Mac mini M2 keyboard and mouse usb hub not working

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Level 1

4 points

Mac mini M2 keyboard and mouse usb hub not working

I just bought a Mac Mini M2. I have USB keyboard and mouse which work fine when plugged directly into the usb-A ports on the back of the computer.

However, they do not function when not connected directly to the computer. I have an anker hub which I have connected the keyboard and mouse to - I've plugged this into the usb-c ports on the back of the computer. The keyboard does not light up and does not function, and the mouse also does not function in this setup.

I have also tried connecting them to a Switss KVM switch, which connects to the computer via a USB-B to USB-A cable (connected into the the USB-A ports on the back of the computer).

Both the hub and the KVM switch work fine with my other computer (a lenovo windows laptop), and when I plug my external hard drive into the computer via the USB hub that functions as well.

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks!

Mac mini, macOS 14.2

Posted on Feb 23, 2024 1:57 AM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

82,042 points

Feb 23, 2024 7:50 AM in response to potoooooooo

You need a Self-Powered USB Hub to connect multiple USB devices up to one of the Mac mini's USB-A ports....

option 1) is to get a self-power USB-A hub to expand the number of USB-A connections.

for example > https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079GT1ZVS/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?

option 2) is to get and use USB-C to USB-A adapters to expand the number of USB-A ports.

for example > https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Z768LCW/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?

or the Apple branded > USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple

option 3) is to get and use a more expensive Thunderbolt/USB-C multi port dock.

for example > https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/docks#drive-docking-stations:multi-port-dock

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Answer 2

potoooooooo Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 23, 2024 8:10 AM in response to den.thed

Hi den.thed, thanks for your reply!

I forgot to mention in my original post that the USB hub works with power delivery and can be powered, and the KVM switch is self powered. Unfortunately despite this they still do not work with the apple device.

Any ideas?

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

82,042 points

Feb 23, 2024 9:17 AM in response to potoooooooo

What model is the Anker's USB hub...?

The only other thing that I can think of at this point is,

1) try a different USB cable between the Mac mini and the Anker hub.

2) check the Anker's power brick and cable, to make sure that it is supplying power to the hub.

Personally I would never rely on or use an old KVM switch.

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Answer 4

potoooooooo Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 23, 2024 9:23 AM in response to den.thed

I'm not sure what happened, but it's working now. The only problem now is that when I have the lights activated on my keyboard (Razer Cynosa) the KVM switch hums incredibly annoyingly. But that is an issue for elsewhere.

Thanks for your suggestions!

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Answer 5

den.thed

Level 10

82,042 points

Feb 23, 2024 10:03 AM in response to potoooooooo

You're welcome.

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Mac mini M2 keyboard and mouse usb hub not working

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