M4 Pro Mac mini USB subsystem randomly stops

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Level 1

11 points

M4 Pro Mac mini USB subsystem randomly stops

I have an M4 Pro Mac mini. The entire USB subsystem randomly stops working. All ports go inoperative. I presume the driver dies because reboot restores operation. I can connect with VNC and everything remains functional except USB. Nothing connected draws any appreciable amount of power. I have experimented with process of elimination, but none of the connected devices seem culpable. I suspect if I rebooted daily I would never see this behavior. This persisted from MacOS 15.x and 26.x. The Thunderbolt display connection remains functional. I'm wondering if others may be seeing this happening.

Posted on Nov 11, 2025 10:06 PM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

90,706 points

Nov 12, 2025 4:53 PM in response to mntbighker

mntbighker wrote:

I suspect if I rebooted daily I would never see this behavior.

It never happens within hours. It always takes days.

If you are allowing Automatic computer sleep, then it could be crashing and taking down the USB.

As a test

Turn On "Prevent automatic sleeping when display is off"

Set "Turn display off when inactive" to 5 or 10 minutes

Leave the Mac Mini On and only allow the display(s) to turn Off

Shut Down the Mac mini when your away for a day or more

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Answer 2

mntbighker Author

Level 1

11 points

Nov 12, 2025 4:26 PM in response to den.thed

Sabrent plugged in with the included USB 3.2 to USB-C cable. The cable was swapped when the hub was swapped, but I have very few of those weird USB 3.2 cables. The only thing plugged into TB is the display. I have had the hub into TB, but it didn't matter. If I recall, I even tried keyboard and mouse into the front and display via HDMI, and eventually USB still reset eventually. It never happens within hours. It always takes days.

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

90,706 points

Nov 12, 2025 12:03 PM in response to mntbighker

Please provide more detailed information (brands, models, web-links, etc...) about the Hub and Other USB devices that are connected to the Mac mini.

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Answer 4

mntbighker Author

Level 1

11 points

Nov 12, 2025 9:51 AM in response to den.thed

Nothing connected draws power. It's data only. I specifically used a high powered USB hub regardless, and I have two, so I have swapped the hub and cable. No storage is attached via USB. I have done the process of elimination on cables and attached devices. I agree that something is getting tripped, but so far I can't see reason for it.

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Answer 5

mntbighker Author

Level 1

11 points

Nov 12, 2025 3:23 PM in response to den.thed

Asus 5k display (no USB connected to hub)
Motu M2 audio interface (mini front USB 3 port)
Sabrent 1,500w (Hub)

Elektron Digitone II midi

Elektron Digitakt II midi

Oxi Instruments Oxi One mk2 midi / charging

Expert Sleepers ES-9 audio interface

Apple keyboard

Logitech RF receiver

I have experimented with different cables, different identical model hub, and elimination of every connected device. Really the only remaining common denominator is the mini eventually craps out and requires a reboot. Let's say more often than patching demands a reboot. The Oxi battery charger is the only power draw, and the hub has a 1,500 watt PSU. This has been tested with the Oxi disconnected as well. Taking it to the Genius Bar was not really an option because it can take days to fail.

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Answer 6

mntbighker Author

Level 1

11 points

Nov 12, 2025 4:14 PM in response to den.thed

Revised list:

TB5 - Asus 5k display (no USB connected to hub)
Front USB 3 - Motu M2 audio interface (mini front USB 3 port)
Front USB 3 - Sabrent 1,500w (Hub)

Elektron Digitone II midi / audio

Elektron Digitakt II midi / audio

Oxi Instruments Oxi One mk2 midi / charging

Expert Sleepers ES-9 audio interface

Apple keyboard

Logitech RF receiver

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Answer 7

mntbighker Author

Level 1

11 points

Nov 12, 2025 3:36 PM in response to mntbighker

BTW everything powered on a business class APC UPS.

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Answer 8

mntbighker Author

Level 1

11 points

Nov 12, 2025 5:06 PM in response to den.thed

I'm already doing both of those.

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Answer 9

den.thed

Level 10

90,706 points

Nov 12, 2025 9:38 AM in response to mntbighker

Sounds like you have a faulty USB cable, a faulty USB device or too many bus powered devices drawing to much power from the Mac mini and tripping the USB port protection.

First test your USB cables, drives and devices one or two at a time.

Then if all of those test OK, it sounds like port overload from too many USB devices.

If you are using a cheap Un-Powered USB Hub for multiple bus powered drives and devices.

Then you need to upgrade to a Self-Powered USB Hub or Dock for those bus powered drives and devices.

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Answer 10

den.thed

Level 10

90,706 points

Nov 12, 2025 4:24 PM in response to mntbighker

That is good info so far, thank you.

1) What USB to USB-C cable or USB to USB-C adapter are you using to plug that Sabrent hub into the Mac mini..?

2) Are you plugging that Sabrent hub into the other front USB-C port or into one of the rear TB/USB-C ports..?

Another thing to try: Is to get a couple of USB 3.0 to USB-C adapters. Then move one or two of those devices off of the hub and put them directly on the remaining front or rear ports of the Mac mini.

FWIW I have two of the 4 Port Sabrent 3.0 powered hubs, that I use with two different year model Mac mini's.

I am using Philips USB 3.0 to USB-A adapters to plug those Sabrent hubs into USB-C ports with no issues.

I also use those Philips USB 3.0 to USB-A adapters to connect single USB 3.0 drives to USB-C ports.

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

Or optionally the more expensive Apple adapter.

USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple

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