USB Hub Not Working or Devices Disconnecting? What to Check

When a USB hub stops working, or devices on it keep disconnecting, the cause is often power, the port or a power-saving setting. Work through the checks below in order, and test after each one.

Is the hub getting enough power?

Power is the first thing to check, especially with hard drives. A hub without its own power adapter shares one computer port's power across all its ports. A standard USB 3.0 port gives up to 900 mA, and a USB 2.0 port up to 500 mA. Several busy devices can need more.

1. Unplug everything from the hub except the device that drops out.
2. If it now works, the hub was short of power. Move high-power devices, such as portable hard drives, straight to the computer.
3. For drives, use a hub with its own power, such as the H302A with a 5V USB-C charger plugged into its power input.

Microsoft notes that a hub without power may not have enough power to run an external hard drive. See Do I need a powered USB hub? for more.

Is the hub plugged into the right port?

Plug the hub straight into a USB port on the computer, not into another hub, a monitor or a keyboard. Then try a different port. Apple and Microsoft both list "try another port" as an early step. A USB 2.0 port works, but everything on the hub then runs at USB 2.0 speed.

• If you use a USB-C to USB-A adapter, try a different adapter. SmartQ hubs have a USB-A plug, so the adapter is part of the connection.
• On a desktop, try a port on the back of the computer as well as the front.

Could the cable be the problem?

Yes. Look at the hub's cable and plug for bends, cuts or a loose fit. Remove any USB extension cable while you test, so the hub connects directly. If the hub works in one computer but not another, the cable is probably fine and the problem is in the computer.

Do I need a driver for a SmartQ hub?

No. SmartQ hubs are plug and play. Windows loads its own built-in USB hub driver automatically, and macOS works the same way. Don't download hub drivers from unknown websites. If Windows shows a problem, the fix is usually to reset the computer's own USB drivers.

1. Open Device Manager. A device with a problem shows a yellow warning symbol. Open it to see the error code under Device status.
2. To reset the USB drivers, expand Universal Serial Bus controllers, right-click each device and select Uninstall.
3. Restart the computer. Microsoft says Windows reinstalls the USB controllers automatically.

Should I turn off USB selective suspend in Windows?

Try it as a test if devices drop after sitting idle. USB selective suspend lets Windows put idle USB ports to sleep to save power. It is on by default, and Microsoft recommends keeping it on in general. If turning it off doesn't help, turn it back on.

1. Select Start, type power plan, and select Choose a power plan.
2. Next to your plan, select Change plan settings, then Change advanced power settings.
3. Expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting.
4. Set Plugged in to Disabled. On a laptop, also set On battery to Disabled.
5. Select Apply, then OK. If you don't see USB settings in the list, skip this step.

On a Windows 11 laptop, also check Settings > System > Power & battery > Energy recommendations. One option there, "Stop USB devices when my screen is off to help save battery", blocks USB devices while the screen is off.

What should I try on a Mac?

Follow Apple's steps for USB devices that aren't recognized or need more power. Reconnect the device, try another port, and connect the device straight to the Mac. If the hub has its own power, make sure its adapter is plugged in. Apple shows these steps in its USB Devices Disabled article.

1. Disconnect the device, then reconnect it.
2. Connect it to a different port on your Mac.
3. If it's on a hub, connect it directly to the Mac.
4. If the hub is self-powered, make sure it's connected to its power adapter.

Apple's full article: If you see USB Devices Disabled on your Mac.

What if nothing works?

Test the hub on a second computer with one simple device, such as a flash drive. If it still fails there, the hub may be faulty. Email service@smartq.com with your hub model, your Amazon order number and a short note about what you tried.

Last updated: November 2026