MacBook USB ports not working, reading? or recognized? Try an SMC + PRAM Reset to solve this problem.
MacBook USB port not working properly? or won’t recognize any USB devices? Seems like there is a bunch of people who are having USB ports issues in MacBook Pro or Air. Don’t worry anymore, Here is a way to solve this issue. We are going to reset the SMC and the PRAM to fix this issues. SMC stands for Resetting the System Management Controller and if there is a collision on the system management controller, your MacBook might not be worked properly. Also you can reset the SMC + PRAM whenever you have one of the following symptoms:
- USB port is not working properly.
- Battery is not charging properly.
- Battery life (status) is not correct.
- Battery is draining too fast (doesn’t last longer).
- Fan is not working properly. (Noisy – fan is spinning too fast or Overheating – Spinning too slow)
- MagSafe Power Adapter indicator light is not working.
- Screen brightness control is not working.
- HDMI port is not working properly.
NOTE:There are two different MacBooks. One with a removable battery, one with a built-in battery. Use the right method for your MacBook!
Resetting the SMC – A MacBook with a battery you can remove.
Step 01. Shut down your Macbook.
Step 02. Unplug the Magsafe Power Adapter from your MacBook.
Step 03. Remove the battery.
Step 04. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
Step 05. Release the power button after 5 seconds.
Step 06. Insert the battery and plug the Magsafe Power Adapter back in.
Step 07. Turn on your Macbook.
Resetting the SMC – A macbook with a battery you can’t remove by yourself. (Built-in battery)
Step 01. Make sure that your Macbook is completely turned off.
Step 02. Connect the MagSafe power adapter into your MacBook. If it’s already connected, leave as is.
Step 03. Press and Release Shift + Control + Option + Power keys at the same time.
Step 05. Press the power button to start your MacBook.
Resetting the RPAM (For All MacBook Laptops.)
Step 01. Turn off your MacBook.
Step 02. Press and Hold Option + Command (⌘) + P + R.
Step 03. Turn on your MacBook while holding the keys (Option + Command (⌘) + P + R).
Step 04. Keep holding the keys (Option + Command (⌘) + P + R) until your MacBook restarts or the second startup sound beeps (You will see the grey screen appears before it restarts.)
Step 05. You can release all keys when you heard second startup sound.
Step 06. If you hear the startup booting sound for the second time, that means the PRAM has been reset. Done!
It works like a charm! My macbook pro retina battery was a bit strange but now it’s working great! Thanks for the great tips!
Thank you so very much for the and thoughtfully-written solution to the MacBook USB port failure. It saved my day.
I did the above steps for my Macbook Pro, but the USB ports are still not working. I downloaded all of the new updates to help my computer issues and reset the SMC + PRAM. What would you suggest doing next to fix my USB issues? My computer doesn’t connect any devices (iphone, jumpdrive, etc.)
Thank you!
Me either 🙁
Me either. 🙁 My Mac OS X only read my iPhone. But when I connect my USB or Mp3, its doesn’t work. Hope for your response. Thank you!
Thank you very much. It works. My USB port works now.
Glad to hear that 🙂
Guys – are you kidding me! 🙂 This is fantastic. I’ve been quoted nearly £300 for a new logic board to fix this problem. I was 99% sceptical of this solution and just though that I may as well try it out – and it worked! Seriously – HUGE thanks. I had one of my USB ports quit on me for no reason that I could see – just thought that I’d knocked it off the logic board. But the SMC reset alone just fixed the problem. Huge thanks guys.
roo 🙂
Happy to that you solved the problem! 🙂
Absolutely awesome!!!! This worked like a charm! I had multiple problems before doing this including usb’s not being recognized and everything, mail, safari etc., was going in slo..o..w motion. Thanks
Works perfect !!!
thanks.
Thank you for this solution!! After an Arduino project mishap, my USB ports failed and this got them running again!
worked for me too, thanks. MBP 2014 latest model. left side usb just stopped working with everything
Splendid!!
I was trying to boot a debian Linux version from a USB stick (SanDisk 64Gb) and after freezing at the boot screen I had to do a hard reboot – USB port#2, which I was using, then did not work at all. It did not respond to any attached devices thereafter. USB port#1 however was working as normal.
Doing a PRAM reset didn’t work for me, but the SMC reset worked – USB port#2 back in working order!
Many thanks for the idea!
This worked brilliantly! Thank you so much for sharing this DIY fix solution. I was close to making an inconvenient trip to the Genius bar but don’t have to now. Very happy 🙂
This worked like a charm! Thanks
My problem is this. In mid 2012 15″ macbook pro the both usb ports recognise any usb 3 device but not 2! So for instance if i plug a usb 3hd works like a charm but an apple mouse won’t. Tried with hubs as well nothing. tried all the suggestions here nothing. any thoughts?
It could be the Apple mouse ? Try to use the Apple mouse on a different Mac.
The same goes with me too. MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012) USB 3 devices work great but no connectivity for USB 2 devices. Tried with my iphone, pen drives, etc but nothing works except my USB 3 hard disk.
Did PRAM and SMC reset, nothing solved this.
Please help.
This did nothing for me. USB and SD card reader are still not working. I hate Yosemite. I’ve tried everything.