Whenever there is a power surge or the Mac thinks there is one, then to safeguard the system it disables all its USB accessories. This issue can be caused by a device if you have attached a device to the Mac that is power-hungry. And in that case, the USB accessories disabled message on your Mac can be cured by using a USB-powered hub.
What Causes “USB Accessories Disabled” Error?
If that is not the case, then the USB accessories disabled message can be caused by many factors along with hardware issues, but mainly, the following ones:
Outdated OS of the System: If the macOS of your system is not updated to the latest build, it may conflict with other OS modules/kernels (like USB extension kernel) and cause the issue at hand.Corrupt SMC: SMC manages the low-level settings like power to the different system devices including USB ports. If the SMC itself has become corrupt, it may cause the false positive of a power surge on a USB port, thus forcing the Mac to disable all the USB accessories.Corrupt NVRAM and PRAM: If any of these memories are stuck in an error state, then can cause a power surge on a USB port and thus cause the error under discussion.Malware Infection: If your Mac is infected with malware and if that malware tries to access a USB device, the USB device may start drawing more power than the USB port can provide, thus the USB accessories disabled message.
Before diving into more detailed solutions, check if trying any of the steps mentioned in the following list solves your issue:
Update the macOS of Your System to the Latest Build
If the macOS of your system is not updated to the latest build, it may conflict with other system modules (like USB ports) and cause the USB accessories disabled message. Here, updating the macOS of your system to the latest build may solve the USB problem.
Boot Your Mac Machine into the Safe Mode
When you boot your Mac into the Safe mode, it clears out certain logs, directories, kernels (like USB kernel extension) that may be causing the USB issue. In this context, booting your Mac into the Sade Mode may solve the problem.
Rese the NVRAM and PRAM Memories
NVRAM and PRAM are memories used to store certain Mac settings and are quickly access then when needed. If any of the memories are stuck in an error state, then the Mac may fail to access certain USB ports, resulting in the USB accessories disabled issue. In such a case, resetting NVRAM and PRAM to the defaults may solve the USB problem.
Scan Your Mac for a Malware
If your Mac machine is infected with malware and that malware is interfering with the USB kernels of the OS, then it can cause the USB accessories issue at hand. In such a scenario, scanning your Mac for malware and removing the malware may solve the problem.
Use the Disk Utility’s First Aid to Repair the Disk Errors
If the directory structure of your disk or disk is having some errors, then the Mac may throw the USB error at hand. Here, using First Aid in the Disk Utility to repair the disk errors may solve the problem.
Perform an SMC Reset
System Management Controller or SMC controls the low-level settings of your Mac like thermal or power management of the system, etc. If in a rare event, the SMC of your system is in an error state, it may affect your Mac’s performance like the current USB issue. In such a scenario, performing an SMC reset of your Mac may clear the USB accessories disabled message.
Disable DDC/ CI Function of the Monitor
The Display Data Channel / Command Interface (aka as DDC/CI) is a collection of different digital communication protocols between a PC and a display unit. This interface allows the users to control compatible computer graphics properties from the monitors. If your monitor is DDC/CI complaint and the USB accessories disabled message is caused when the monitor is connected, then disabling the DDC/ CI interface in the monitor settings may solve the problem.
Disable Notifications or Enable Do Not Disturb Mode of Your System
If none of the above solutions did the trick for you, then disabling the notifications or enabling the do not disturb mode of your computer may solve the problem. But keep in mind that this option will only stop the notifications if the USB ports are working fine for you. Also, note that this will disable all notifications like calendar notifications, etc. Disable:- Enable:- If the issue is still there or you do not want to disable notifications, then you get your Mac checked for a hardware issue.
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