- Apple M4 Mac mini users report issues with USB-C connections
- Accessories such as keyboards are reported to disconnect randomly
- Apple has yet to address the situation and it is unclear what the cause is as of yet.
While Apple’s latest mini PC is praised as one of the best Macs of all time, as highlighted in our Mac mini (M4) review, it is currently facing a big problem that seems to bother many users.
Several users claim they are experiencing random USB-C disconnections, as reported by AppleInsider, and accessories like keyboards suddenly disconnecting. This is corroborated by several user reports, and a prominent post on Reddit, which implies that the only way to get the accessories working again is to unplug the cable and plug it back in, which is inconvenient, to say the least.
This could also cause problems when transferring files between the Mac mini and an external USB-C drive if the disconnections are as frequent as reports suggest. It’s not exactly clear if this is a fault on Apple’s part, but all signs point to this being the case: as AppleInsider highlighted, some users’ errors are due to the Mac mini waking up from sleep mode, which may be resolved in the future. Apple software patch.
What is the best solution for now?
While there are many accessories that can only be used via direct connections, the best solution, for now, is Bluetooth, which is also another concern as Mac mini M4 users also reported Bluetooth issues last December on a MacRumors forum.
Issues like this can quickly start to annoy users and undermine some of the things the Mac mini does so well, so Apple needs to address this as soon as possible.
In the case of an accessory like the Magic Mouse, you couldn’t even use it wired: its USB-C charging port is located on the bottom of the mouse, a big point of criticism for many as Apple has stagnated. with this design of the previous model. Fortunately, it’s a wireless mouse, so it will suffice while you wait for Apple to fix the situation.
The Mac mini M4 was released at the end of November last year, so strange bugs are to be expected. We’ll have to wait and see what the exact cause is, and hopefully the wait won’t last too long.
