Usb port stops working after a while on new 2020 mac book pro13, mac OS catalina 10.15.4

Hi hyprstack,

Thanks for reaching out in Apple Support Communities. I understand that after a few hours of use the USB-C port on your Mac stops responding and you need to disconnect and reconnect the dongle you're using in order for it to respond. I can see why you'd reach out about this behavior; I'd like to help. I'd recommend using the steps in this resource to reset the NVRAM on your Mac; this will also reset USB ports to their defaults and could help the behavior you're seeing: Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac

I'd also recommend reviewing this information as well:

"Get the best performance from your USB devices

USB specifications all work with each other, but speed and power are limited by the cable or device that uses the earliest specification. For example, if you connect a USB 3 device to USB 2 port, your device is limited to USB 2 speeds, and it can't draw more power from the port than can be delivered over USB 2. In other words, to get the best performance, make sure that the USB port on your Mac and the USB cable to your device meet or exceed the USB specification of the device itself.

If your Mac doesn't recognize a USB device after you plug it into your Mac:

• • Check all connections: Unplug the device from your Mac, then plug it back in, and make sure that all cables and adapters are securely connected at both ends. Test with another cable or adapter, if available.
  • Plug the device directly into your Mac instead of a USB hub or other device, and if necessary test with a different USB port on your Mac or device.
  • Some devices need their own software, such as drivers or firmware. Others work without additional software. Check with the maker of your device, and install all available Apple software updates as well.
  • If your device came with an AC power adapter, use it. Some devices can be powered by the USB port on your Mac. Others need more power than your Mac can provide.
  • Restart your Mac."

About USB on Mac computers

Let me know what you find.

Best Regards.

Hi hyprstack,

Thanks for getting back to us with those details. Based on the behavior you've described, I'd recommend doing some testing to see if this is a power consumption issue. Is it possible for you to test with the mouse connected but the HDMI or other accessories disconnected? If so, does the behavior occur as you've described? Take a look at the information below for more details:

"Symptoms

Symptoms such as these could mean that a device connected to the USB-A , USB-C , or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port on your Mac isn't getting enough power:

• • A message says that the device needs more power, the operation can't be completed, or USB devices are disabled until you unplug the device using too much power.
  • An operation that requires more power doesn't work. For example, writing to disk requires more power than reading from it.
  • The device doesn't turn on or isn't recognized by your Mac.

Solutions

• • Use your device as a self-powered device or connect it to a powered USB or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) hub if possible.
  • Self-powered devices get power from an electrical outlet or their own battery. Bus-powered devices get power from the device they're plugged into, such as your Mac.
  • Reduce the total amount of power needed from your Mac by reducing the number of bus-powered devices connected to your Mac, or using more of them as self-powered devices.
  • If your device is plugged into another device (such as a display or multiport adapter) as part of a chain of devices, the other device might not be providing enough power or passing through enough power from your Mac. Plug your device directly into your Mac instead.
  • Make sure that the port on your Mac and the cable you're using to connect it to your device both support the same or later USB specification as your device. For example, a device designed to support the USB 3 specification might not get enough power when plugged into a USB 2 port or cable.
  • Try a different cable, in case the cable that you're using is damaged or defective. If you're using an adapter with your cable, the adapter could also be damaged or defective.
  • If your Mac has multiple Thunderbolt 3 ports, connect your device to a Thunderbolt 3 port farthest away from the current port. For example, if your device is connected to the ports on the left side of MacBook Pro, connect to the Thunderbolt 3 ports on the right side. 
  • If your device has software (such as drivers or firmware) that can be updated, make sure that it's using the latest software from the manufacturer. To get firmware updates for Apple accessories, update your Apple software.
  • Make sure that your Mac is awake and started up from the Mac operating system. Some Apple devices can request extra power only when your Mac is awake or started up from macOS.

Learn more about USB power on your Mac

System Information provides additional detail about USB power on your Mac. Connect the USB device directly to your Mac, then select USB from the sidebar in System Information. For each USB device, System Information shows:

• • Current Available: The default power provided by the port to which your device is connected.
  • Current Required: The power needed by your device.
  • Extra Operating Current: Mac computers and Apple displays introduced after 2006, when directly connected to certain Apple devices such as iPhone or iPad, can provide extra power over one or more ports. The Mac or display must be powered on and awake to provide this extra power. A Mac started from the Windows operating system doesn't provide extra power.

"

If a Mac accessory needs more power or is using too much power

Let me know what you find after testing.

Take Care.

Defeats the object of powerdelivery and a one cable solution (i.e power it from the monitor that it is connected to).

What if you are out and about with your laptop and need to use the hub to power a USB device and it locks up?!

Basically rending the laptop unfit for purpose if you are not connected to a mains power supply.

Not good and not great!

This is interesting

I have the same issues with the 13" 2020 in combination with a build-in hub from my Dell monitor, but also with other hubs like a Hyperdrive 6-in-1 and a Techole 3-in-1 usb-hub/ethernet combi.

My 'old' 2017 MacBook 12" have no issues with this setup. USB occasionally stops, there is no specific reason for it. Amount of usb power is not the problem in my case.

see my Apple topic here

Hi hyprstack,

Thanks for continuing to provide us those great details. Based on what you've tried so far, I'd suggest using the steps in the following resource to use Apple Diagnostics on your Mac to check for any potential hardware issues: How to use Apple Diagnostics on your Mac

You can also schedule an appointment to have your device examined at a nearby Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider:

Find a Store

Find Locations

Alternatively you can reach out to Apple to explore your options: Contact Apple Support

Take Care.

I use the laptop very sporadically on my lap or on the road. In that usecase I don't use hubs or other USB accessories. Because of the corana virus I work completely from home and than is a full set with monitor, ethernet, mouse and keyboard very welcome. Without these accessories it is actually not possible to work on the laptop all day.

I agree that a laptop problem should function freely without power adapter :-)

But it's still running fine with the apple powerbrick connected. But can be a coincidence

I've been having this issue ever since I got my MBP 2020 (i7 32gb). Prior to this my MBP 2018 worked flawlessly with all the same adapters and devices, it NEVER skipped a beat!

I've tried a Lenovo USB hub straight from the TB3 port with wired mouse and Logitech USB blutooth dongle.

I've tried a Razer USB hub straight from the back of my LG montior with wired mouse and Logitech USB blutooth dongle.

I've tried both devices into the device with no hub.

I've tried a fresh install to rule out OS issues.

I've tried to clear SMC and PRAM.

It seems like the MBP cannot provide enough power to the port to keep it active and the device connected.

Anyone tried anything I might have missed?

Normally I use my display to power the macbook via powerdelivery. Since yesterday I have advice from Dell also connected the original power adapter of the macbook. No problems so far, but may also be coincidental

Be interesting to hear if it is the i7 model only being affected.

I doubt it is but would be good to get an idea of the devices used with the CPUs.

I have a replacement due to be sent out but I'm thinking I'm going to have to sacrifice size and buy the 16inch model just to get a stable machine OR use up 2 of my 4 thunderbolt ports by having it powered by the adapter AND having it also plugged into my monitor.

Not happy at all.

Has anyone else in this thread found this reported on any other forums?

I can imagine that this is just a random issue, surely it is pretty widespread.

I don't understand what is dofferent between the older MBPs other than the power draw on the CPUs.

Maybe it is pulling too much power that it doesn't have enough resevre to provide the TB ports.

https://youtu.be/thAzGF5zq44

All external usb-devices stops until i power-off / power-on the monitor, while there isn't any usb device connected to the monitor integrated hub. Even charging an apple watch stops. Disconnecting the USB hub has no effect.

Just to be clear; all devices (mouse, ubikey, apple watch charger) are connected to the separate hub / ethernet adapter and work smoothly. Suddenly things go wrong, the mouse stops, the apple watch charger is doing strange and the ubikey starts to flash. Disconnecting this hub has no effect as the video shows. The mouse does not work again until I switch the monitor (connected to USB-c) off and on. The internal ethernet adapter in the hub continues to work. Do you still get it?

Very weird issue

> Quick question that could be related somehow... when you shut your laptop down do you get a sudden bust from the fans?

No, I did not notice that.

I am active on the Dell forum. There are more Macbook users who experience problems with the integrated USB hub of the monitor. But assistance from Dell isn't great, they don't want to support Macbook questions and refer to this Apple support forum. So I don't really get on with that.

Honestly, I don't think it's a Dell problem either. My old Macbook 12" does not experience any problems with this setup while I have the same software, hardware and MacOs version.