Why does nothing plugged into the mini USB port work on my Mac Mini?

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Level 1

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Why does nothing plugged into the mini USB port work on my Mac Mini?

I bought a M1 Mac mini in June of this year. Very pleased with the speed of operations but have a problem with the ports. The 2 ports which are standard USB work fine but the 2 mini USB ports don't work at all. I'm using an adaptor which connects the standard USB to the mini USB ports. This is very inconvenient because after I've plugged in my Screen monitor and time machine backup disk, there is no working port to plug in my webcam, so I have to unplug one port to plug in my webcam. Can anybody explain why these mini USB ports don't work? What's the point of them? Are they included to service specialised equipment, not used your standard run-of-the mill operator (eg for documents, music, web browsing, photos and Music.)

Posted on Sep 17, 2022 6:48 AM

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Answer 1

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Rudegar

Level 10

170,940 points

Sep 17, 2022 7:31 AM in response to CONFUSEDOAP

if you are using usb mini or micro cables it would explain it, it's usb-c connectors

The Differences Between Mini USB, Micro USB, and USB-C Explained – Memory Suppliers

anything one connects to usb rely on drivers to operate some drivers are generic and build into the operating system some are provided by the manufactuerer of the device you attempt to connect.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 9

77,506 points

Oct 10, 2022 8:07 AM in response to CONFUSEDOAP

You need one or two USB-C to USB-A adapters.

The Apple branded one can be found at Apple retailers > USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple

I have two of these > https://www.target.com/p/philips-usb-c-to-3-0-usb-a-female-adapter/-/A-79804275

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Answer 3

CONFUSEDOAP Author

Level 1

20 points

Oct 10, 2022 6:30 AM in response to hcsitas

I'm trying to plug in: webcam, external back up disk, Time Machine backup disk. Someone asked if I'm using mini or micro leads. The leads are absolutely standard with the standard USB plug on the end which of course don't fit in the mini USB sockets which is why I've plugged them in via an adaptor. If the mini USB ports don't work I've only got two ports to cater for 3 plug ins plus any more items such as the dongle for a wireless mouse. I'm completely baffled by the various types of connectors

- Thunder port, USB-C , mini port, Micro port etc. and I don't know how to get the right adaptor. I'll probably end up getting 8 different types from Amazon and try them all using trial and error. Surely there must be a simple explanation. They must have sold millions of the M1 Mac mini and I'm astonished that there aren't any instructions regarding what you can plug in, where you can plug it in and which adaptor you need to do so.

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Answer 4

CONFUSEDOAP Author

Level 1

20 points

Oct 12, 2022 2:36 AM in response to den.thed

Thanks very much for your advice. I'm a bit of a cheapskate, so I've ordered an Amazon version which is a third of the price of the Apple item. I'll see if it works, if not I'll try to get hold of the Philips brand which you specify.

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Answer 5

CONFUSEDOAP Author

Level 1

20 points

Oct 20, 2022 3:25 AM in response to CONFUSEDOAP

I've bought two adapters cheaply from Amazon and I'm delighted to say that they work fine. I've now got my webcam and external drive plugged into the Thunderbolt ports and so there's no more plugging and unplugging required.

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