M2 mini Hanging When Waking from Sleep

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M2 mini Hanging When Waking from Sleep

My new M2 mini is hanging when waking from sleep. The mini's LED goes to solid (from pulsing while asleep), but the machine never fully wakes up.

I am using a Dell U2723 monitor and am connected to it via DisplayPort over USB C. I also have an external, powered USB 3 hub into which my keyboard and mouse (among other devices) are plugged. This hub is connected via one of the USB 3 ports. As I purchased the regular M2 mini, I don't have any spare USB ports, so some sort of hub is necessary. My new Dell monitor has a USB hub built in, but I have not yet tried using that hub in lieu of the external powered hub but will try that soon.

When trying to wake, the hub port active lights are on for the keyboard and mouse, but not any other USB devices. Also, the monitor reports no video coming from the mini, and the Time Machine disk (plugged into the other USB 3 port) shows no power/activity. If I unplug the hub from the mini, the waking process continues. I can immediately plug the hub back into the mini, and everything is normal, including all other USB devices. I have used this hub with my 2012 mini for years with zero problems.

Pure speculation, but I'm suspecting the USB hardware (less likely) or drivers (more likely) are to blame. I suspect that my problem is probably not defective USB hardware or it would be unlikely that the port would work properly otherwise (but mostly guessing here...).

My search did not show any related posting on this topic.

Any obvious thoughts before I get on hold with Apple support? I have not yet tried any USB diagnostic software as that usually turns into an all-day affair...

Thanks!

Gordie

Mac mini, macOS 13.0

Posted on Feb 9, 2023 7:22 AM

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Answer 1

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den.thed

Level 10

92,512 points

Feb 9, 2023 7:42 AM in response to Gordon Neff

Yea' Hubs and Docks can be a problematic with these new Mac mini's.

I would try plugging either the keyboard or the mouse directly into the other USB-A 3.0 port and see if it will wake the Mac mini.

Next I would test the down stream USB hub on the display, by connecting it to the Mac mini using a USB-A cable and then connect your USB keyboard and mouse to it.

Another option is to disable "automatic computer sleep" and only allow the display(s) to go into standby and wake. Then just leave the Mac mini running 24-7 or shut it down at night.

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Answer 2

Gordon Neff Author

Level 1

25 points

Feb 10, 2023 11:17 AM in response to hcsitas

hcsitas,

Could you provide a link to info on that? I've spent an hour or so searching both the Apple support forum and other sites but couldn't find anything on the topic except issues with improper cables being used (I'm using USB C cables, not Thunderbolt, as directed by one of Apple's support notes) or true motherboard failures.

As a side note, I completely removed the USB 3 hub and am running everything through the Dell monitor fed by USB C from the mini. Way too soon to declare victory, but so far, so good.

Additionally, in a classic "Doh" moment, I realized that my mini shipped with macOS 13.0 (probably on the shelf for a while before the Jan 24 intro date), and the OS gave me no indication (badge, notification, etc.) that I was multiple releases behind current. So, now I'm up to date on 13.2.

If everything continues to work, I'll post an update.

Gordie

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Answer 3

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Feb 9, 2023 7:58 AM in response to Gordon Neff

Direct USB-C to USB-C for monitor to Macs doesn’t work very well because monitors are clueless on what’s connected, a power-hungry laptop or power re-buffing desktop. I would connect the monitor’s USB C to the mini’s USB-A port using suitable C-A adapter/cable to enable hub functions. For video, connect HDMI-HDMI with a cable not longer than 5’. Finally, it’s possible your mini’s USBC port has gone defective, you should have it checked out while still under warranty.

Also, disable Sleep, it’s unnecessary on later Macs, all pain, no gain. To disable, set your Energy Saver settings to as shown:

Separately, avoid manual sleep, use screen lock instead or let the display switch off/auto-lock on timer. For long or overnight absences, shut.

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Answer 4

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Feb 10, 2023 7:52 AM in response to Gordon Neff

👍

The direct USB C-C connection has been known to cause ports to go dead/defective over time. I’d schedule in-store repair, and after they’re done with it, avoid C-C totally.

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Answer 5

Gordon Neff Author

Level 1

25 points

Feb 10, 2023 6:35 AM in response to hcsitas

Thanks for the feedback!

I ran into another problem when going to an HDMI connection to my monitor (using the relatively short HDMI cable provided by Dell with the monitor). The video blinks on and off every second or two. I had to go back to video over USB C.

I was monitoring another posting concerning blinking video ( Mac Mini M2 problems with 2nd NEC EA271U … - Apple Community ) but the OP was using USB C and dual monitors. I'm not really sure how all of the ports and buses come together in Apple's silicon, but it seems that the troubles may be a bit deeper...

Gordie

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M2 mini Hanging When Waking from Sleep

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