How can I connect multiple peripherals to a MacBook Air M3 with dual monitors?

SpecialKStew wrote:

Right now, I have a Baseus 9 in 1 dock in one port on my computer (in that port, I have one HDMI for the monitor, the wireless dongle, and the speakers plugged in). In the other port on my computer Onn USB-C to USB/HDMI adapter (this one has the other HDMI cable for the second monitor).

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Everything is working as it should with this configuration BUT none of the ports on either the dock or adapter will recognize any device not plugged in directly to the computer.

If none of the ports on this "Baseus 9 in 1 dock" work except for the HDMI port, I would not say that "everything is working as it should with this configuration."

I am guessing that you are referring to this product: Baseus - Baseus Joystar 9 in 1 USB-C Hub . The description says that the device relies on DisplayPort Alt Mode (i.e., native hardware video output) – but also says that it has two HDMI ports. Macs do not support DisplayPort MST daisy-chaining or the equivalent, and they will only drive one display over a plain USB-C dock. The description alludes to this when it says that on Macs, all of the external monitors will display the same content.

With that in mind, as long as you only connect a single monitor to the Baseus hub, I would expect the HDMI port in use, and all of the the other ports, to work.

Are you connecting this dock to your Mac's power adapter? I know that with plain USB-A hubs, a single USB drive can suck up pretty much all of the power available to an "unpowered" hub, leaving nothing for other devices.

"How can I connect multiple peripherals to a MacBook Air M3 with dual monitors?: [...]Everything is working as it should with this configuration BUT none of the ports on either the dock or adapter will recognize any device not plugged in directly to the computer. Can anyone shed any light on what dock or setup I can use? I have MacBook Air M3.[...]"

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Getting Dual External Displays and Devices:

The J5 USB-C Dual HDMI Docking Station. Works just fine for me with all connected.

Verify the Connection:

First off, see if the items are is even seen. What to click depends on the peripheral and how it is connected. As for a USB device, here is how to check.

1. Hold Down: the Option key
2. Click: the Apple menu
3. Choose: System Information or System Report
4. Select: USB 
5. Look For: any device that should be seen.

SpecialKStew wrote:

I'm going to look into the dock TheLittles suggested.

Be aware that the dock that TheLittles suggests (the J5 USB-C Dual HDMI Docking Station) is not a Thunderbolt dock, and only drives one of its video outputs using native hardware video output.

It drives the other using some second-class "workaround" that requires installation of a special driver – and that may come with associated compromises. Note carefully the "Extend or Mirror" illustration that shows that to run two displays in extended desktop mode on macOS or Windows, "DisplayPort Alt Mode [is] required" for the first display, and "Driver installation [is] required" for the second.

SpecialKStew wrote:

In the other port on my computer Onn USB-C to USB/HDMI adapter (this one has the other HDMI cable for the second monitor).

…

Everything is working as it should with this configuration BUT none of the ports on either the dock or adapter will recognize any device not plugged in directly to the computer.

Is this the Omn adapter?

Amazon – onn. 3-in-1 USB-C Adapter with 100W USB-C Power Delivery, USB 3.0 and 4K HDMI Compatible Brand: Generic

If so, the USB-C port is there so that you can plug in a power brick and charge your laptop. I don't believe that you can use it to connect accessories like printers, and drives.

You are welcome.