HT201541: Update the software on your Mac

Learn about Update the software on your Mac
Lexadiane

Q: what to do when this happens Because a USB device was drawing too much power from your computer, one or more of your USB devices have been disabled.

Because a USB device was drawing too much power from your computer, one or more of your USB devices have been disabled.

Posted on Oct 1, 2012 11:03 AM

Close

Q: what to do when this happens Because a USB device was drawing too much power from your computer, one or more of your USB devices h ... more

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by roam,

    roam roam Oct 1, 2012 4:02 PM in response to Lexadiane
    Level 6 (13,576 points)
    Oct 1, 2012 4:02 PM in response to Lexadiane

    Small powered devices can get a small amount of power from the USB to run them, as welll as transfer data. Larger devices need to be plugged into the wall, and just use the USB for data transfer.

     

    Unplug the device. Shutdown the computer, Wait 5 minutes for the USB port to be reset. Restart and before you plug that device back in again, first power it with the mains power supply using the adaptor, and then connect it to the USB.

  • by Freddy Johansen,

    Freddy Johansen Freddy Johansen Aug 10, 2013 12:14 PM in response to roam
    Level 2 (295 points)
    Aug 10, 2013 12:14 PM in response to roam

    What if this happens when nothing is plugged in? Like on my MBA 2013.

  • by Mr Fimble,

    Mr Fimble Mr Fimble Aug 23, 2013 5:06 AM in response to Lexadiane
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 23, 2013 5:06 AM in response to Lexadiane

    Hi,

     

    I starting getiing this message today immediatley after I updated my firmware for my time machine/airport express base station. Could this be software related?

     

    I have had no problems prior to this firmware update.

     

    I am using an iPhone 5 and a Mac book pro from *cough* 2008 *cough*

  • by Mr Fimble,

    Mr Fimble Mr Fimble Aug 23, 2013 5:35 AM in response to Mr Fimble
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Aug 23, 2013 5:35 AM in response to Mr Fimble

    update to the above (my edit has disappeared !)

     

    This appears to be a problem with the USB cable. I can make this message happen during a sync with itunes. If i lift the cable with my finger about a cm away from the join between the cable and the USB connector head of the cable I get this warning message each time I try. I must have a loose wire/connection in the cable.

     

    Thanks

  • by Clem2121,

    Clem2121 Clem2121 Oct 31, 2015 7:08 AM in response to Lexadiane
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 31, 2015 7:08 AM in response to Lexadiane

    I tried resetting my SMC and even brought my Mac to the Genius Bar.  They ran diagnostics and basically one of my USB was fried. The message occurred in both Yosemite and El Capitan, so it wasn't an OS issue.

     

    It's not a complete fix but it is a decent workaround.  If you Disable Notifications and set it to start at 4 AM and end at 3:59 AM (how to do here: OS X Yosemite: Turn off notifications), you won't see the message anymore.  It's not a fix, but it is a workaround if you don't care about seeing notifications.

  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody Nov 1, 2015 6:57 AM in response to Lexadiane
    Level 9 (66,889 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Nov 1, 2015 6:57 AM in response to Lexadiane

    Some low powered devices will only work well when hooked up to a wall powered USB hub.    Also note, there has always been at least one low powered, and one high powered USB port on most Macs.     Your System Profiler will tell you if you are plugged into one or the other with the device in question.  

  • by Freddy Johansen,

    Freddy Johansen Freddy Johansen Nov 1, 2015 7:14 AM in response to Lexadiane
    Level 2 (295 points)
    Nov 1, 2015 7:14 AM in response to Lexadiane

    In my case it turned out that the USB-port was fried. Had to change the MBA's I/O-board. Cost me an arm and a leg since the shop where it was purchased accused me of damaging it myself. That's one shop where I'll never buy any products again. Ever.

  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody Nov 4, 2015 6:17 PM in response to Freddy Johansen
    Level 9 (66,889 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Nov 4, 2015 6:17 PM in response to Freddy Johansen

    What many people fail to recognize, is that USB is actually quite fragile.    That's a thin piece of fiberglass with etched circuitry.     As a result, any bending, pushing, shoving against the direction of flow in and out that it is designed to do, directly in and out can inadvertently damage the port.