USB problem/Thunderbolt on Mac mini M4

I'm surprised this thread has seen no posts since early February. I have a Mac mini M4 w/512GB drive and it is basically a brick due to this problem. I've had to completely remove my external USB drives, USB wired or USB wireless (Logitech) keyboards and USB label accessories since they all fail within 30 minutes or so. This is true with the front or back ports. I'm currently only running with a Thunderbolt drive plugged into the back and have to use a small bluetooth Apple keyboard which I don't like. I've reported this to Apple a week ago and they acted surprised and claimed they hadn't heard of the issue. They want me to take it to the Apple Store and I will but not looking forward to hauling all this equipment into the store to set up and wait 30+ minutes for it to act up knowing I'll be leaving there with no remedy to the situation other than possibly a replacement Mac mini that most assuredly will have the same issue. Aargh!

I am experiencing the same issue with my T4 SSD hub. I have attempted connecting it using three different T4 cables, but I am unable to establish a connection via the rear USB ports. The LED on the hub blinks continuously. However, when I connect it via the front ports, the LED lights up solidly. Consequently, I am unable to achieve the optimal performance of my Mac’s T4 speed.

I know we’re talking about the Mini here, but curious if anyone has heard of similar issues with the m4 iMac and USB 3.2 devices (I have not heard anything). I’m just guessing the TB port controllers are the same on both machines.

Trying to decide being the two machines, it’s $600 more for the iMac. In both cases, the CalDigit TS4 dock I own would be used for all USB 3 device connections.

I agree. It's a pet peeve of mine to have cables sticking out the front. I hope at some point this is resolved...

I bought this to help and got one before they sold out:

https://satechi.net/products/mac-mini-m4-stand-hub-with-ssd-enclosure

(I can use my USB-A keyboard without a converter, but still the cables are coming out the front...) Yes, first world issues, but something is wrong and Apple is not taking notice.

The same on my side: external hdd worked fine since yesterday. I also tried to swap cables and connectors without luck. it only works with pendrive, so I think it can depends on power supplied either front rather than back. I also heard some strange electrical noise when putting on/off cables on front usb. I booked an appointment at Apple Store let's see what will happen.

Not made by Apple, clearly. Try this one: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MC9C4AM/A/thunderbolt-5-usb%E2%80%91c-pro-cable-1-m

Please post your issue as a fresh discussion here Offizielle Apple Support Community

Bitte posten Sie Ihr Problem als neue Diskussion hier Offizielle Apple Support Community

I would post a fresh discussion IIWY. Lumping all problems to one discussion that fits the title but little else is the surest way of converting it to lala-endless.

That’s value to the four of you, agreed 😁

What? It’s an Apple TB5 Cable sold to connect to an Apple TB5 port, noob. Also Mr. “30 years experienced engineer”, the front ports are not the same as the rear ones. Read the spec (slowly).

With this thread gaining traction over the last few weeks, I really hope that someone from Apple takes notice.

Great, thanks for updating!

Great, thanks for updating!