How to find usb connected devices on mac​？

USB connected devices, including flash drives, external hard drives, keyboards, mice, printers, and other peripherals, are commonly used with Macs. These devices can be essential for your workflow, whether you are transferring files, backing up data, or expanding your Mac’s functionality with additional accessories. 

Section 1: How to Use System Information to Find USB Devices 

One of the most straightforward ways to find USB-connected devices on a Mac is through the built-in System Information tool. This tool provides detailed information about your Mac’s hardware and software configurations, including all USB devices currently connected.

Accessing System Information

Open the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.

Select About This Mac.

Click System Report to open the System Information window.

Navigating to USB Devices

In the left sidebar of the System Information window, scroll down and find the USB section.

Under USB, you will see a list of all USB devices that are connected to your Mac.

Each device will be listed with its name, type, and other technical details, such as its speed, manufacturer, and connection type.

Identifying Devices

Look for your USB device in the list and click on it to view more specific details, like the USB version (USB 2.0. 3.0. etc.), power usage, and whether the device is operating correctly.

What if the Device Doesn’t Appear?

If the device doesn’t appear in the System Information tool, it could indicate a hardware issue (like a faulty USB port or cable) or an issue with the device itself.

Section 2: Using Disk Utility to Find USB Storage Devices

If you have connected a USB storage device, such as an external hard drive or flash drive, Disk Utility can help you find and manage it.

Opening Disk Utility

Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder.

Open Utilities and select Disk Utility.

Identifying USB Devices in Disk Utility

When a USB storage device is connected, it should appear in the Disk Utility window on the left-hand sidebar.

The device will be listed by name and may display additional information, such as its size and format.

Verifying the Connection

If you don’t see the device, unplug it and plug it back in.

If it still doesn’t appear, try connecting it to another USB port or checking the device on another computer to rule out hardware issues.

Repairing the Device

If the USB storage device appears but is not functioning properly, you can use First Aid in Disk Utility to attempt repairs.

Select the device in Disk Utility, and click First Aid to check for disk errors.

Section 3: Using Finder to Locate USB Devices (Approx. 400 words)

For most users, the simplest way to find connected USB devices is through Finder.

Accessing USB Devices via Finder

When you plug in a USB device (like a flash drive or external hard drive), it will typically show up in the Finder sidebar under the Locations section.

Click on the device’s name in the sidebar to access its contents.

Ensuring Finder Shows USB Devices

If your USB device doesn’t appear in Finder, check the Finder Preferences:

Open Finder, then click Finder in the menu bar and select Preferences.

Under the General tab, ensure that External disks is checked.

Ejecting USB Devices Safely

Before physically disconnecting a USB device from your Mac, ensure that it is properly ejected by right-clicking on its name in Finder and selecting Eject.

Section 4: Using Terminal to Check for USB Devices 

For users who prefer working with the command line, Terminal offers a way to list USB devices connected to your Mac.

Opening Terminal

Navigate to Applications > Utilities and open Terminal.

Listing USB Devices

To view the connected USB devices, type the following command in Terminal and press Enter:

system_profiler SPUSBDataType

This command will output a list of all USB devices, including detailed information about each device, such as its ID, manufacturer, and connection speed.

Understanding the Output

The output will include sections for each USB bus (port), listing connected devices. Look for sections like USB Device and USB 3.0 Bus to find devices that are actively connected.

Checking for Devices Not Showing in Other Tools

Using Terminal can sometimes reveal devices that aren’t visible in Finder or System Information, especially if they are not mounted properly or require additional drivers.

Section 5: Troubleshooting USB Device Connections on Mac

If your Mac isn’t recognizing a USB device, or if you encounter connectivity issues, follow these troubleshooting steps:

Check the USB Port and Cable

Ensure that both the USB port and the cable are functioning. Try a different USB port or a different cable to rule out issues with either.

Reboot Your Mac

Sometimes, a simple reboot of your Mac can resolve issues with USB connections.

Update macOS

If your Mac’s software is outdated, it might lack the necessary drivers to support certain USB devices. Ensure that you’re running the latest version of macOS by going to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Software Update.

Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)

In some cases, resetting the SMC can resolve hardware issues, including problems with USB devices.

To reset the SMC on Intel-based Macs, turn off your Mac, then press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys and the power button for 10 seconds. Release all keys and power on the Mac.

Reset NVRAM/PRAM

If you are having problems with USB devices not showing up correctly, try resetting the NVRAM/PRAM by turning off the Mac, then pressing and holding Option + Command + P + R during startup.

Section 6: USB Devices Not Recognized by Mac – Possible Causes

If your USB devices are still not showing up, several possible causes could be contributing to the issue:

Insufficient Power Supply

Some USB devices, particularly external hard drives, may require more power than your Mac’s USB ports can supply. Use a powered USB hub or connect the device to a different port.

Faulty or Incompatible Device

Not all USB devices are compatible with macOS, especially if they require proprietary software or specific drivers. Visit the manufacturer’s website to check for compatibility.

Corrupt USB Device or Formatting Issues

If the USB device has become corrupted or improperly formatted, it might not show up in Finder or System Information. Try using Disk Utility to repair or reformat the device.

Issues with macOS Permissions

Sometimes, security settings or permission issues on macOS can prevent USB devices from appearing. Ensure that your Mac allows external devices to connect by checking System Preferences > Security & Privacy.