USB Accessories Disabled M1 Mini

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Level 1

9 points

USB Accessories Disabled M1 Mini

Today, my M1 Mini started showing the USB Accessories Disabled error notification, with the associated message "Unplug the accessory using too much power to re-enable the USB devices."

It is definitely caused when I plug in the monitor, and I have removed all other devices, however:

Nothing gets disabled, even when I plug all the drives, card reader, etc. back in (total of eight devices); and
The System Report shows that the monitor is using zero power from the USB port.

The monitor is connected directly via USB-C. I have tried other cables. No change. I have restarted multiple times. No change. I have reinstalled MacOS 11.5.1. No change. I hooked up the monitor via HDMI, which I cannot do permanently, and the message disappeared.

It's obvious that there is no reason for the error notification to be displayed,, but I can't find any way to remove it.

Mac mini, macOS 11.5

Posted on Aug 1, 2021 3:20 AM

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Answer 1

hcsitas

Level 6

13,982 points

Aug 1, 2021 6:33 AM in response to rockdaddy666

Direct USB-C connections from the mini to monitors are problematic because most (all?) non-Apple monitors can’t tell the difference between laptops and desktops. In the past they’ve caused mini ports to become unresponsive. Avoid at all costs & use HDMI or dongled DP.

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Answer 2

Aug 1, 2021 9:54 AM in response to rockdaddy666

Hello, rockdaddy666.

Sorry that you're having this problem.

Have you tried a safe mode reboot to see if that can clear the problem?

Safe mode forces the OS to clear certain caches and logs and do other miscellaneous housekeeping. It's non-destructive to user data so is safe to do. Very often certain weird software behavior is corrected by simply logging in this way as a troubleshooting method. When you're in safe boot, the machine will not be at its best performance, especially with graphics, but that's normal.

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support:

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/start-up-your-mac-in-safe-mode-mh21245/mac

Does the problem persist while in Safe mode?

Exit safe mode by restarting your Mac normally and re-evaluate the issue again.

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Answer 3

Rudegar

Level 10

186,332 points

Aug 1, 2021 3:50 AM in response to rockdaddy666

do the monitor have other means of getting power than the usb-c connector that also transfer image data?

if it got some other AC power connector you should likely connect that to power if the mac mini can't provide enough power to power hte monitor

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Answer 4

rockdaddy666 Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 1, 2021 3:53 AM in response to Rudegar

As I said, according to the system report, the monitor is using no power on the USB-C port. That should make it clear. The monitor has its own power.

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Answer 5

hcsitas

Level 6

13,982 points

Aug 1, 2021 7:56 AM in response to rockdaddy666

Well, ok, good luck, maybe they’ll fix it.

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Answer 6

rockdaddy666 Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 1, 2021 8:31 AM in response to hcsitas

Thanks, appreciate the suggestion.

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Answer 7

hcsitas

Level 6

13,982 points

Aug 1, 2021 8:50 AM in response to rockdaddy666

👍

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Answer 8

rockdaddy666 Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 1, 2021 10:24 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

Unfortunately, it shows in Safe mode and after a reboot back to the usual. Thanks for the suggestion.

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Answer 9

rockdaddy666 Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 1, 2021 6:45 AM in response to hcsitas

It worked fine for three months. I haven't heard that is a problem in the past. I don't think it's just the monitor connection, if I use HDMI for the monitor and connect USB just for data, it still gives ther error.

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Answer 10

hcsitas

Level 6

13,982 points

Aug 1, 2021 6:49 AM in response to rockdaddy666

That can be worked around by connecting the monitor port to the mini’s USB-A either with a C-A cable or by using an adapter. IMO, direct mini USB C- monitor USB C should be avoided at any cost. Problems can crop up any time. It’s unpredictable and not worth it. Best to use HDMI.

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Answer 11

rockdaddy666 Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 1, 2021 7:50 AM in response to hcsitas

I have an adapter, tried it. It still pops up the error message, and it still shows no devices disabled or drawing too much current. It's definitely not the USB-C port.

Unfortunately, if it did work, it would say that Apple sells hardware that doesn't work as advertised. I'm not sure that's any better than finding the right solution. Given that I have had bluetooth issues that were only resolved by removing what I consider essential software (Little Snitch), it doesn't make me feel comfortable about Macs right now. Seems like someone isn't paying attention.

Interestingly, someone on another forum said the same USB-C problem happened to them after they updated the OS. Given that everything ran for the last three months just fine, it seems more likely that there's a bug causing it.

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USB Accessories Disabled M1 Mini

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