Mac notebook computers come with a USB-C power adapter and charge cable. You can learn which power adapter and cable come with your Mac notebook computer, and find troubleshooting tips below. If you're having an issue with a non-Apple power adapter, try using the Apple power adapter and cable that came with your Mac notebook instead.
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If the iMac has a built-in optical drive, Apple USB SuperDrive will not work with computer. BTW, only these Mac computers are compatible with external USB SuperDrive: MacBook Pro with Retina display, MacBook Air, iMac (late 2012), Mac Mini (late 2009) and later. Remember, not all USB-C cables can charge your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro, so make sure the cable you try is designed for charging. If your Mac notebook charges with one USB-C cable but not another, immediately stop using the cable that doesn't work and get your cable and power supply evaluated. I’m on a 2017 15″ MacBook Pro which only has the USB-C ports, and I’m using an older Apple keyboard which has the old USB plug, onto which I’ve added a converter to fit the USB-C port. I suspect the computer doesn’t recognise the input from the keyboard, it may just not provide enough electrical signal or something like that.
If your Mac notebook with USB-C doesn't charge
If your USB-C power adapter isn't charging your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro, first try unplugging the power adapter from the power outlet, waiting a few seconds, and plugging it back in. If that doesn't help, check these things.
Check power
Make sure the USB-C power adapter that came with your Mac notebook is connected to a known working power outlet. Try plugging in a lamp or other appliance to make sure the outlet has power. If you've plugged the power adapter into a power strip, try plugging it directly into the wall outlet.
If the power adapter shuts off, interference might be affecting the power outlet you're using. If your power adapter works for a while, but then stops charging, temporarily unplug it from the power outlet. Wait 30 seconds, then plug the power adapter back in.
If your Mac notebook starts charging after you plug the power adapter back in, this might indicate an issue with line noise (disruption caused by stray electromagnetic signals) from your power outlet. The power adapter automatically shuts off when its built-in voltage protection feature senses line noise from an outlet.
Some possible sources of line noise include lights with ballasts, refrigerators, or mini-refrigerators that are on the same electrical circuit as the outlet you're using. Plugging the power adapter into an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or an outlet that's on a different circuit can help.
If your power adapter continues to turn itself off when connected to a known good outlet, take your adapter to an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Retail Store for further evaluation.
Your power adapter comes with a removable AC plug that has the blades you insert into an electrical outlet. If your Mac notebook doesn't charge when using the AC plug with the power adapter, try it with another Apple AC plug, or try using an Apple Power Adapter Extension Cable (sold separately).
Check cabling
Your Mac notebook comes with a USB-C cable that charges the computer. You can find out if this cable is causing your charging issue by trying another USB-C cable. Remember, not all USB-C cables can charge your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro, so make sure the cable you try is designed for charging.
If your Mac notebook charges with one USB-C cable but not another, immediately stop using the cable that doesn't work and get your cable and power supply evaluated. The new mac software.
Apple usb flash drive. If your Mac notebook begins charging only when you wiggle or move the USB-C cable or Apple Power Adapter Extension Cable (sold separately), immediately stop using the cable and get your cable and power supply evaluated.
Check for updates
In some cases, software or firmware updates might be available for your computer that improve communication with your power adapter. If your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro with USB-C isn't charging as expected, check for software updates on your Mac.
If the adapter gets warm
The USB-C power adapter can become warm during normal use, so be sure to use it in a well ventilated area. Always plug the power adapter directly into a power outlet using the AC plug, or place it on a table or other well ventilated area when using the Power Adapter Extension Cable (sold separately).
Avoid placing your adapter in a poorly ventilated area, like on a couch, thick carpeting, bedding, or a pillow. Avoid covering the adapter with a blanket or other insulation.
The power adapter might turn itself off if it gets too warm. If this happens, disconnect the USB-C cable from your Mac notebook, then let the power adapter cool down before handling it.
If you see a spark
When you plug in the USB-C power adapter, it might spark where the blades of the plug enter the outlet. This is generally normal and can happen when you plug any electrical appliance into a power outlet.
If you see any of the following when you plug in your adapter, or if you have other concerns about sparking, you should contact Apple:
- Contact Apple if a spark comes from somewhere other than the blades of the plug.
- Contact Apple if you see any damage or discoloration on the adapter.
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Get your Mac notebook and power supply evaluated
Whether your Mac notebook with USB-C is in or out of warranty, you can bring it to an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Retail Store for evaluation. Be sure to bring your Mac, your USB-C power adapter, and any USB-C cables you use for charging.
Before we get into the software fixes, let’s start with the simplest solution of all: restarting your Mac. Switch the Mac off and back on again. You’ll be surprised at how many problems a quick restart solves.
Next, check the USB device. There’s a chance that it could have failed, particularly so if you’re using a cheaper cable. Inspect the device visually, looking for damage to the connector and any signs of frayed wiring. If there is no apparent damage, take two different USB devices and test them against different ports. If the devices aren’t working on one or all of the ports it’s more likely to be an issue with your Mac and not the device.
A USB device that works on one port but not another is a sign of a faulty port. If this is the case, the only real solution is to contact an authorized Mac specialist for a hardware diagnostics test and have the port repaired.
If the device doesn’t work in any of your ports, then continue reading for some potential fixes.
What to do if Mac USB devices are not working
All of your Mac or MacBook USBs not working is actually better news than one failing. It’s unlikely that all of your ports would fail at once which means the fix is probably an easy one.
Here are three things to try, starting with the most common fix.
1. Reset the SMC
Resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) is a simple fix that cures a wide range of hardware issues. How this is done depends on whether you’re using a MacBook or Mac desktop.
Resetting the SMC on a MacBook
- Shutdown your MacBook.
- Connect the power adapter.
- Hold Shift+Control+Option and the Power button at the same time.
- Release all the keys at the same time.
- Let your MacBook boot up as usual and the SMC will be reset.
Resetting the SMC on an iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Pro
- Shut down your Mac.
- Disconnect the power cord.
- Press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds and release.
- Reconnect the power cord and switch the Mac back on.
2. Check for updates
Outdated firmware and software results in various hardware issues, including.. Yep — Mac USB ports not working.
Check for system updates by opening the App Store and clicking on the Updates tab. If updates are available, click on the Update button next to each application that you want to install.
3. Reset PRAM/NVRAM
The PRAM (Parameter RAM) and NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) hold information about various USB components. Resetting them could be the solution to your USB woes.
It’s a slightly different process to resetting the SMC, but no less difficult.
- Shutdown your Mac.
- Restart it, holding down Command+Option (ALT)+P+R as you do.
- Hold down the keys until you hear a sound and see the screen flash.
- Listen for the chime sound and let the Mac boot up as usual.
4. Uninstall potentially conflicting apps
If the USB ports not working on your MacBook Pro or iMac is a recent issue and there doesn’t seem to be any problem with USB devices, it could be that an app is conflicting with USB functionality. If you’ve downloaded an app from an unknown source there is the potential for it to contain malware, which could also be the cause of the problem.
In any case, it’s worth uninstalling recently downloaded and installed apps. If they aren't the reason for the USB ports acting up, you can easily reinstall them from the App Store.
One way to remove apps is to use Launchpad or Finder. Or you can use a quicker, more effective method: CleanMyMac X.
To completely remove an app and every file associated with that app, use CleanMyMac.
CleanMyMac’s Uninstaller tool scans your entire system for every trace of an app and completely removes it. Using the tool is every bit as easy as deleting an app manually.
- Download and launch CleanMyMac (free download).
- Click on Uninstaller from the sidebar menu.
- Select the app that you want to remove from the list.
- Click Complete Removal in the Smart Selector panel.
- Hit Uninstall.
While CleanMyMac lets you uninstall apps in bulk, in this case, you should delete apps one at a time until you find the culprit. CleanMyMac also lets you clean up unwanted junk, declutter your Mac and improve performance.
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One way to uninstall apps manually is by using the Launchpad:
- Open the Launchpad.
- Find the app that you want to remove and click and hold the icon until it starts to jiggle.
- Click on the X that appears in the corner of the app, then click Delete.
You can also uninstall apps from the Finder:
- Open the Finder and go to Applications.
- Find the app that you want to remove and drag its icon to the Trash (you might need to enter your admin credentials to confirm you want to delete the app).
- Click on the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
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Having one or more USB ports not working on your Mac can be hugely frustrating, especially if you rely on those ports for data backup and external peripherals. That said, USB problems are quite rare and are usually easy to fix. Work your way through these troubleshooting tips until you find the one that works and restore your Mac to its full glory.