If you’re using a MacBook, Mac Mini, or iMac and suddenly see the message “USB Accessories Disabled”, don’t worry—you’re not alone. This common error often appears when your Mac detects that a connected USB device is using too much power or is malfunctioning. Whether it’s an external hard drive, flash drive, camera, or other accessory, this issue can interrupt your workflow and even risk data loss.
In this blog, you’ll learn how to fix the “USB accessories disabled” error on Mac, understand why it happens, how to recover data safely, and how to prevent it from occurring again.
When your Mac displays the message “USB Accessories Disabled. Unplug the accessory using too much power to re-enable USB devices,” it means that a connected USB device is drawing more electrical power than your Mac’s port can provide. This triggers a protective shutdown of that port.
“USB accessories disabled on Mac”
“USB devices disabled Mac”
“Unplug the accessory using too much power”
“USB accessory needs power”
“USB accessory disabled Mac”
Devices like external hard drives, webcams, or USB hubs sometimes exceed the allowed power limit.
Frayed or low-quality USB cables can cause unstable power supply and lead to disabled ports.
Using multiple devices at once without a powered USB hub can overwhelm the Mac’s USB controller.
Some macOS versions like Ventura may show “Allow Accessories to Connect” prompt inconsistently or not at all.
Dusty ports or internal logic board issues may affect USB connectivity.
Follow these step-by-step solutions to fix the problem:
Disconnect the device that caused the error. This instantly re-enables USB power to other connected devices.
A simple reboot often refreshes hardware connections and resets USB ports.
Click Apple Menu > Restart > Wait for your Mac to reload.
Connect your accessories via a powered USB hub to supply enough external power. This prevents overloading your Mac’s internal ports.
Update to the latest version of macOS to resolve bugs related to USB port behavior.
Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.
Switch the device to another USB port or try a different USB-C to USB-A adapter. The port itself may be failing.
Resetting the SMC can fix power-related hardware issues on Intel Macs:
For MacBooks with T2 chip:
Shut down your Mac.
Hold Control + Option (Alt) + Shift for 7 seconds.
While holding them, press the power button and hold all keys for another 7 seconds.
Release and restart.
For M1 or M2 Macs:
SMC resets automatically during shutdown. Just shut down and wait 30 seconds before restarting.
macOS may block new USB accessories for security reasons. To allow connections:
Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Scroll to “Allow accessories to connect” > Select Always.
If this option is not showing:
Try disconnecting and reconnecting your USB accessory.
Restart your Mac to refresh the prompt.
Disconnect unnecessary USB devices, especially those that don’t have their own power source.
If your USB drive or external hard drive was disabled due to power issues, you might risk losing valuable files. Here’s how to recover your data safely:
When your Mac asks you to initialize or format a drive—don’t. This will erase all your data.
Open Disk Utility and see if your drive appears. If it’s greyed out:
Click on it > Mount (if possible)
Run First Aid to repair the disk
If Disk Utility fails, use trusted Mac data recovery tools like:
Stellar Data Recovery for Mac
Disk Drill
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
These tools can help retrieve files from unmounted or corrupted drives.
Connect the USB device to another Mac or even a Windows PC to see if it works there.
If you still can’t recover the data, professional backup and data recovery services like DigitalBulls Backup Services can help retrieve your lost files safely.
Here are simple tips to avoid this error in the future:
Use certified, high-quality USB accessories
Avoid overloading USB ports with many devices
Always use powered hubs for power-hungry gadgets
Keep your Mac dust-free and clean
Update macOS regularly to fix system bugs
Check cable quality before plugging in
Always eject USB devices safely
Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Allow accessories to connect > Always. If the option isn’t showing, try restarting your Mac and reconnecting the accessory.
It means the USB device requires more power than your Mac’s port can provide. Use a powered USB hub to fix it.
Yes, poorly made or damaged devices can cause power surges or overload ports. Always use quality accessories.
Try restarting your Mac, testing another device, or resetting the SMC (for Intel Macs). If the port is physically damaged, contact Apple Support.
Use Disk Utility > First Aid, or try professional Mac data recovery software. For valuable or sensitive data, consult a backup specialist like DigitalBulls.
Getting the “USB Accessories Disabled” message on your Mac can be frustrating, especially when it affects your external drives or essential devices. But with the right troubleshooting steps, you can easily fix the issue and recover your data safely.
By understanding the causes and using trusted methods like powered hubs, system resets, and safe recovery tools, you can prevent it from happening again and keep your data protected.
If you ever face data loss or need expert help, consider professional services like DigitalBulls Backup Services for reliable and secure solutions.
