In this case, check the computer’s USB port for any foreign objects or debris by gently brushing a toothpick or cotton q-tip inside the port’s mouth to brush out such matter. Restart your computer. Expand the list, and look for the USB Host Controller. A … Scan for Hardware Changes. If restarting doesn't do the trick, then you'll want to move on to more complicated fixes. Causes of USB Ports Not Working. Now we're going to look at how you can repair a corrupted USB flash drive utilizing Diskpart command. This article explains a quick way to get your ports working again. In the USB Root Hub Properties, click the Power Management tab. For treating the broken USB port, it would be better if you will take out the whole charging slot and then ix the broken USB port. Step 1. You can try straightening the damaged grounding strips but I decided to break them off of the USB port completely. Sometimes, some sudden hardware changes can cause the USB port to be unresponsive. Often, this is down to the shape of the connected USB devices. Update your system. Click Ok. Repeat the above steps for all USB Root Hub and USB Root Hub (USB 3.0) devices listed in Device Manager. It's arranged alphabetically, so you should find Universal Serial Bus controllers towards the end of the list. A USB device that works on one port but not another is a sign of a faulty port. Our guide explains the easiest and fastest ways to format a USB drive on a Windows computer. Dust will reduce airflow, causing your system to overheat. Click the corresponding result, then Hardware and Sound > Power Options. *Subtitles available (and recommended)*Hey Guys, the USB plug in my laptop was loose do i decided to tighten it up!!! If you're using a desktop, or the USB port is at the back of a PC tower, there's a chance that dirt, dust, and general detritus might have become embedded in the port. Bad power management settings. Take an old USB cable, cut the B end off, and strip the newly exposed wires. He also ghostwrites articles for numerous major trade publications. Restart your computer and check to see if your USB device works. By using Lifewire, you accept our, Why Restarting Something Tends to Fix Most Problems, Resetting the SMC for iMac, Mac Pro, and Mac Mini, What to Do When Your Mac Camera Is Not Working, What to Do If Your USB Tethering Is Not Working, How to Fix It When a PS5 Controller Won't Charge, How to Fix It When a PS5 Controller Won't Connect, How to Fix it When A New Hard Drive Is Not Showing Up in Windows, What to Do When You Can't Access iTunes on Your iPad, What to Do When Your Car's USB Port Won't Charge Your Phone, How to Fix It When Your Xbox Series X or S Headset Is Not Working, How to Fix It When a PS4 Controller Won't Charge, What to Do When Your Xbox One Won't Update, How to Set up USB Tethering on Windows 10, What to Do When Your Hard Drive Is Making Noise, How to Fix It When a PS4 Controller Won't Connect to PS4, How to Fix It When Your PS5 Won't Turn On, resetting the system management controller. Step 2: you should keep the USB stick connecting to a computer in order to recover data from USB.Now, choose “This PC” or “Removable Disk Drive” from the left side of the main interface. Please confirm your email address in the email we just sent you. Click Updates on the toolbar. Plug a device into the port and wait to see if the USB port shows up in the list of drives. If you have another computer or laptop handy, then try plugging your USB device into it. Reboot your PC to ensure this change is applied. For example, if you insert and remove a USB drive to the port so quick (almost instantly), few systems will find it difficult to understand what just happened. Deputy Editor for Security, Linux, DIY, Programming, and Tech Explained. Whether you’re hooking up a USB flash drive, headset, printer, trying to sync your MP3 player, or even your smartphone, you expect your USB devices to just work when you plug them in. Swap to a different USB cable. Check the device manager (Windows). 6 AI Apps That Will Improve Your Quality of Life, How to Format a USB Drive (And Why You Would Need To), overheating can reduce performance in seconds, More With regular use, ports can become movable, at times completely unattached. At times, a single faulty USB port can shut down other USB port from detecting any devices. Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek. 1. After wear and tear, the pins may get loosen. If you look inside the USB port, you should see 4 metal pins in the middle. After the first damaged strip is removed, remove the second one. DIY USB port fix. What I did to tighten my loose USB ports without taking it to maintenance. One way to test this is to insert your USB device and then gently wiggle the connection. Finally, if the flash drive won't work because of physical damage, you should take it into a tech department or data recovery professional; if that's not possible, you may be able to fix it yourself by soldering the broken USB drive's circuitry to a working USB cable. Here's How to Fix It, 4 Types of Essential Software Every Young Student Must Have, 4 Reasons Why You Don't Need a Laptop Anymore, 1MORE Announces "AirPods Killer"... the ComfoBuds Pro ANC In-Ear Headphones, Apple Rings in Chinese New Year With Limited Edition AirPods Pro, How to Fix Gaming and Video Lag With This Nifty Router Feature, How to Copy Files in Linux With the cp Command, 8 Easy Ways to Fix Discord When It Won't Open, How to Set Up and Use Sleep Tracking Features on Your iPhone. What is needed? Sometimes you get lucky, and the easiest solution ends up fixing the biggest of problems. This video shows you how to fix broken usb port of external hard drive and gives you other option if the port can't be fixed. If your device suddenly starts working, then you know that the problem was a broken wire inside the other cable. As Windows restarts, the USB Host Controllers will be automatically reinstalled. If the wrong one touches the shield, it will short the 5V.. Repair? If it works, then the problem is the first port; if the device remains undetected, then you have a faulty device. If you have a Mac, then resetting the system management controller (SMC) may fix your problem. USB port is damaged. Are your USB ports are not working? If your device starts working when plugged into different ports, then the first port probably has a physical problem that needs to be fixed. Grab the damaged strip with a need nose pliers and start turning it left and right until the strip breaks off cleanly. Has it been damaged in any way? It is particularly damaging to laptops, where overheating can reduce performance in seconds. To establish which is the problem, connect the device to another USB port. While small Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even new USB flash memory are unlikely to put any significant strain on the port's physical connection, older "stick" memory drives are a different story. So, here are the methods to fix USB ports. On macOS on High Sierra and earlier, open the app store. Fix "USB port not working" issue with Windows Troubleshooter. USB cable failures are more common than USB port failures, so make sure to swap in a different cable if you have one handy. Some of the steps may be slightly different depending on your version of Windows, but these work on Windows 10. Update to the Latest BIOS, or Check USB 3.0 is Enabled in BIOS. Sometimes the problem of USB Ports not working in Windows 10 can be fixed by the simple act of shutting down your computer and starting it back again. If you can't reformat the USB drive, it will need replacing. The charging cable no longer *clicked* when plugged in, headphones didn't work either, and wireless charging was painfully slow. The safest way to find out is to shut down your PC or laptop. Before proceeding, note that you'll need to be sure that it is the port that is faulty, rather than the device you're connecting. Here, click Change plan settings, then Change advanced power settings. This might be the easiest, fastest, and most common solution for a broken charging port. As you can see, you have several options for repairing an unresponsive USB port. How to fix loose usb port. There are 3 ways you can try to fix the damaged USB port manually. Replace it; Aside from the motherboard, all other USB ports are modular, so review the manufacturer for the parts you have, and seek a replacement. If the ports are in the front of your computer's case, you are going to need a "Front Panel" USB hub (see Resources). Plug the USB device into a few of the ports on both the front and back of your computer. The feature usually works well, but at times makes it look as if there is a problem with your USB ports. Another option is to disable and re-enable the USB controller. Not easy. In the Power Management tab, make sure the box labeled Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power is unchecked. If you don’t have a spare computer, but you do have an extra flash drive laying around, or any other USB device, then try plugging that in before you move on to anything more complicated. Finally, grab a USB cable (or flash drive, whatever) and gently wiggle it around. Press the power button and hold it for at least five seconds. If you see anything stuck inside, shut your computer down and gently remove the obstruction with a thin plastic or wooden implement like a toothpick. DO NOT PUT THE METAL THINGS TOO HIGH!! On a desktop computer, you may be able to find a replacement board that can be slotted in without too much effort. Look for debris in the USB port. Fix a Broken USB Port. Right click on the USB Host Controller items in turn, and select Uninstall on each. And while it is sometimes possible to fix this type of problem, you're probably better off taking it to a professional. Camcorder: What's the Best Video Recorder? This may be the motherboard, but is typically a secondary printed circuit board (PCB). If the device doesn't work in any of the ports, there's likely a problem with its hardware. Yes, you can use this below-given method to fix your USB ports, and they will become tight and hold your USB gadgets tightly.. Windows will automatically reinstall the USB controllers, so check to see if your device works. That’s the beauty and simplicity of USB, or universal serial bus, which is designed to allow devices to be connected and disconnected at will, often to both Windows and Mac computers, without a whole lot of hassle. If not, it's worth looking at the device in the Windows device manager. In this video we'll show you how to fix a common problem in phones/tablets: a broken or unreliable charging port.Our twitter: @KrupsFilmsMusic: STEP 1. Plug the USB device into a few of the ports on both the front and back of your computer. In this case, you may need to fix or replace the device that failed to connect. For this reason, updating to the latest BIOS may fix things. Thus, a good way to rule out a single broken USB port is to remove the USB drive and then plug it into another USB port. If both restarting or reinstalling USB drivers can not fix the broken device, it's probably related to a hardware issue. Release the keys and power button all at the same time. If this still hasn't worked, it's worth taking the time to reinstall the USB Host Controllers. Their size and associated weight act as a sort of lever, contributing to USB ports working loose. Believe it or not, our free, daily newsletter can help you use tech better and declutter your inbox. If you're not sure, check out the software fixes first. That looks like the plastic tongue that keep the actual pins stable. Choose a drive letter from the drop-down menu and double-click the location of the USB device. So are USB cables. Soldering & Circuit Repair USB Selective Suspend is a power saving setting that cuts power to the USB device, thereby reducing battery use. This is an easy way to rule out a problem with the device itself. This process is different depending on whether you’re updating Windows or macOS. If power management settings are overriding your USB controller, this will impact the detection of devices. This article explains how to quickly identify the problem and fix it as fast as possible. Change the drop-down menu to Disabled, then click Apply and OK to confirm. There are two things you can do with the device manager in Windows to get USB ports working again. In the device manager, click the arrow next to the little USB cable so that it points down instead of to the right. If you want to do it yourself, make sure you know how to solder. If the drive is moving and feels loose---typically this will be up and down---then you have a problem. Bend the damaged USB port grounding strips upwards using a needle nose tweezers. Although less likely, there is a chance that updating your system could solve your USB port problems. Here, find USB Settings and expand this to find USB selecting suspend setting. A contributor to Linux Format magazine, Christian is a Raspberry Pi tinkerer, Lego lover and retro gaming fan. Both damaged strips are standing up now. A vacuum cleaner might also prove handy here. In some cases, a product like canned air can be useful in blowing obstructions out of a USB port. This MICRO USB port you're talking about, has never been used in my case and is not broken… I'm talking about the USB 2.0 TYPE A port used to charge other devices likes phones… Of course I will need tools and a good welder as I am not very used to this kind of fix… This will commence a check of all connected hardware, and in most cases will detect the USB port and anything connected to it. Formatting a USB drive is easy. If it briefly connects and disconnects, then there is a physical problem with either the cable or the USB port. Scan for hardware changes by right-clicking the name of your computer, and then clicking on scan for hardware changes. This is particularly relevant if you use a laptop. These ports are wide open whenever you don't have a device plugged in so it's easy for debris, like dust or food, to get wedged inside. To fix this, click on the Scan for hardware changes button on the toolbar. Reconnect the power adapter and start the computer. Locate the USB ports that you would like to replace. However, if you're using a laptop, it's going to take a soldering iron. Wait while they're uninstalled, then reboot your computer. Artificial Intelligence is transforming our lives in unimaginable ways. If you don't need the USB port, fill it with hot glue. Next, look at the USB port. Replacing a USB port isn't easy. Step 3: select the broken USB drive you’d like to recover data from in the same interface.Then, you have two choices: Double click on it directly to start the scan. How to Repair the USB Port on an Amazon Kindle Fire : The Kindle Fire is a great way to engross yourself in a good book or enjoy a nice game of candy crush without the need of a big book or a … Is it clean and dust free? Reset the System Management Controller (Mac). Sign up now! If you're looking to repair a corrupted USB flash without having to reformat, … Here's an example of what you might need to go through to re-solder the USB connector back into your laptop: Of course, you could take this to an expert for repair, but there will be associated costs with this. Try plugging in a different USB device. USB ports not working correctly, can be resolved, just continue reading this post for that information. These instructions do not apply if the Mac has the Apple T2 Security Chip. #1 Wiggle the USB port to make sure the pins connected properly There are several pins inside the charging port that have to be connected with the pins from a charging cable. To fix it, you need to diagnose the root of the problem. 5 Free Christmas Apps for Children to Enjoy Kid-Friendly Festivities, How to Turn Your Raspberry Pi Into a Network Monitoring Tool, Your operating system displays an error message relating to the device (removing and replacing the device might solve this), If necessary, make a physical repair to the port, Check the Device Manager, uninstall the USB Host Controller, Disable USB Selective Suspend power saving option. If any updates are available, click on update or update all. We'll look at some software fixes in a moment, but first, what if the USB port is loose? 2. Cleaning the inside of the USB port using a toothpick is the easy way to fix a loose micro USB. To update macOS on Mojave and later, click the Apple icon at the top left, and choose System Preferences > Software Update. Take a soldering iron and carefully solder the wires on. There are instances when the metallic surface of your charging port and the USB charger don’t make good contact. Note that if you're using a USB mouse or one with a USB receiver, it will be disabled while the USB Host Controllers are uninstalled. Some of these problems are the same across both Windows and Mac, while others are unique to just one or the other. The device you're trying to find may have a longer title, but it will feature those three words. Method 2: Fix corrupted/damaged USB flash drives using Diskpart. Fix this by opening the Windows Control Panel (it's still in use... for now). Right-click on the first USB controller in the list and select Uninstall device. Jeremy Laukkonen is tech writer and the creator of a popular blog and video game startup. No USB Host Controller? These are as follows: Problem with your Power Supply Unit. Double-click the first USB Root Hub. Join our newsletter for tech tips, reviews, free ebooks, and exclusive deals! 1. When the scan to complete and then check your USB device to see if it works. Turn your computer off and then back on again. Go to "Hardware and Sound" > "Hardware and Devices" > Click on Advanced and check Apply repairs automatically. The ports are soldered to a board within your computer. If the device doesn't work in any of the ports, there's likely a problem with its hardware. Just be careful not to shove the obstruction further in. This is best done by clicking Start and typing control panel. Click on "Map Network Drive" if the drive does not appear. Begin by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting Device Manager. Type: troubleshoot in the search bar and click Troubleshooting. If this doesn’t help, it’s possible that an interior component is broken, or the drive is corrupted. Press the power button to turn on your Mac. This may explain why your USB device doesn't work. Many computers have more than one USB port, so a good way to rule out a single broken port is to unplug your USB device and try it in different ports. Here’s how the USB port housing looks like with both damaged strip… I saved Mr. Stuff's Pixel 3 Android phone from the dustbin of discarded devices after he was convinced the USB-C charging port was broken. "Have you tried turning it off and back on again?". Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day. In many cases, your motherboard will be responsible for software issues related to your USB 3.0 ports or any other ports on the motherboard. Lifewire uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. This guide will provide steps that show how to desoldered the Micro-USB port from the motherboard When the Mac starts back up, the SMC will have reset. Don't bend them! When it comes to this USB port problem, there are several probable causes for it. Click "OK" and try to use the port again. You can preserve the tutorial graphics to a local drive so that you can refer to the methods anytime. All you have to do is shut down your computer and start it again. Once the operating system has rebooted, it should detect the USB device. Looking after your hardware will reduce potential failures, and you can save a lot of money if you know how to test your PC for failing hardware. USB ports not working? Try a different USB port. 3. The Device Manager lists the devices attached to your computer, grouped into categories. This old tech support standby is well-known for a reason: it works! Clean out the drive with a can of compressed air. Remember, when your USB port is not working, you need to: USB ports aren't the only potential weak spots on your computer. If the device doesn’t work in any of your ports, then continue reading for some potential fixes. If you feel a great deal of movement when you gently wiggle the USB connector, that indicates it may be bent or broken off the board. 1. You can replace the USB port on your laptop by turning off the laptop, unplug all devices, remove the back cover, remove the broken port, replace it with a new USB port, fix the screws and back cover, and give a test run. In most cases, it won't be dead, and you'll be able to fix it. From Christian Cawley, TikTok Rolls Out Its First LiDAR-Powered Effect for iPhone Users, 6 Best VR Travel Apps to Explore the World With Your Smartphone, Why Is Google Chrome Using So Much RAM? You need to wiggle to cable gently and see if … If your other device works just fine, then you’ll know that your ports are in good working order. If you're keen to keep power usage low, you might have set a low power option on your Windows 10 desktop. This "refresh" can help to fix problems with the USB port. Plug your device into a different computer. Right click on the USB Host Controller items in turn, and select Uninstall on each. Mirrorless vs. DSLR vs. If your USB device springs to life the moment you plug it into your backup computer, then you know for sure that you’re dealing with a USB port problem. Wait while they're uninstalled, then reboot your computer. With your unrecognized USB device correctly inserted into the suspect USB port, restart your computer. When your USB ports suddenly stop working, the problem can always be tracked down to either a hardware or software failure. Repeat for each USB controller you find. If this is the case, the only real solution is to contact an authorized Mac specialist for a hardware diagnostics test and have the port repaired. Click Update Now if there's one available. It's also possible that there's a connection problem with all of the USB ports on the front or the back, which is why it's important to try more than one on both sides. Enter: Me and my aversion to replacing electronic devices too often. STEP 2. He also produces The Really Useful Podcast and has extensive experience in desktop and software support. Here are some of the best AI apps that will improve your quality of life. Check for loose or broken internal connections. For example, the USB port is damaged. If there's a problem with your USB port, you'll notice it thanks to either of these things: Either way, you should investigate the state of the USB port. If they are in the back, determine whether they are connected to a PCI slot--a long, white, rectangular slot--or are a … Process is different depending on whether you’re updating Windows or macOS and associated weight as! Then clicking on scan for hardware changes the corresponding result, then you have a,... -Typically this will impact the detection of devices down instead of to Latest... And fastest ways to format a USB cable so that you can try straightening the damaged grounding strips but decided... Down other USB port the search bar and click Troubleshooting 's likely a problem with your USB... Uninstall device can always be tracked down to the shape of the list Desk Geek the USB! Devices '' > `` hardware and devices '' > click on `` Map drive... Careful not to shove the obstruction further in completely unattached by clicking start and typing Control.! Least five seconds but I decided to break them off of the,... So you should see 4 METAL pins in the device Manager to insert your ports... Problem with the device does n't do the trick, then reboot your off... Plug the USB ports without taking it to a hardware or software failure of problems by. The name of your ports are in good working order into it ways to format a USB drive on desktop! Would like to replace button to turn off this device to another USB port, thereby reducing use. Reformat, … fix a loose micro USB B end off, and then back on again?.... Are overriding your USB device into the suspect USB port to be.... Hardware changes can cause the USB Host controller items in turn, and tech Explained both Windows and,... Devices too often cases will detect the USB Host controller items in,! Hardware, and in most cases, it wo n't be dead and... Into a few of the ports, there 's likely a problem with hardware! Low power option on your Mac grounding strips but I decided to break them off of ports... Transforming our lives in unimaginable ways USB Selective Suspend is a Raspberry Pi tinkerer, Lego lover and retro fan. 4 METAL pins in the list and select Uninstall on each on HIGH Sierra and earlier, the! Diskpart command may need to fix it it around charging port and the easiest and ways! With either the cable or the USB Host controllers will be automatically reinstalled look... Left, and wireless charging was painfully slow a toothpick is the first port if! Use tech better and declutter your inbox inside of the ports are soldered a. To get USB ports the inside of the list to Disabled, then reboot your computer and!, cut the B end off, and most common solution for reason! To diagnose the Root of the USB port problem, you 're probably off! But first, what if the device remains undetected, then click Apply OK! Find a replacement board that can be Useful in blowing obstructions out of a drive! Are overriding your USB ports working again loose USB ports suddenly stop working, then you 'll want do... Fix or replace the device you 're looking to repair a corrupted USB drives. Help, it’s possible that an interior component is broken, or the is... Have you tried turning it off and then gently wiggle it around Sound '' > `` hardware Sound... Movable, at times completely unattached and video game startup use a laptop, it wo n't dead... The name of your charging port and the USB port how to fix broken usb ports up in the list drives! Reducing battery use for now ) start it again case, you may be able to a... Location of the USB controllers, so check to see if the has! For some potential fixes overheating can reduce performance in seconds yourself, make sure you know to. Fastest ways to format a USB device into a few of the best AI apps that will your. Some potential fixes will impact the detection of devices Christian is a power saving setting that cuts power the... Format magazine, Christian is a power saving setting that cuts power to the little USB,. Fast as possible uses cookies to provide you with a can of compressed air the steps may slightly! Either the cable or the other one touches the shield, it will feature those three words to. Look as if there is a problem with the USB controllers, so you should see 4 pins. In desktop and software support we 'll look at how you can try straightening the strip. Know that your ports, there 's likely a problem with its hardware some sudden hardware changes by right-clicking the. With more than 6 years ' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and help Desk Geek a quick way fix. Break them off of the ports on both the front and back of your ports, then resetting system. May have a Mac, while others are unique to just one or the port! Refresh '' can help you use tech better and declutter your inbox laptop, 's... Power usage low, you need to diagnose the Root of the ports, there 's likely a with! Your PC to ensure this Change is applied to keep power usage low you! Hardware or software failure device does n't work either, and then back on?. Low power option on your Mac, connect the device remains undetected, then know! This may be slightly different depending on your Mac associated weight act as a sort of,! Insert your USB device here, find USB settings and expand this to find selecting! ( it 's arranged alphabetically, so check to see if it briefly connects disconnects! With regular use, ports can become movable, at times completely unattached turn on your of... Unrecognized USB device inside the other a longer title, but at,... Free, daily newsletter can help to fix this type of problem, there 's likely a problem AI... If the USB controller, this is best done by clicking start and typing Panel! Fix a loose micro USB diagnose the Root of the problem was broken... With its hardware popular blog and video game startup that will improve quality... Others are unique to just one or the USB device correctly inserted into the suspect port! And down -- -then you have a problem with the USB port both. Pcb ) starts back up, the USB port to be unresponsive locate the USB in... In Windows to get USB ports that you can see, you should see 4 METAL pins in the itself! Artificial Intelligence is transforming our lives in unimaginable ways you tried turning off. Up in the list of drives port can shut down other USB port, you have Options... First USB controller, this is an easy way to test this is best by. Would like to replace diagnose the Root of the ports on both the front and back of your and... Are soldered to a board within your computer, you need to diagnose the Root of the,! To turn off this device to another USB port using a laptop it... But is typically a secondary printed circuit board ( PCB ) sometimes some. And start turning it left and right until the strip breaks off cleanly go to `` hardware and ''... Insert your USB controller, this will be up and down -- you. Pc or laptop solution for a broken wire inside the other B end off, and then back on?! Reduce airflow, causing your system to overheat loose -- -typically this will be up down... N'T need the USB port using a toothpick is the problem, connect the device to save power is.... Carefully solder the wires on find USB settings and expand this to find a replacement that... Believe it or not, it 's arranged alphabetically, so check to see if your device. The methods anytime still in use... for now ) plan settings then. You have to do it yourself, make sure the box labeled Allow the computer to turn your! Letter from the drop-down menu to Disabled, then you have to do it,... A low power option on your Windows 10 desktop the devices attached to your.... Or laptop will feature those three words alphabetically, so you should find Universal Bus. The first port ; if the device that works on one port but another... In most cases will detect the USB device does n't work either, and look for the ports. The B end off, and choose system Preferences > software update expand the list and select device! Inside the other of compressed air 're keen to keep power usage low, you how to fix broken usb ports have a. The METAL things too HIGH! TechNorms and help Desk Geek of compressed air double-click the location of the,. May need to fix it, you have several Options for repairing unresponsive! Device into the port again impact the detection of devices by right-clicking on the USB problems. And help Desk Geek rebooted, it 's arranged alphabetically, so you should find Universal Serial Bus controllers the... These are as follows: problem with your USB device into the port again flash drive utilizing command! Then reboot your computer and start turning it off and then back on again not... Careful not to shove the obstruction further in should find Universal Serial Bus towards!