USB device drawing too much power error message

Question

USB device drawing too much power error message

When I try to plug my iPod into my computer to charge or update my music, I get an error message that says, " Because a USB device was drawing too much power from your computer, one or more of your USB devices have been disabled." I've tried this while my computer was plugged in and not plugged in and it still gives me the same message. My computer is completely new, I've only had it about 2 weeks, my iPod is about 3 years old, but the actual iPod works great. It's just the USB cord that is giving me a problem. What is wrong and how can I fix it?

iPod touch, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Jan 28, 2013 2:58 PM

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Answer 1

Jan 31, 2013 8:37 PM in response to stopmotionmanager

I have a stereo dock that charges the iPod, so I don't really need the USB for that. What I want to do is sync it with new music, but whenever I get this error message, the USB is ejected, so I can't ignore it. It doesn't show up in my iTunes as a connected device. Is there anything I can do, or do I just need to get a new one? If I plug in the USB without being connected to my iPod, so it's just the USB cord plugged into the computer, I still get the same error message.

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Answer 2

Feb 1, 2013 6:55 AM in response to stopmotionmanager

My only option is to click "ok." It has already ejected the USB connection, so I don't really have any other choice. Here is the complete text of the message:

"Because a USB device was drawing too much power from your computer, one or more of your USB devices have been disabled

To prevent damaging your computer, the USB device drawing too much power has been disabled. Other devices may have also been disabled. When you disconnect the device drawing too much power, your other USB devices will be enabled again."

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Answer 3

Mar 12, 2014 5:36 PM in response to Frankly_Scarlette

if you have two USB ports (e.g., on the MacAir) take a look at both (mid-2012 has one on left/right of computer). I had (and occassionally have) the same issue, however, it has to do with my left USB port being out of alignment.

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Answer 4

Clem2121

Level 1

0 points

Oct 31, 2015 7:02 AM in response to Frankly_Scarlette

I tried resetting my SMC and even brought my Mac to the Genius Bar. They ran diagnostics and basically one of my USB was fried. The message occurred in both Yosemite and El Capitan, so it wasn't an OS issue.

It's not a complete fix but it is a decent workaround. If you Disable Notifications and set it to start at 4 AM and end at 3:59 AM (how to do here: OS X Yosemite: Turn off notifications), you won't see the message anymore. It's not a fix, but it is a workaround if you don't care about seeing notifications.

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Answer 5

Jan 28, 2013 3:50 PM in response to Frankly_Scarlette

Your computer isn't meant to give that much power to a usb powered device. If you want to charge, then use the ac adapter and plug it into a wall outlet, if you are just syncing, then ignore the message.

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Answer 6

Jan 31, 2013 11:00 PM in response to Frankly_Scarlette

What type of computer?

Which USB port are you using?

Generally you can,

On a Mac, Click About this Mac and More Info then look at the USB power ratings in System Profiler

On a PC use Device manager at look for the power properties of a USB hub.

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Answer 7

Feb 1, 2013 6:53 AM in response to Jim Erlach

I have a brand new Macbook OS X version 10.8.2. I also got the same exact message on my old mac which was a macbook from 2007. I get the same error message if I plug it into either of the 2 USB ports on the computer. In the system report, it says:

USB 3.0 Hi-Speed Bus

USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Bus

And then information about built-in things like the FaceTime Camera and keyboard. I don't see any information about power ratings.

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Answer 8

Feb 1, 2013 7:21 AM in response to stopmotionmanager

Yes. The USB cable worked for about a year, then I started getting this error message. I've used a friend's cable to sync it, too, and didn't get an error message, so it must be something to do with my specific cable.

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Answer 9

May 14, 2013 2:46 AM in response to Netfeather

Netfeather you are a hero ... I have all the same equipment you have and I was like "***, all my stuff is updated and top of the line why the heck am I having an issue?" LOL never thought it'd be the cord. Apple store here I come!!! 🙂😁

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Answer 10

May 14, 2013 6:37 AM in response to Jrster1369

You don't even have to go to the Apple Store. I got my new cable at Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Generic-8-Pin-cable-compatible-Iphone/dp/B009YCVIME/ref=sr _1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1368538555&sr=8-3&keywords=lightning+cable

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Answer 11

hmacinz

Level 1

9 points

Jun 18, 2013 2:11 AM in response to Frankly_Scarlette

Well I feel like my phone is just broken now because its not charging off of anything. It used to be when this happened it would still charge off my computer but now I'm getting this "drawing too much power" message. I don't think its my cables though because I am using 2 different ones, and they both work with my iPad just not my iPhone 4S. Don't know what to do....😟

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Answer 12

Nov 22, 2013 3:59 PM in response to Jim Erlach

A few more suggestions. Same thing happened to me and I could not figure out why until I went to About this Mac > More Info > System report > Hardware > USB where you can see each of your USB ports and what is connected to them. Turns out I had several extra devices under the desk that I had forgotten about. This matters because Macs can deliver extra power to one or two USB ports if needed, but not without limit and it is the last device that tips the threshold that gets booted off.

I removed the unnecessary USB devices, and additionally put the smartphone on the USB port on the back of the iMac, presto, no more problems.

It would have been a nice little bit of programming if Apple's alert message about a USB device drawing too much poer, they had suggested to check all the USB devices attached to the computer and that a power hungry device already connected would prevent additional ones from working.

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