Unable to use devices repeatedly in same Thunderbolt ports on 2019 MacBook Pro

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Unable to use devices repeatedly in same Thunderbolt ports on 2019 MacBook Pro

I have a 2019 MacBook Pro with 4 Thunderbolt ports. I'm on the latest Sequoia 15.1.1. Over time, these ports seem to 'forget' devices that have been plugged into them, then don't react in any way when they are plugged in again. I have to use a different port before they become recognized and usable. The one that concerns me most is my power cable, because I only have one port left that will work with it, and occasionally, it too forgets. Other devices, such as my external backup drive work on ports that have 'forgotten' my power cable, but those other devices have stopped working on other ports.

Is there any way that I can refresh my ports or connected devices list to get them all working again? Or is this an indication of some damage to the connectors for which I will have to bring it in for repairs?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.1

Posted on Nov 26, 2024 11:19 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 26, 2024 3:42 PM in response to IchabodE

When you eject a USB or ThunderBolt DRIVE, you are correct in that it will not be seen again if plugged in again until after a Restart.

The statement about devices other than drives does not hold true for most users. You SHOULD be able to disconnect and reconnect devices as you wish, and have them reacquired every time.

The behavior of your power adapter, if you have told the COMPLETE story, is Bizarre. However, Readers do find that the Mac latches onto the first available power source, and will generally not switch to another power source, even if a "better" power source is available later.

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