M4 Mac Mini Owners Report USB-C Connectivity Issues
Apple's latest M4 Mac Mini seems to be facing USB-C connectivity issues, according to a report by AppleInsider. Numerous users have reported problems with USB-C devices randomly disconnecting or failing to connect altogether, sparking discussions across online forums.
Reports Detail Widespread USB-C Problems
The issue appears to be sporadic but persistent, with users encountering the following problems:
Intermittent Disconnections: A Reddit user noted their USB-C keyboard frequently disconnects and requires unplugging and reconnecting to function again. The same keyboard worked flawlessly with other Macs.
Port-Specific Failures: Some users reported that the rear USB-C ports fail to work reliably, while the front ports function without issue.
Power Draw Concerns: External hard drives connected via USB-C reportedly disconnect during high I/O tasks, leading to speculation about power delivery issues.
Hubs and Adapters: USB hubs and adapters, especially those relying on bus power, seem particularly affected. A hub with an external power source mitigated the problem for one user.
Reports span from the M4 Mac Mini’s November 2024 release to recent examples in January 2025, with similar accounts appearing on the Apple Support Forum and MacResource forums.
The root cause remains unclear, but several factors could be contributing:
Cable or Port Issues: Damaged cables or debris in ports might be causing connectivity problems.
Power Draw: Multiple bus-powered devices connected to a single USB-C port could lead to failures.
Software or Firmware: Signal dropouts occurring after hardware wakes from sleep suggest a software bug that Apple may need to address through updates.
Low-Quality Accessories: Cheap or poorly constructed adapters and cables are also potential culprits.
Users are advised to inspect cables for damage, replace adapters if necessary, and consider limiting bus-powered devices on the same port.
As of now, Apple has not officially addressed the issue, but there is hope that a software update could resolve these connectivity problems. M4 Mac Mini owners experiencing similar issues are encouraged to check Apple Support for updates or seek guidance in Apple’s forums.
Have you experienced USB-C issues with your M4 Mac Mini? Do you think it’s a hardware flaw or something Apple can fix with a patch? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!
