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USB Ports on back of Imac desktop stopped working.

Dear Fellow Apple Users: I need help with my usb ports. They suddenly stopped working. All four ports on the back of the screen appears to all stop working. I tried rebooting my computer- no luck. I even upgraded my operating system but still no work. To make matters worse, I tried contacting apple support but my serial number comes up as invalid so it won't let me proceed to get help. I am frustrated because I use the usb port to download images need for work. Please help

iMac 21.5", macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 10, 2019 11:41 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 10, 2019 11:57 AM

Reset the NVRAM, as per > Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

  1. Restart while holding the Option, Command, P, and R keys for at least 20 seconds.
  2. Then release the keys and let the iMac startup normally.


Reset the SMC, as per > How to reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support

  1. Choose Apple menu > Shut Down and wait for your Mac to shut down.
  2. Unplug the power cord.
  3. Wait 15 seconds.
  4. Plug the power cord back in.
  5. Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button again to turn on your Mac.

note: Wait 60+ seconds instead of 15 seconds in step #3.


Then if the USB ports are still not working, you will need to make a Service appointment at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. see > https://locate.apple.com/

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 10, 2019 11:57 AM in response to joyousnoel7

Reset the NVRAM, as per > Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

  1. Restart while holding the Option, Command, P, and R keys for at least 20 seconds.
  2. Then release the keys and let the iMac startup normally.


Reset the SMC, as per > How to reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support

  1. Choose Apple menu > Shut Down and wait for your Mac to shut down.
  2. Unplug the power cord.
  3. Wait 15 seconds.
  4. Plug the power cord back in.
  5. Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button again to turn on your Mac.

note: Wait 60+ seconds instead of 15 seconds in step #3.


Then if the USB ports are still not working, you will need to make a Service appointment at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. see > https://locate.apple.com/

Nov 10, 2019 5:02 PM in response to joyousnoel7

joyousnoel7 wrote:

Thanks for the quick reply. I tried all the steps you had laid out. So far no luck. Looks like I will need to take it in for repair.

Sorry to hear that.

With that said, it is asking for the serial number. When I submit it, it comes up as invalid. I copied and pasted the serial
number exactly as shown under "About Mac". This is keeping me from going forward with the help process.

Did you buy it new or used, from whom and how long ago?


Your other option is to call your local Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider and schedule an appointment. If you or the previous owner never registered it, then you also should bring a proof of purchase receipt.

Nov 10, 2019 4:18 PM in response to den.thed

Thanks for the quick reply. I tried all the steps you had laid out. So far no luck. Looks like I will need to take it in for repair.

With that said, it is asking for the serial number. When I submit it, it comes up as invalid. I copied and pasted the serial number exactly as shown under "About Mac". This is keeping me from going forward with the help process.

USB Ports on back of Imac desktop stopped working.

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