MacBook: USB port broken - what to do?

If your MacBook USB port stops working, it is not necessarily broken. In this practical tip we will show you how you can check this.

Broken USB port on MacBook - what to do?

If the USB port does not seem to be working, it does not have to be a hardware defect.

1. First, you should check all USB ports with different USB devices. This is the only way to rule out that only the USB device is broken.
2. If only one USB port is not working, it may be dirty. Check if dirt has accumulated in the slot. This can cover the contacts or block the shaft. If so, carefully clean the USB port with a handkerchief.
3. If you can exclude the USB device and all USB ports are not working, it may be a PRAM error. This "locks" all USB ports and your MacBook cannot recognize a USB device. In this case you should reset the PRAM.
4. However, make sure that various other settings such as screen resolution or the saved volume are also lost. You must restore this after the reset.
5. In most cases, the PRAM reset can fix the problem. If not, it is probably a hardware defect. In this case, contact Apple Support.