MACBook Pro 13" running Big Sur, power and data to mouse/keyboard using a data hub.

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Level 1

4 points

MACBook Pro 13" running Big Sur, power and data to mouse/keyboard using a data hub.

I used an ANKER Data Hub to connect all external devices (monitor, keyboard, mouse, additional USB-A hub) via this hub. My power block plugs into the hub and my notebook charges off the hub.

I've done this for about about a year. Notebook was purchased Dec 2019.

I use this MACBook primarily in desktop mode with peripherals, since I learned I can do this with my previous MACBook 12".

One day, recently, I stopped getting power through the hub.

I am trying to figure out why I stopped getting power through it.

I do recall that a recent OS update included a FIRMWARE update.

Could this have altered power through ports?

I do not recall that the update and the hub problem occurred simultaneously.

My monitor and Ethernet connections still work through the hub, but,

I have to plug anything else directly into a notebook port for it to work.

Also, I have had some problems with my battery when I neglect to run it down, on battery power, at a frequent enough interval. Resetting the SMC is part of resolving that problem. BUT, since this is not a problem the notebook port I cannot see where that's part of it.

Any advise would be helpful.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.0

Posted on Dec 8, 2020 3:59 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

jimali47 Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 18, 2020 3:28 PM in response to Brian_P7

I seemed to have figured this out.

I have an extension cord from my MACBook to this hub for arrangement purposes.

I'd gotten this high end extension cord in order to get full video throughput to my desktop monitor.

Today, I finally tried the setup without the extension cord.

After removing this extension cord everything worked as it did before this issue, my mouse/keyboard once again had power through the hub.

However, after running for a while I placed the extension cord back in service, and, everything still worked fine.

SO, I am back to my original configuration with no understanding of why it wasn't working !

BUT, the problem is solved !

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Answer 2

Chris_C1

Community Specialist

Dec 13, 2020 1:32 PM in response to jimali47

Hi jimali47,

Thanks so much for reaching out about this behavior charging your MacBook Pro with your Anker hub. We're glad to help and point you in right direction.

Let's ensure we understand correctly. Have you tried charging your Mac while the hub is connected to other ports?

Does your MacBook Pro charge as expected when using the original power adapter included with your computer? Will it be possible to test another hub, or to test this hub with another Mac computer? If we're able to determine that the issue is isolated to your third-party accessory, we may refer to the hardware manufacturer directly.

Does your Mac battery status indicate "Not Charging" when this occurs? If so, we've got a great resource to share with you. Let us know if the information in this guide helps:

If your Mac battery status is “Not Charging”

Have a great day!

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Answer 3

Brian_P7

Community Specialist

Dec 13, 2020 5:21 PM in response to jimali47

Hi Jim,

Thank you for clarifying. You mentioned previously that you reset the SMC when experiencing power issues on your MacBook. Have you also had an opportunity to disconnect all connected peripherals before restarting and resetting the SMC?

If not, please do so now. Here's a guide as a reference:

How to reset the SMC of your Mac

If you continue to experience issues, disconnect your peripherals and restart your Mac in order to start up in safe mode. Safe mode is a great way to isolate an issue to some installed login item that may be causing a compatibility issue. Here's a guide with the steps:

How to use safe mode on your Mac

If the issue is no longer occurring in safe mode, you'll want to complete the steps in the following guide to test your login items:

Remove login items to resolve startup problems on your Mac

We're here for you if you've got any questions.

Take care.

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Answer 4

jimali47 Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 13, 2020 2:15 PM in response to Chris_C1

My MACBook charges with this hub.

I have tried it two ways:

with power to the hub and then out to the MACBook
with power to the MACBook and then out to the hub.

It powers the MACBook fine in both scenarios.

However, now, in both scenarios I get no power out of the hub for my mouse/keyboard.

I used this configuration for about a year with no problems and the, seemingly over night, I no longer had power to my mouse/keyboard.

I have two E132068 power packs and get the same results with both.

I wondered if the recent firmware update that was part of an OS update could have changed the USB ports somehow, but, since the notebook ports still provide power that doesn't seem likely.

I also use a simple USB hub, with it's own power, for connecting things like my iPhone to the MACBook and that is no longer working on the communications side through the ANKER hub but works when connectedly to a notebook port.

The ANKER hub does read a thumb drive plugged into it.

If the ANKER hub never worked I'd understand, but, it did, and now it doesn't.

I did purchase a newer ANKER hub thinking the first was out of warranty, and it shows the same failure.

Confused,

Jim

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Answer 5

Chris_C1

Community Specialist

Dec 20, 2020 11:30 AM in response to jimali47

Hi jimali47,

That's great news! Thanks for keeping us updated. We're glad to hear that you were able to resolve this behavior and isolate it to the extension cord. We're here for you if you've got any other questions.

Have a great day!

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MACBook Pro 13" running Big Sur, power and data to mouse/keyboard using a data hub.

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