How to See Devices Plugged Into Mac

The ability to see which devices are plugged into your Mac can be useful for various reasons. Whether you want to troubleshoot connectivity issues, ensure all your devices are recognized, or simply keep track of what is connected, knowing how to check the devices plugged into your Mac is essential. In this article, we will guide you through the process of viewing your connected devices and provide answers to some frequently asked questions.

Method 1: Using System Information

1. Open the Apple menu by clicking on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.

2. Select “About This Mac” from the drop-down menu.

3. In the new window that appears, click on “System Report.” This will open the System Information application.

4. From the left sidebar, under the “Hardware” section, click on “USB.” This will display all the USB devices connected to your Mac.

5. You can now see a list of all the devices connected through USB, including their names, manufacturer details, and other relevant information.

Method 2: Using System Preferences

1. Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu.

2. In the System Preferences window, click on “Network.”

3. On the left sidebar, you will find a list of network connections. Click on each connection to see the devices connected to that particular network.

4. You can also click on “Bluetooth” in the System Preferences window to view any Bluetooth devices connected to your Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How can I see devices connected to my Mac wirelessly?
To see devices connected wirelessly, go to System Preferences, click on “Network,” and select the Wi-Fi connection. Here, you can view all the devices connected to your Wi-Fi network.

2. Why can’t I see a specific device in System Information?
There could be multiple reasons for this. Ensure that the device is properly connected and powered on. If the device requires specific drivers, make sure they are installed. Additionally, some devices may not be compatible with your Mac.

3. Is there a way to view devices connected to my Mac without opening System Preferences?
Yes, you can use the “Network Utility” application. Open Spotlight by clicking the magnifying glass icon in the top-right corner of your screen, type “Network Utility,” and hit Enter. In the application, click on the “Netstat” tab to view all active network connections.

4. Can I see devices connected to my Mac from my iPhone or iPad?
Yes, you can use the “Find My” app on your iPhone or iPad to locate and see devices connected to your Mac. Ensure that you have enabled the Find My feature on all devices.

5. How can I identify unknown devices in System Information?
If you see an unknown device in System Information, try disconnecting and reconnecting it. If it still appears as an unknown device, search for the device’s model number or any identifiable information online to determine its purpose.

6. Can I see devices connected to my Mac remotely?
Yes, you can use various remote access applications like TeamViewer or Chrome Remote Desktop to view devices connected to your Mac remotely. These applications allow you to control your Mac and see all connected devices.

7. Is there a way to see devices connected to my Mac using Terminal?
Yes, you can use Terminal commands like “system_profiler SPUSBDataType” to see USB devices or “system_profiler SPBluetoothDataType” to see Bluetooth devices.