Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIf your Mac won’t recognize a USB device, first unlock and approve the accessory if your Mac laptop has Apple silicon, then connect the device directly to another Mac port without a hub. For a storage drive, check Disk Utility before trying repairs: it may be detected but simply not visible or mounted in Finder.
Why won’t my Mac recognize my USB device?
“Not detected” can mean several different things: the device gives no sign of connecting, an app sees it but Finder does not, or a storage drive is missing from Finder. These call for different checks. A drive that is absent from Finder may still appear in Disk Utility, so check there before considering repairs or erasure.
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Approve the accessory on Apple silicon Mac laptops
When you connect a new or unknown USB or Thunderbolt accessory to an Apple silicon Mac laptop, unlock the Mac and respond to the accessory approval alert. If you choose “Don’t Allow,” disconnect and reconnect the accessory, then approve it. You can review the accessory setting in System Settings > Privacy & Security. Apple notes: “If your Mac has been locked for 3 or more days, you might need to unlock it to use a previously allowed accessory again.” Apple’s accessory connection instructions explain the approval behavior.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Check the cable, port, hub, and power
- Disconnect the device and reconnect it firmly.
- Try another port on the Mac.
- Remove any hub, dock, or display from the connection path and connect the device directly to the Mac.
- If using a self-powered hub, check that its AC adapter is connected.
This direct connection test is particularly useful if you see “USB Devices Disabled” or an insufficient-power message. Apple recommends checking the connection and power path in its guide to USB Devices Disabled on Mac. A powered hub may help when a hub lacks power for a connected device, but it is not a universal fix; establish that the direct connection and power path are the issue before choosing one.
#1 Best Overall
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why does my Mac say “USB Devices Disabled”?
The message points to a connection or power problem worth isolating. Disconnect nonessential accessories, test the device directly in a Mac port, and check the power supply for any hub in use. If you suspect the Mac’s charging adapter is not supplying expected power, hold Option while choosing Apple menu > System Information, select Power, and inspect AC Charger Information. Apple documents this check in Use a power adapter with your Mac; it reports charging information, not whether a particular peripheral or hub is compatible.
Make sure the port or adapter fits your Mac and device
Mac models differ in their ports and capabilities. Check the ports on your exact Mac model and whether the device requires an adapter; connector shape alone does not guarantee that every device function will work through a given connection. Apple’s Mac port identification guide also notes that some devices connected through a hub or external display may not respond because they are incompatible with that setup. Avoid buying an adapter or hub until the direct-connection test and your Mac’s port requirements point to a need.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Why is my USB drive not showing up on my Mac?
Check whether the drive is visible to Disk Utility even if Finder does not show it.
Recommended Free Tools
- Open Disk Utility.
- Choose View > Show All Devices to display the storage device and its volumes.
- If the physical drive appears and its volume is ejected or unavailable, select the volume and click Mount.
Apple explains the device and volume views in its Disk Utility instructions for viewing devices or volumes and provides steps to mount an ejected volume.
Rank #3
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why is my external hard drive not showing up in Finder?
If Disk Utility shows the drive but not an available volume, try mounting the volume first. If it still cannot be used, protect the data before attempting repair: make a backup if possible, then use First Aid only with the understanding that it addresses certain formatting and directory-structure errors and cannot detect or repair every disk problem.
Apple’s instructions for repairing a Mac storage device with Disk Utility describe working through the volume, container, and device structure. Do not erase the drive as a routine troubleshooting step: erasure destroys its existing contents and is not a data-preserving repair.
Rank #4
- 5 in 1 Connectivity: The USB C Multiport Adapter is equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 100W USB C PD port, a 5 Gbps USB A data port, and two 480 Mbps USB A ports
If the drive does not appear in Disk Utility at all, check its cable, connection, and power; remove nonessential devices from the setup and retry. Continued absence after those checks may mean the drive or Mac needs service.
If your iPhone or iPad is not recognized
Check both approval prompts: allow the accessory on the Mac if asked, and tap Trust on the iPhone or iPad when “Trust This Computer?” appears. Use a cable that supports both data and charging, not one that only charges. If there is no connection signal, inspect the device connector for debris, then try another Mac port or another compatible Mac. Keeping system software up to date and checking for software conflicts are also among Apple’s suggested checks in If your computer doesn’t recognize your iPhone or iPad.
Best Value
- Massive Expansion: Expand your MacBook's 2 USB-C ports into 1 multi-function USB-C port, 1 USB-C data port, 2 USB-A ports, 1 HDMI port, 1 SD card slot, and 1 microSD card slot—all from one ultra-compact hub.
- High-Speed, High-Def: A multi-function USB-C port supports huge charging power up to 100W, data transfer up to an astounding 40 Gb/s, and media display at resolutions up to 5K.
- Multi-Monitor Display: The HDMI port supports a resolution of 4K@60Hz while the multi-function port supports 5K@60Hz. Connect to both simultaneously to enjoy crystal-clear streaming or mirroring across 2 displays. Note: M1, M2 and M3 MacBooks do not support dual external display.
- Designed for the Latest MacBooks: Works with the latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, and is designed specially to avoid obstructing your MacBook's MagSafe port. Note: this hub is not compatible with MacBook Neo.
- What You Get: Anker 547 USB-C Hub (7-in-2, for MacBook), welcome guide, worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
When to test another computer or seek service
If a device remains unrecognized after a direct connection, another port, a compatible data cable, and adequate power, test it on another compatible computer if one is available. For an external drive that remains absent from Disk Utility after checking cable, connections, and power, Apple advises considering service for the drive or Mac.
Quick Recap
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