What is the terminal command to list USB devices?

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Level 1

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What is the terminal command to list USB devices?

In Ubuntu Linux the command lsusb lists all devices connected to the usb ports. What is the equivalent command in OS-X? Thanks.

Mac mini, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Mar 20, 2013 3:43 PM

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Answer 1

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Dave Stowe

Level 5

5,180 points

Mar 20, 2013 5:33 PM in response to williepabon

I do not know the Terminal command for that.....but are you aware that you can go to System Information and see all USB devices connected to the mini?

Click on the Apple in the upper menu > About this Mac > More Info.... > System Report > Hardware > USB....

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Answer 2

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,535 points

Mar 20, 2013 5:31 PM in response to williepabon

system_profiler SPUSBDataType

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Answer 3

williepabon Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 20, 2013 6:16 PM in response to Linc Davis

Linc:

Thank you very much for the info. Now, my next step (I will create a new post) is to find out the terminal command that allows me to unmout or unattach any device that is connected to any of the USB busses that is shown on the list (obviously without physically disconnecting the device). Thanks again.

wp

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Answer 4

williepabon Author

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8 points

Mar 21, 2013 11:29 AM in response to Linc Davis

Linc:

Is there a similar command to list PCI devices? Thanks.

wp

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Answer 5

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,535 points

Mar 21, 2013 1:23 PM in response to williepabon

Yes there is, but I think you're on the wrong track. I suggest you start a new thread describing what it is you actually want to do.

system_profiler SPPCIDataType

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Answer 6

williepabon Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 21, 2013 8:12 PM in response to Linc Davis

Linc:

Thanks. The new thread, if you want to comment on it is:

Activate/Deactivate USB connected device

If I am able to deactivate or unattach or disable the driver that is responsible for controlling the usb web cam that I have in my Mac mini, the virtualization program (VBox) would be able to capture it (already configured with the appropriate filter) for my guest OS. Now, I only get a message saying that the camera is busy from a previous request.

When I run your command, I get no response.

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