Unidentified devices on M4 Mac mini screen

Question

Level 1

4 points

Unidentified devices on M4 Mac mini screen

I just got an M4 MAC mini, plugged it in and attached a monitor. All I get on the screen are graphics of two unidentified devices. What am I supposed to see? I am a lifelong Windows user and came to Apple because people said it was simple I expected that, when I plugged the Mini in, I would get a screen that started me on the way to a setup. As it is, the computer won't even respond to a wired keyboard or mouse. What am I missing?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on Jan 19, 2025 3:58 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 19, 2025 4:57 AM in response to New2Mak

I believe the unidentified devices you see are representations of Apple's bluetooth keyboard and mouse or trackpad. They are to indicate that the mini is expecting you to pair these devices.

What devices have you plugged into the computer?

You can shut down the computer by pressing and holding the power button for ~10 seconds. Then let the mini stand for a minute before you power it on again.

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

85,132 points

Jan 19, 2025 9:16 AM in response to New2Mak

You're welcome.

I'm not fond of hubs with on/off switches, but that hub should work fine with the new Mac mini.

https://www.amazon.com/RSHTECH-Individual-Switches-Aluminum-RSH-518R/dp/B0BHRYX7FF/ref=asc_df_B0BHRYX7FF?

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

85,132 points

Jan 19, 2025 8:10 AM in response to New2Mak

What USB-C to USB-A adapter do you have...?

Some USB adapters may not work in the Mac mini's real TB/USB-C ports.

Maybe try the adapter that you have in one of the Mac mini's front ports.

For a short list of adapter examples that can be purchased locally,

USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-usb-c-to-usb-adapter-black/6473492.p?

https://www.target.com/p/philips-usb-c-to-3-0-usb-a-female-adapter/-/A-79804275

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Answer 4

den.thed

Level 10

85,132 points

Jan 19, 2025 5:11 PM in response to New2Mak

That's good news. You're welcome.

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Answer 5

New2Mak Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 19, 2025 7:40 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

Yes, the images do look like a sideview of a keyboard and the bottom of a mouse.

I have only used USB-A plugs in the past and, so far, I have tried to use rather imperfect adaptors to connect a wired keyboard and a wired mouse to the Mini. I got no response at all. Amazon promises to deliver today a hub for USB-C to multi USB-A ports. Maybe I'll have more luck with that.

I have tried several times to shut the Mine down and start it up again. No luck. I have gotten voice suggestions from the Mini to "Place keyboard in pairing mode" in a dozen or more languages, but no way to act after that.

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Answer 6

New2Mak Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 19, 2025 8:33 AM in response to den.thed

The adaptors that I have used so far are very old and of questionable quality and I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't work. As I mentioned, Amazon will deliver a new adaptor hub today and I'll have another try. The new adaptor is identified as RSHTECH 7-port and is specifically for adapting USB-A ports to a USB-C port.

Wish me luck.

Thanks for your quick replies.

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Answer 7

New2Mak Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 19, 2025 1:31 PM in response to den.thed

I have hooked up with the new adaptor and it works just fine so far. I can't spend too much time with it right now because I have to watch the Eagles win its game.

Thank you for your time and recommendations. I trust that I won't have any more trouble; but, if I do, I'll be back.

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Unidentified devices on M4 Mac mini screen