Connecting Apple SuperDrive to M1 iMac "Accessory needs power"

Not sure why this is happening. Have used this drive with countless computers over the years, from 12" MacBook to a Windows PC, to a Raspberry Pi running Linux. I just tried using a USB-C to SD Card/USB-A dongle I got off Amazon and it says the accessory needs power. Great I thought, I'll try the official Apple AV Adaptor. Still the same message. Any idea why this is happening other than Apple don't want you connecting it full stop?

iMac 24″, macOS 14.4

Posted on Mar 7, 2024 2:42 PM

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D.I. Johnson

Level 8

38,065 points

Posted on Mar 7, 2024 7:24 PM

It seems that you are using a hub of sorts to connect that SuperDrive to the Mac. This does not generally work. The SuperDrive prefers to be connected directly to the Mac. For the newest Macs with Thunderbolt/USB-C ports this will require a simple USB-C to USB-A plug adapter or cable. You can find them all day for ~$8 with a Google search or a quick search on Amazon.

It's also possible that your SuperDrive is beginning to show its age and is drawing more power than is normal for a healthy device. Have you tried using the SuperDrive recently on another Mac?

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Connecting Apple SuperDrive to M1 iMac "Accessory needs power"

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