Why won't my USB Superdrive connect to new iMac models?

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Level 1

4 points

Why won't my USB Superdrive connect to new iMac models?

Hi All!, I have recently upgraded my faithful,but tired and sluggish 2013 Mac to the latest generation M4 (Sequoia 15.4.1). All was good until I tried connecting my genuine Apple USB Superdrive cd/disc player reader. The technology of the day was a USB A male connector,which plugged straight into the back of my old Mac. The new models have C connectors. I've purchased and tried a multi adaptor with C connector into port on back of new Mac and then plugging Superdrive into all USB ports (2.0 and 3.0) on adaptor. All I get is the message "USB Accessory Needs Power ... Connect Apple USB Superdrive to a USB port on this Mac". Errrr! There isn't one!!. Is my previously perfectly good Superdrive now redundant?. If so,can anybody recommend a replacement?. Any help appreciated. Thanks Guys.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iMac (M4)

Posted on May 26, 2025 2:27 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

D.I. Johnson

Level 8

36,499 points

May 26, 2025 5:24 AM in response to Redsfan 1

The Apple SuperDrive doesn't like hubs and docks. You'll need to use a simple USB-A to USB-C plug adapter and connect the drive directly into one of the iMac's four USB-C ports.

You can find these and other similar on Amazon for about $5 each.

Anker USB-A to USB-C Plug Adapter - Amazon

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

93,568 points

May 26, 2025 7:13 AM in response to Redsfan 1

The Apple Superdrive is not getting enough power from the iMac thru the LENTION USB Hub.

Connect the Superdrive directly to the iMac using a single USB-C to USB-A adapter and then use the LENTION USB Hub for your other USB-A devices.

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Answer 3

WheelieNick

Level 8

46,113 points

May 26, 2025 4:04 AM in response to Redsfan 1

I use the superdrive with my new Mac without problems. You might want to use a genuine apple usb a to usb c

For my dad, it even works with a third party adapter but that is more difficult most of the times

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Answer 4

Redsfan 1 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 31, 2025 7:52 AM in response to Redsfan 1

Hi!,Thanks everybody who offered advice in response to my problem getting Superdrive to connect and work with my new Mac. Just to let you know,I took the "safe" option and bought/connected a genuine Apple USB-C to USB adapter. All is good!.

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Answer 5

May 26, 2025 8:41 AM in response to Redsfan 1

I have a handful of these inexpensive (not "cheap") adapters and they work fine to get power and data to USB-A devices like the SuperDrive, keyboards, mice, trackpads and printers.

What user @tbirdvet meant when they suggested "flipping the adapter over" was simply to flip the USB-C connector into the computer 180º. Sometimes that works for some reason. USB-A plugs can only connect one way (and never the right way on the first try 🤣😉). But USB-C plugs have no up/down orientation and can connect either way.

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Answer 6

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,463 points

May 26, 2025 5:36 AM in response to Redsfan 1

Try flipping the adapter over on the USB-C side and test

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Answer 7

Rudegar

Level 10

182,396 points

May 26, 2025 7:35 AM in response to Redsfan 1

the cheapest adaptors only connect the power pins, so they can only be used for charging.

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Answer 8

Redsfan 1 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 26, 2025 4:27 AM in response to WheelieNick

Thank you,much appreciated. i'll take that on board. I can't get it to work with 3rd party adaptor at all,never mind "difficult"!,so maybe genuine Apple is the way to go?. Be interesting to see if I get any other feedback suggestions?,but i'll let you know. Have a good day!

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Answer 9

Redsfan 1 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 26, 2025 6:22 AM in response to tbirdvet

Hi! Thanks for that. Not sure what you mean though?. This is what I'm using as adaptor,but can't understand how "flipping" it would work?.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CJNN447S?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

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Answer 10

Redsfan 1 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 26, 2025 6:27 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

Hi!, Thank you for that tip. I like the cheaper sounding fix of this,but after buying a non Apple product without success and false economy,I'm now favouring a genuine Apple connector lead as suggested by another community member.

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Answer 11

Redsfan 1 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 26, 2025 12:24 PM in response to D.I. Johnson

Thank You. I'd never heard of that but understand what @tbirdvet means now. Tried it and would've been a nice easy fix,but sorry guys ..... same result. Looks like I'm getting a new adaptor,but still cheaper than a new optical drive,which is probably what I would've done if I hadn't consulted people in this community. Thanks everybody.

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Answer 12

Redsfan 1 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 26, 2025 7:28 AM in response to den.thed

Aha! Didn’t realise that,but sounds logical. Thank you 👍🏻.

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Answer 13

Redsfan 1 Author

Level 1

4 points

May 26, 2025 8:04 AM in response to Rudegar

Thank you. There's a common agreement here. I wish I'd asked this wise community before purchasing. I guess it will come in handy for this at some time.

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Why won't my USB Superdrive connect to new iMac models?

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