Recently, many Mac users have reported the “USB accessory is disabled” error message that is primarily displayed when using a USB-C hub with multiple devices connected. In some cases, an error message pops up even when your Mac is connected to a camera, USB-C power cable, USB drive, disk, or regular or gaming keyboard. Alert recommends that the user unplug the accessory that is consuming enough power to re-enable the USB device. This alert also occurs, and if you’re looking for a hint to fix “USB accessory disabled” on your Mac, here’s a viable tip. So let’s organize it without any further delay!
Contents
- 1 Eight tips to fix “USB accessories are disabled” on Mac (2022)
- 1.1 What Causes USB Accessory Disable Error on Mac?
- 1.2 Disconnecting and reconnecting USB devices
- 1.3 Connect the external device to another port
- 1.4 Connect an external device directly to your Mac
- 1.5 Make sure the USB or Thunderbolt hub is connected to the AC adapter
- 1.6 Restart Mc
- 1.7 PRAM and NVRAM reset (Intel based)
- 1.8 Reset SMC on Mac (Intel based)
- 1.9 Update Mac software
- 2 Reliable tips for fixing “USB accessories are disabled” on Mac
Eight tips to fix “USB accessories are disabled” on Mac (2022)
What Causes USB Accessory Disable Error on Mac?
Pop-up messages “USB accessories are disabled: To re-enable the USB device, use too much power and unplug the accessories.” Looking at the warning, it is clear that the problem is due to a power-intensive accessory. But what if you connect alerts repeatedly, even if you connect a relatively low-power accessory such as a keyboard? In this case, the problem may be due to other factors, including possible software bugs.

Disconnecting and reconnecting USB devices
The first thing you need to do to resolve the “USB accessory disabled” error on macOS devices is to disconnect all USB devices and reconnect them to your computer. If you can’t identify the device that’s causing the problem on your Mac, try disconnecting the USB devices one at a time. Also, prioritizing USB-C devices that may be consuming more power can help prevent errors.
Connect the external device to another port
Try connecting an external device to another port on your Mac. If you connect the accessory to another port and you do not receive an error message, that port may be faulty.
Make sure the port is clean and free of dust and dirt inside. Moisten a piece of cotton with isopropyl alcohol, then insert the cotton into the port and move it with a toothpick. Helps to remove dirt in the port.
Connect an external device directly to your Mac
Is the external device connected to a USB or Thunderbolt hub? Try connecting an external device directly to your Mac. If you don’t see the error message this time, the USB hub may be the cause of the problem.
Make sure the USB or Thunderbolt hub is connected to the AC adapter
Are you using a self-powered USB or Thunderbolt hub? If the answer is yes, make sure the USB / Thunderbolt hub is connected to the AC adapter.
Restart Mc
Another simple yet highly effective solution that should give you the opportunity to troubleshoot this issue is to restart your Mac.
- At first, Disconnect all USB devices..Then click Apple menu Select the icon in the upper left corner of the screen Reboot In the drop-down menu.

- After your Mac restarts, reconnect the USB device to see if the issue goes away.
PRAM and NVRAM reset (Intel based)
NVRAM (short for non-volatile random access memory that Macs use to store certain settings such as display resolution, volume, time zone, boot disk selection, recent kernel panic information, etc. PRAM (parameter RAM) as well. It is designed to save your settings. Resetting PRAM / NVRAM can often solve common macOS problems.
- To start, turn it off Your mac (Intel-based Mac). Wait a few seconds and then turn on your computer.
- next, Commands, options, P, and R keys As soon as you hear the startup sound.
- Press and hold these keys until your Mac restarts and you hear the startup sound again.
Reset SMC on Mac (Intel based)
Is there a solution yet? Don’t worry. Try resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) on your Mac. If you are a beginner, SMC is responsible for managing the operation of several key components such as power (power button and power button to USB), battery and charge, fan, indicator / sensor. Therefore, resetting may resolve this issue.
Reset the SMC of a MacBook with a T2 chip
- Shut down the notebook. next, Control, Option (Alt), and Shift Press the key for 7 seconds.
- Then press and hold Power switch In the same way.surely Press and hold all four keys for another 7 seconds And release them all.Next, wait a few seconds Press the power button Turn on your Mac.
Reset SMC on Mac desktop with or without T2 chip
- Turn off your Mac after that Unplug the power cord.. Then wait 15 seconds and then reconnect the power cord.
- Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button to turn on your computer.
Reset the SMC on a MacBook with a removable battery
- shut down Your MacBook and then Remove the battery..
- After removing the battery, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds. Then reattach the batter and press the power button to turn on the notebook.
Reset the SMC on a MacBook with a non-removable battery
- Turn off your MacBook (Apple menu-> Shutdown). After shutting down the notebook, Shift, Control, Option key and power button All at once.
- Press and hold all four keys for 10 seconds.
- Then release all the keys and press the power button to turn on your MacBook.
Note:
- There is no option to reset NVRAM / PRAM or SMC on Apple Silicon Mac. But don’t worry, Apple Silicone Mac is designed to handle these features on its own.
- If necessary, you can force a Mac with an M-series chip to restart. simply, Press and hold the power button Until your Mac turns off. Then press the power button again to restart your Mac.
Update Mac software
If the USB accessory is still disabled on your Mac, a software bug may be the cause of the problem. In this scenario, try updating your macOS device.
- Release System Preferences App On Mac.Or click Apple menu icon Select in the upper left corner of the screen System Preferences..
- Then click Software update pain. Then wait for a while until your Mac checks for available updates. If you see available updates, Download and install As usual.

Reliable tips for fixing “USB accessories are disabled” on Mac
That’s all. Hopefully, the “USB accessory is disabled” error will disappear on your Mac. In many cases, you can solve this problem by controlling power-intensive accessories and power-intensive USB hubs. In addition, restarting and resetting the SMC on your Mac is also a very effective solution to this problem. That said, what are some tips to help you troubleshoot this frustrating problem? If you can’t find a solution to help with this guide, don’t forget to mention it in the comments section below.