Resolved MacBook Pro 2020 (Intel) Hub/Docking Station Power Issues

[jenniferv]

Hi, first time posting, I hope I'm in the right place! I have a problem I can't figure out and it's a little bit complex so I'm striking out when trying to search for answers.

I have a personal MacBook Pro (2020, Intel) and a MacBook Pro for work. I have used multiple hubs for both over the last five years - purchased on Amazon for $30-$50 each - which have allowed me to extend to two external monitors (as well as connect mouse, keyboard, etc.) and even use the laptop screen as a third display, although I usually keep it closed. Three of the five hubs I've used do not have their own power supply; I plug my original Mac cord into the hub and the hub into my Mac, and this charges my Mac. Recently, both of my Macs stopped charging through two of my hubs, within a day or two of each other. I ordered a third hub, same problem; I exchanged my home power cord with my work power cord; I plugged into different outlets. I disconnected and reconnected all the components in various configurations. For a minute I got my personal Mac charging through one hub - without anything else connected - and then it wouldn't work again. I did not do any upgrades recently to either Mac. I do completely separate work on each Mac, so it would be really odd if it was a virus. Both power cords *do* charge both Macs when plugged in directly, however, on my personal Mac I have only two Thunderbolt 3 ports, and all of my hubs require both ports (it seems this is the only type that allows me to extend to two external displays), so I can't plug in the power cord separately when the hub is connected. However, even with the Mac battery fully charged, without the power cord running through the hub *and* actively charging the Mac, I lose the displays after a minute or two (essentially, the hub shuts down). My work Mac has four Thunderbolt ports, so I can connect the hub on one side and the power cord on the other, and this works, but I can't find a way to use my personal Mac with my external monitors. Both monitors are old Dells, by the way, in case that matters (two different models, different ages).

What is happening and how do I fix it?? If the only or easiest fix is to get a new hub or docking station, can anyone recommend one that will allow for three displays extended (two external + the laptop screen) preferably via HDMI, plus 2-3 USB-A ports (I currently connect 5 USB-A devices total using a 4-port USB hub - includes mouse, keyboard, mic, 2 printers) and a USB-C that will charge the Mac when connected?

Thank you!

 

[Bigwaff]

I disconnected and reconnected all the components in various configurations.

Not clear from your wall of text what USB devices and their power requirements are all chained together across multiple hubs?

Depending on USB hub brand and model, if it is not self powered using separate power adapter, it may or may not draw power from your Apple USB power adapter to power attached devices. Also, different hubs with power pass through have different pass through power specs. The specs of your hubs?

You need to start eliminating connected devices until you find a stable configuration.

 

[jenniferv]

Not clear from your wall of text what USB devices and their power requirements are all chained together across multiple hubs?

Depending on USB hub brand and model, if it is not self powered using separate power adapter, it may or may not draw power from your Apple USB power adapter to power attached devices. Also, different hubs with power pass through have different pass through power specs. The specs of your hubs?

You need to start eliminating connected devices until you find a stable configuration.

Wall of text…I was trying to include as much info as possible but did stop short of providing all the hub specs (realizing I wrote a lot already) because I suspect those specs don’t matter, since they are all different hubs and all worked for anywhere from 2-5 years and then suddenly didn’t, with either Mac, with either power cord, in different outlets. I did mention that one worked briefly but then did not again (multiple tries), perhaps I was not clear that the only thing plugged into the hub at the time was a power cord and a Mac. I tried this many times with each Mac, cord, and three hubs (including a brand new one), with only the Mac connected and with various components connected.

 

[Bigwaff]

Again, you need to start eliminating connected devices until you find a stable configuration. It’s the only logical troubleshooting next steps.

 

[jenniferv]

Again, when just the Mac and power cord are connected to the hub, the Mac won’t charge. I’ve tried this with three hubs, two Macs, and two power cords and I’ve tried different outlets. What more can I eliminate?

 

[JPack]

Get a proper and reliable dock like Dell UD22 which has universal compatibility. The $30 and $50 hubs you see on Amazon offer poor reliability especially when doing power delivery to your MacBook. They overheat after a while or certain outputs just stop working. Worst case, it can damage the USB-C port on your Mac.

 

[jenniferv]

Thank you for the specific model recommendation! I think that’s what I need, a more reliable dock.