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How to Fix USB is Not Showing Up on Mac

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Check the power, port and cable connections

 Make sure the USB device is turned on and its cables are properly connected. If your computer has more than one USB port , switch the device’s cable to another port.

If you have many devices connected to your Mac

 Disconnect all USB devices except the device you’re testing, an Apple keyboard and an Apple mouse. Make sure that the device is connected directly to the computer, and that any hubs or extension cables are disconnected

If you can use the device now, the problem may be with one of the other USB devices or hubs you had connected to your computer. Try reconnecting them, one by one, to your computer.

 

Restart your Mac

 Choose Apple menu  > Restart.

 

Use Another Computer

Is there another Mac computer available to you? If yes, try to connect the USB drive to this computer

 

Update Your macOS and Firmware

From the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen, choose System Settings. Click General in the sidebar, then click Software Update on the right

Or in earlier versions of macOS, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.

keep your software and firmware up to date will likely solve the Mac not recognizing USB device problem and make the USB drive appear normal again

 

Reset PRAM and SMC

If you’re using a Mac that isn’t using Apple Silicon (basically any Mac older than the M1 model), you can reset the PRAM and SMC controllers to troubleshoot your USB connection.
PRAM stores information about your Mac’s settings, which can affect the behavior of its mechanical components – like USB ports.

The SMC, on the other hand, also manages hardware functions as well as power management. It’s possible that your Mac isn’t providing the USB with enough power to work as intended.

Info: PRAM is no longer used in M1 Macs and newer while SMC functions have been installed in the Apple Silicon processor for new Macs.

To reset your Mac’s PRAM:

1.      Turn off your Mac.

2.      Boot your Mac and immediately press and hold the following keys: Command + Option + P + R.Reset PRAM

3.      Release the keys when your Mac shuts off and reboots again.

To reset your Mac’s SMC:

1.      Turn off your Mac.

2.      Press and the following keys: Power Button + Shift + Control + Option.Reset SMC

3.      Release the keys and boot your Mac.

💡Tip: If you’re using a Mac with no built-in battery, you can easily reset its SMC by turning off and unplugging your Mac for 15-30 seconds before booting it again.

Verify that the device appears in System Information

On your Mac, press and hold the Option key, then choose Apple menu  > System Information.

Animated presentation: 🔗

Please check if the interface shown has a microphone device, if you don't understand, please take a screenshot and contact us by email

If the microphone problem is not solved, you are welcome to contact us : Support@maono.com

Partially quoted at the following link

https://support.apple.com/en-sg/guide/mac-help/mchlp1641/mac

https://www.macgasm.net/news/usb-not-showing-up-on-mac/

 

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Last modified: 2025-09-18