How to See USB Devices on Mac: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide

If you're trying to figure out how to see USB devices on your Mac or struggling to find that connected jump drive, you've come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the different ways to view, manage, and control USB devices on your Mac. Whether you’re working with macOS Monterey or an older version of macOS X, these steps will help you navigate through the process effortlessly.

1. How to See USB Devices on Mac Using System Information

If you’re asking, "How do you see USB devices on a Mac?" the answer often lies in System Information. This built-in utility provides a detailed overview of all hardware connected to your Mac, including USB devices.

Follow these steps to view the USB device list:

1. Access System Information:
   • Hold down the Option (Alt) key, then click on the Apple logo at the top left of your screen.
   • Select System Information from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can use Spotlight (Cmd + Space), type System Information, and click to open it.
2. Navigate to USB Information:
   • In the System Information window, expand the Hardware section in the left sidebar.
   • Click on USB to see a detailed list of all USB devices connected to your Mac. This information includes the device name, power requirements, and much more.

If you need more advanced control over USB devices, consider a programmable hub like the USBHub3+ from Acroname. This product allows software-controlled power management and monitoring, making it ideal for complex setups.

2. Using Finder to Locate and Open a USB Drive on Mac

For storage devices like flash drives or jump drives, Finder is the most straightforward way to locate and access them.

Steps to locate and open a USB drive on Mac:

1. Open Finder:
   • Click on the Finder icon in your Dock to open a Finder window.
2. Locate Your USB Drive:
   • In the sidebar under Locations, you should see your connected USB drive. Click on it to access your files and folders. This is a simple answer to "How do you open a USB on a Mac?"—use Finder for a quick and easy solution.

If you're working with devices that require multiple connections or are used in testing environments, Acroname's USBHub2x4 Industrial USB Hub provides a programmable way to manage connections from your Mac.

3. Using Terminal to List USB Devices on Mac

For a more technical approach, you can use Terminal to view a mac USB device list.

Steps to use Terminal:

1. Open Terminal:
   • Open Spotlight (Cmd + Space), type Terminal, and press Enter.
2. Run a Command:

Type the following command in Terminal:
sh
Copy code
system_profiler SPUSBDataType

• This will display a comprehensive list of connected USB devices, including technical details like ports, current status, and power usage.

For those dealing with test environments or development, using a programmable USB hub like the USB-C Switch from Acroname might also be beneficial. It allows bi-directional control over USB-C connections, making it useful for rapid prototyping and development.

4. Using Disk Utility to Find USB Drives on Mac

If you’re dealing with storage devices, Disk Utility can also be used to manage and verify USB devices.

Steps to use Disk Utility:

1. Open Disk Utility:
   • Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility, or search for Disk Utility in Spotlight (Cmd + Space).
2. Locate Your USB Drive
   • All connected drives, including USB storage devices, will be listed in the left-hand pane. This method is also helpful if the USB drive doesn’t appear in Finder.

5. Third-Party Tools for Advanced USB Management on Mac

If you need more advanced control over your USB ports, Acroname offers tools like the HubTool software. HubTool provides an intuitive graphical interface to monitor and control USB connections, which is particularly useful for those using programmable USB hubs. You can also read Acroname's blog posts for more in-depth articles about USB management and use cases for their products: Acroname Blog.

Finding and Viewing USB Devices on Mac

Knowing how to see USB devices on your Mac can save time and prevent frustration. Whether you’re using System Information, Finder, Terminal, or Disk Utility, there are multiple ways to access a detailed list of USB devices on your Mac.

If you require advanced control over your USB devices, Acroname's products like the USBHub3+, USBHub2x4, and USB-C Switch are highly effective tools designed to enhance USB management, control, and testing.

For more detailed information and other resources, including software that complements these USB hubs, visit Acroname's product page to explore the full range of solutions available.