MacBook Air/Pro: USB Ethernet keeps disconnecting

On my 2024 Macbook Pro, not in use anymore, and on my 3 week old 2025 Macbook Air, I kept (one the macbook Pro) and keep (on the Macbook Air) losing my ethernet connection on my USB adaptor. My mouse which is also connected to that unit, stays working. So what helps for a day or two is restarting the computer or taking it out of the port and then putting it back in.

So I just got started with a new USB port that only has two thing in it - A wired mouse and an ethernet cord I am having the same problem. I will include a photo. The adapter is taped down so there is no movement.

Does anyone have any ideas how to prevent this? It seems like that others who have this problem either restart the computer or unplug the adapter from the port and plug it back in like I do.

Thanks in advance, Martha

MacBook Air (M4, 2025)

Posted on Jan 6, 2026 7:19 AM

Top-ranking reply

LotusPilot

Level 10

302,078 points

Posted on Jan 8, 2026 6:35 AM

Using a hub/adapter that supports USB PD (pass through power) permits simultaneous connection of your USB peripherals along with your Mac's Power connection. This serves two major benefits:

1) You can conveniently charge and use the Mac while connected to other devices

2) Potential issues of having sufficient available power for connected devices are eliminated

You don't necessarily have to simultaneously connect your Mac's Power Adapter, but have the opportunity to do so while removing potential issues relating to inadequate power being available. Don't forget, the hub/adapter itself needs power to operate - in addition to any other devices that may be connected to it.

View in context

20 replies

LotusPilot

Level 10

302,078 points

Jan 8, 2026 8:42 AM in response to mpoinar

You are very welcome.

mpoinar Author

Level 1

44 points

Jan 8, 2026 10:34 AM in response to LotusPilot

I have been looking but haven't found any yet. I am emailing the places you mentioned.

mpoinar Author

Level 1

44 points

Jan 8, 2026 10:47 AM in response to LotusPilot

I have been searching and searching but have found nothing that plugs into the wall, then plugs into my computer AND has an ethernet port to it. I have been emailing some of the places you mentioned.

mpoinar Author

Level 1

44 points

Jan 9, 2026 5:22 AM in response to MrHoffman

Thank you!

Martha

Tesserax

Level 10

158,160 points

Jan 6, 2026 12:28 PM in response to mpoinar

What is the make & model of this USB adapter? If you only have the Ethernet cable plugged in can it still access the network? Alternately, if you only have the mouse connected, can it be used with your MBA?

When connecting the mouse (with Ethernet still connected), have you tried each port on the hub?

MacBook Air/Pro: USB Ethernet keeps disconnecting