How do I check that my USB port is working correctly

Question

Level 1

4 points

How do I check that my USB port is working correctly

I have a Universal RDS USB device that needs to have the firmware upgraded. My MacBook Pro does not recognize it when I plug it into either USB port. I have tried multiple cables with both ports. I also had this problem with an external camera. I do not have the problem with either port with my iPhone or iPod. I am running the latest OS.

I am wondering if there is something in the security settings I need to change? Is there a way to diagnose the functionality of the USB port ?

Thanks,

Mike

MacBook Pro (15-inch Late 2011), iOS 8.1.3

Posted on Aug 4, 2015 12:51 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

AppleJoe

Community Manager

Aug 6, 2015 10:50 AM in response to mbubbaca

Greetings mbubbaca,

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!

I understand that some devices that you connect to your Mac via USB do not seem to be working as expected. To begin troubleshooting this situation, I would recommend reading over and working through the suggested steps located in the attached article below.

OS X Yosemite: If a USB device isn’t working

Cheers

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Answer 2

mbubbaca Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 6, 2015 11:05 AM in response to AppleJoe

Just what I was looking for, seems I need to check with the manufacture. Thanks,

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Answer 3

mbubbaca Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 11, 2015 4:49 PM in response to AppleJoe

Hi, I followed the suggestions and it worked 1 time. But now I have an issue with my iPod classic. When plugged in to synch, I get the message that USB Devices Disabled...etc. So searched for help in testing the USB ports and followed the instructions for the Apple Hardware test for a my version of MacBook Pro 15 inches late 2011. However when I do all I get it a gray screen with a file folder icon with a ? in the middle that flashes. I should get t trouble shooting menu. Any experience with what I might try next? Thanks,

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Answer 4

rgdenis

Level 1

10 points

Aug 11, 2015 4:58 PM in response to mbubbaca

When I first got my MacBook I would needed to replug some things one or two times and leave them in for a second before they were read. After the small pause the first few times, every device I plug in works flawlessly and instantly.

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Answer 5

mbubbaca Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 11, 2015 5:21 PM in response to rgdenis

Thanks for the reply. I don't think this is the same issue. I've had this MacBook for several years, this issue has surfaced in the past month with my upgrade to the newest OS. Could be that a hardware problem came up at same time as upgrade but the USB issue is perplexing.

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