There are a number of potential reasons why your USB-C port may not be functioning properly. This guide will help you to troubleshoot the issue and determine what might be causing your USB-C port to not function correctly.
⚠️ Before You Start
Remove all connected external devices from your Mac, including audio interfaces, external storage solutions, and other peripheral equipment. Depending on your device, you may need to keep a keyboard, mouse, and display connected.
Test the Device you're Connecting
- Try connecting the device to a different Mac first to see if it functions.
- Try connecting a known-working device to the same port on your Mac. If this works then this suggests the original device may be defective or incompatible with your Mac.
⚠️ Important: Some external devices require more power than the Mac can supply, which can lead to connection failures. Always ensure that any connected peripherals meet the power and compatibility requirements for use with your Mac.
Allow Accessories to connect
When connecting external peripherals, such as an external hard drive, you may need to ensure that macOS is set to allow accessory connections. Here’s how to check:
- Select the Apple menu > System Settings.
- Click Privacy & Security.
- Scroll down and click the pop-up menu next to 'Allow accessories to connect', then choose which option you want.
- Change this to always (then this prompt won't come up and you should now be able to connect your external peripherals without issue).
💡Tip: You may need to disconnect and reconnect your external device for this pop-up menu to show.
Inspect the USB-C Port
- Carefully examine the USB-C Port using a light source to check for the present of dust, debris or physical damage.
- If you notice debris, it can be cleaned using a soft-bristled, non-metallic tool, such as a clean toothbrush, taking care not to damage internal components.
- Check for signs of liquid exposure, such as corrosion or green discolouration near the port. If found, contact an authorised Apple Service Provider for diagnostics.
Run Apple Diagnostics
- If the USB-C port is still not functioning then carry out an Apple Diagnostics test by following the steps here.
- Should any error codes be generated, make a note of them and contact an Apple Authorised Service Provider or Hoxton Macs (if your device is still under warranty) for further support.
⚠️ Important: Error codes PPP001 or PPP020 usually indicate a power port issue but are often caused by running Apple Diagnostics without the charger connected. Re-running the test with the charger properly plugged in should resolve the error.
Boot into Safe Mode
For Apple-silicon based devices:
- Power off your Mac completely.
- Press and hold the Power button until the “Loading startup options” screen appears.
- Select your startup disk (typically Macintosh HD).
- While holding the Shift key, click Continue in Safe Mode.
- Release the Shift key.
- Your Mac will now boot into Safe Mode, you’ll see “Safe Boot” in the top-right corner of the screen or under System Information.
Once the system has booted, check whether the port is recognised. If it is, this typically indicates a software-related issue. In such cases, updating macOS or performing a reinstall of macOS may help resolve the problem.
For intel-based devices:
- Power off your Mac completely.
- Switch on your device while holding the Shift key to initiate Safe Mode.
Once the system has booted, check whether the port is recognised. If it is, this typically indicates a software-related issue. In such cases, updating macOS or performing a reinstall of macOS may help resolve the problem.
Update macOS
- Before you start make sure you backup your data
- Navigate to System Settings > General > Software Update.
- Check the port work after the software update.
Reinstall macOS
⚠️ Important: Please note that these procedures will result in the complete removal of all data from your Mac.
- Backup the data on your device and check which Mac model you have, clicking here.
- Follow this guide if you're running macOS Monterey or later, with Apple Silicon or a T2 Security Chip.
- Follow this guide if you've tried step 2 already and/or if you have an intel-based Mac.
- Test to see if the port works.
Reinstall macOS via Apple Configurator (Advanced Step)
If diagnostics reveal no hardware faults but the USB-C port remains non-functional, you may consider restoring or reinstalling macOS via Apple Configurator as a final step in the troubleshooting process.
⚠️ Important: Please note that this procedure will result in the complete removal of all data from your Mac.
- Make sure you’ve backed up your device before proceeding.
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If you are unable to perform this step confidently or cannot create a backup of your data, it is advisable to seek assistance from an authorised service provider.
