Apple Intelligence is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac!

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple’s all-new Mac mini is more mighty, more mini, and built for Apple Intelligence. Learn more >

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple introduces M4 Pro and M4 Max. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

USB 3.0 Hubs not compatible with M1 Mac mini

After a lot of problems I have discovered that a USB 3.0 hub does not work with the M1 Mac mini, however if you get a HUB that is 3.1 everything if fine. The symptoms are intermittent restarts, crashes, drives falling off line, and beach ball of death on almost every mouse click.


Once I got the USB 3.0 hub (and yes I tired several to be sure), everything worked fine. Once I attached a 3.1 hub all was good.


My question is why? what is so different between the 3.0 standard and the 3.1 standard that would cause this?

Mac mini, macOS 11.3

Posted on Jun 3, 2021 9:42 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 3, 2021 12:40 PM

Where those USB 3.0 Hubs that you tried, Bus-Powered or Self-Powered?

(Self-Powered as in, have an external power supply)


I suspect it is because the M1's USB-A ports have lower output, than it's predecessor or the M1's USB-C ports.


FWIW it is always best to use a Self-Power (USB-A or USB-C) Hub, if you plan on connecting Bus powered drives to it.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 3, 2021 12:40 PM in response to Dr_John

Where those USB 3.0 Hubs that you tried, Bus-Powered or Self-Powered?

(Self-Powered as in, have an external power supply)


I suspect it is because the M1's USB-A ports have lower output, than it's predecessor or the M1's USB-C ports.


FWIW it is always best to use a Self-Power (USB-A or USB-C) Hub, if you plan on connecting Bus powered drives to it.

USB 3.0 Hubs not compatible with M1 Mac mini

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.