating system and firmware can make your Mac’s USB ports fail and trigger similar hardware issues.
Follow the guidelines below to give your MacBook Pro a successful software update:
- Open the App Store on your MacBook Pro.
- Now, click on the tab called Updates.
- Your MacBook will start scanning for available updates. If updates are available for your MacBook or individual apps, click the respective Update button.
Installing updates might take longer than anticipated. So, keep patience and let your MacBook restart. Finally, you can check the USB ports whether they function properly now.
4. Reset Your Mac’s SMC
This particular solution has been reported as the most successful in the case of a USB port and its hardware failure. Indeed, System Management Controller or SMC manages power-related components on MacBooks. Therefore, resetting the SMC on your system might eradicate the MacBook USB port not working instance.
Here’s what you need to follow to reset the SMC on your MacBook Pro:
- Turn off your MacBook Pro.
- Now, detach its power cord or adapter if you have connected it to your MacBook.
- Wait for at least 15 seconds before you connect your Mac’s power adapter to the device.
- Afterwards, wait for an additional 5 seconds. Now, you can turn on the MacBook Pro by pressing the Power button once.
However, you can restart your MacBook Pro to reset its SMC if it has Apple silicon, such as M1, M2, etc. Check if resetting the SMC has restored your Mac’s USB ports.
5. Try Apple Diagnostics
Numerous Mac users have confirmed that this specific hack has helped them with how to fix USB ports on MacBook Pro. You can try it and see if it works miracles for your MacBook. The in-built Apple Diagnostics application on your MacBook Pro can identify the problem and solve it automatically.
If you own an Intel-based Mac, simultaneously hit the Power button and D key. Additionally, keep holding the D key as the device boots up. Release D when a progress bar appears or your computer instructs so.
For an Apple-based Mac, press its Power button and keep holding the button while the Mac boots up. Next, let go of the Power button as soon as Startup Options pop up on the screen. After that, press Command and D keys simultaneously.
6. Reset PRAM and NVRAM
How to fix USB ports on MacBook Pro by resetting PRAM or NVRAM? The Parameter RAM (PRAM) and Non-Volatile RAM (NVRAM) store information about USB ports and their connections. Your MacBook Pro USB port nor working problem might be resolved with a PRAM or NVRAM reset.
MacBook Pro models with Apple silicon can reset NVRAM on their own. Therefore, this fix is more applicable to Intel-based MacBook Pros.
Let’s see how you can reset them on an Intel-powered MacBook Pro:
- Shut down the MacBook Pro.
- After that, restart your MacBook Pro and hold down the Command + Option + P + R keys while restarting.
- Don’t release those keys until you notice an Apple logo popping up on the screen and disappearing for the second time or hear a sound.
- After that, allow your MacBook to boot normally.
7. Inspect the USB Device
Are you still trying to figure out how to fix USB ports on MacBook Pros? If yes, then it’s time to examine the USB device you want to use with your MacBook Pro. Perhaps, the USB device is incompatible if you have bought it recently.
How can you be so sure about this? You can connect another working USB device to the same port that keeps malfunctioning. If the later USB device works just fine, then the first USB device is in question. You have nothing to worry about your MacBook Pro’s USB port.
8. Examine the Faulty USB Port
Generally, not all USB ports on your MacBook Pro fail altogether at the same time. Therefore, you can connect your intended USB device to another working USB port if possible. Meanwhile, you can inspect the defective USB port on your MacBook Pro.
First, pay attention to the suspected USB port. Check if it’s clogged with dust and debris accumulation. If you notice dust and dirt, cleaning the USB port can do the needed trick. Get a can of compressed air and use it to get rid of the dust from the interior of the USB port.
How to fix USB ports on MacBook Pro if it’s not dirty? If you notice a slight discolouration on the USB port, then it might have rust on it. Additionally, it may have burnt out due to any mishap. This requires the MacBook Pro’s USB port to be professionally replaced.
Wrapping up
It’s frustrating to see that your MacBook Pro’s one or more USB ports aren’t working. Hopefully, this guide will help you with how to fix USB ports on MacBook Pros. Contact MacBook Repair India if you guess that it’s a hardware defect and needs professional repair.
