Single USB-C port MacBook, able to charge but removable devices not recognized

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Level 2

179 points

Single USB-C port MacBook, able to charge but removable devices not recognized

Recently I wanted to backup a 2017 Retina MacBook that has a single USB-C port.

I connected a hard disk (that I have used many times in the past) via a USB-C hub it didn't appear in the finder, so I tried connecting other USB devices (thumb drive, iPhone, etc.), but they don't appear either!

I tried two different hubs that I know work, as I tested them with another USB-C Mac. Both the hubs have Ethernet ports, but even that doesn't work. (WIFI works fine.)

The only thing that works via the USB-C port is the charging function.

(As a safety measure I have purchased 200GB of iCloud space and have started backing up the Desktop & Documents folders to it...)

It seems to me like I might have to take the computer into an Apple Store... I wonder if they will be able to fix such a problem!

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should try?

Thank you in advance....

MacBook, OS X 10.11

Posted on Apr 1, 2021 11:46 PM

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Answer 1

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Peace-Freak Author

Level 2

179 points

Apr 3, 2021 2:09 AM in response to HWTech

Thank you P. Phillips & HWTech!

I am happy to say doing a SMC reset did the trick!

First I tried the method in the link a couple of times but nothing changed... I then did some searching as I was not sure if my MacBook had a T2 security chip.

I found this way:

https://www.lifewire.com/reset-smc-system-management-controller-on-mac-2260840

"On the built-in keyboard, simultaneously press and hold the left Shift, left Control, and left Option keys on the keyboard while you press the power button for 10 seconds"

which did the trick for me!!

HWTech, your suggestion I'm sure will be useful for others who are having similar problems, and it highlights the absolute necessity of regular backups, especially for single port MacBooks!!!

Thank you very much!!

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Answer 2

HWTech

Level 9

68,732 points

Apr 2, 2021 1:56 PM in response to Peace-Freak

If you still want to attempt to backup to a local USB drive, then try rotating the drive's USB-C connector 180 degrees upside down when attaching the drive to the laptop. I know it sounds crazy, but each USB-C port has two different circuits and perhaps only one of them is defective. While I haven't personally worked on the standard USB-C MacBook I have seen a really good board repair guy showing how often the USB-C ports on this particular MacBook fails. Expect an expensive repair since Apple will need to replace the Logic Board to fix your issue.

FYI, there is no way to access the data on the SSD which is integrated onto the Logic Board of a non-functional MacBook except perhaps by a professional data recovery service.

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Answer 3

Owl-53

Level 10

102,601 points

Apr 2, 2021 7:43 AM in response to Peace-Freak

How to reset the SMC of your Mac

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Single USB-C port MacBook, able to charge but removable devices not recognized

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