In this article we explore the steps you should take if the USB port on a Mac stops working and you're not sure why. Check the connection. We'll start with the simple stuff. 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. Mac-based external USB Drive, be it SSD, Hard Drive, or USB Flash Drive, may not work as expected due to various reasons. This USB drive failure prevents macOS from accessing data from the storage medium normally. So, an unexpected data loss occurs. Common reasons for the ‘USB drive not working' error: USB drive connectivity issue. In computing, a device driver is a computer program that operates or controls a particular type of device that is attached to a computer. A driver provides a software interface to hardware devices, enabling operating systems and other computer programs to access hardware functions without needing to know precise details about the hardware being used. A driver communicates with the device.
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By default, Mac starts from its built-in hard disk, but a startup disk can be any storage device that contains bootable contents that compatible with your Mac. For example, if you install macOS or Microsoft Windows on a USB drive, your Mac can recognize that drive as a startup disk. This guide provides 2 ways to boot a Mac from a USB flash drive.
Requirement
Starting up your Mac from an external disk requires the following:
- Intel-based Mac.
- Bootable USB thumb drive formatted with a GUID partition type and containing an OS X installer or a usable operating system.
Let's see how to boot a Mac from a bootable USB drive and what to do if your Mac doesn't start up from it.
Way 1: Boot Mac from USB Drive using Startup Manager
Getting your Mac to load from a USB drive is fairly straightforward. Use the following steps, you can easily set Mac boot from an external drive in Startup Manager, so it'll only boot from USB that one time.
Step 1: Insert the USB boot media into a USB slot.
Step 2: Turn on your Mac (or Restart your Mac if it's already on).
Step 3: Press and hold the Option key immediately after you see the Apple logo. Holding that key gives you access to OS X's Startup Manager. Once the Startup Manager screen appears, release the Option key. The utility will look for any available drives that include bootable content.
Step 4: Using either the pointer or arrow keys on the keyboard, select the USB drive you wish to boot from. Once selected, either hit the Return key or double-click your selection. The machine will start to boot from the USB drive.
Way 2: Set a Mac Boot from USB Drive using Startup Disk
When you use Startup Disk preferences to set Mac boot from an external drive, so it'll boot from that disk until you choose a different one. Here is how:
Step 1: Go to Apple menu > System Preference, then click Startup Disk.
Step 2: Click the locked icon and then enter your administrator password.
Step 3: Select External drive as the startup disk, then restart your Mac.
What to do if your Mac does not boot from the selected drive
My macbook password is not working. If you see a message prompts that your security settings do not allow this Mac to use an external startup disk, check the External Boot setting in Startup Security Utility, and then allow your Mac to use an external startup disk.
Step 1: Open Startup Security Utility.
Turn on your Mac, then press and hold Command (⌘) + R immediately after you see the Apple logo. Your Mac starts up from macOS Recovery. When you see the macOS utility window, choose Utilities > Startup Security Utility from the menu bar. When you're asked to authenticate, click Enter macOS Password, then choose an administrator account and enter its password.
Step 2: Select 'Allow booting from external media'.
If you want to select an external startup disk before restarting your Mac, quit Startup Security Utility, then choose Apple menu > Startup Disk.
Note: If you're using Boot Camp in a dual-boot Windows/OS X environment, you may be unable to boot negatively into supported versions of Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 10 operating systems installed on external USB hard drive.
Make sure disk has been formatted with a GUID partition type
Intel-based Macs support starting from an external USB storage device's volume that has been formatted with a GUID partition type. If you wish to boot from the drive, it's important to format the partition as 'GUID Partition Table' rather than either of the other two ahead of time when you use that drive as a bootable drive.
Make sure your disk is bootable
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Volumes that aren't bootable and don't contain a copy of a valid operating system aren't listed in Startup Disk or Startup Manager. Make sure the external drive you're trying to start from contains a usable operating system.
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.
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. N full version.
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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
Voice changer free no download. 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.
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
Note: If you're using Boot Camp in a dual-boot Windows/OS X environment, you may be unable to boot negatively into supported versions of Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 10 operating systems installed on external USB hard drive.
Make sure disk has been formatted with a GUID partition type
Intel-based Macs support starting from an external USB storage device's volume that has been formatted with a GUID partition type. If you wish to boot from the drive, it's important to format the partition as 'GUID Partition Table' rather than either of the other two ahead of time when you use that drive as a bootable drive.
Make sure your disk is bootable
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Volumes that aren't bootable and don't contain a copy of a valid operating system aren't listed in Startup Disk or Startup Manager. Make sure the external drive you're trying to start from contains a usable operating system.
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.
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. N full version.
Macbook Pro Not Reading Usb
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
Voice changer free no download. 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.
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.
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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.
Get your Mac notebook and power supply evaluated
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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.
