MacOS not detecting USB devices connected via a nested USB Hub

I have an MSI MPG 322URX monitor. It has a KVM switch built in with 2 usb ports.


I need 4 usb ports for my day to day activities (Mouse, keyboard, webcam, and headphones)


When I plug a USB hub into one of my monitors USB ports, macOS does not pick up any of the devices connected to it.


  • If i connect the devices directly to the monitor, no issue.
  • if i connect the usb hub directly to the macbook, no issue.
  • windows, is able to see my usb devices in this configuration, no issue.
  • if i connect a USB 3 -> split USB 3 to 3x USB 2.0 cable, no issue.


I thought maybe this was an issue with my monitor, but I have determined it happens with another monitor, and also with just using two usb hubs.


So it seems as though macOS is only able to detect usb devices that are one level deep as far as usb hubs are concerned.


I would be fine with the USB splitter solution above, but I have had some KVM switching issues with it. It seems when i swap from mac to windows or vice versa, devices plugged into the single USB splitter cable aren't detected until I plug it in and out again (really annoying because I have to go behind my monitor to do that). Also I imagine a split USB cable does not manage USB devices as effectively as a dedicated USB hub.


The one scenario I have not tried yet, is connecting a USB-A hub to the monitor. I have been using a USB-C to USB-A dongle to plug the hub into the monitor. And since most docks are USB-C its hard to validate if this is the cause of the issue or not.


I also haven't tried this configuration with a linux device.


But in any case, windows does not have any issue with this configuration, so it seems macOS is the problem.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.2

Posted on Mar 6, 2025 3:16 PM

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Posted on Mar 7, 2025 6:12 PM

So update to my original post:


It seems a USB hub with a USB-A cable also works. I just picked one up today.


Here is the USB splitter cable I have that also works.


So it seems the issue is related to plugging a USB-C device into a USB-A port via an adaptor (something like this)

4 replies

Apr 6, 2025 12:21 PM in response to Xaxxus

I have the same monitor and setup like you (Mac Mini M4, MSI MPG 322URX and a windows machine).

I use an USB 3.0 Hub, which is working fine. But everytime I power on the Monitor, i have to turn it off and on again so the devices on the hub are working.

Also, if i put MacOS to sleep, after some seconds the monitor wakes up from sleep, although i didn't use any device...

This is driving me nuts....

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MacOS not detecting USB devices connected via a nested USB Hub

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