13" MacBook Pro (mid 2012) not recognize Thunderbolt devices that connected directly

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13" MacBook Pro (mid 2012) not recognize Thunderbolt devices that connected directly

I have several thunderbolt devices (Belkin dock stations: F4U055 (tb1), F4U085 (tb2), Thunderbolt Display, etc), that I need to connect to with my 13" MacBook Pro (mid-2012).

The problem is that none of the TB1 and TB2 devices are recognized by the MBP when I connect them directly to the thunderbolt port. The weird thing is that the Thunderbolt display works flawlessly when connected to the same thunderbolt port of the same MacBook, and more, all that devices also work just fine when being connected to the target port of the Thunderbolt display.

At the same time, my mate used a 2013 MacBook air (equipped with thunderbolt 2), and all of the mentioned Thunderbolt devices and cables work just great with it, no matter if connected directly or daisy-chained.

* Can anyone confirm if the 2012 MacBook pro only supports Thunderbolt Display and no other TB1/2 devices such as dock stations?

* Does it sound like a driver/firmware bug? Is there a workaround or solution to this?

I spent hours researching that topic online and haven't found anything useful. Also, monitored for the Thunderbolt-related log messages in the Console app when connecting the problematic devices, and still didn't get a clue. SMC reset didn't help.

Thanks in advance!

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Jan 24, 2023 09:30 AM

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Answer 1

WinsC1

Community Specialist

Jan 25, 2023 05:32 PM in response to d1nob0t

Hey d1nob0t,

We'd recommend reviewing the information in this article as it provides steps to help resolve issues with Thunderbolt devices not being recognized: If a Thunderbolt device doesn’t work with Mac - Apple Support

"Check the device: Make sure the device is turned on and its cables are connected. If the device requires a power cord, make sure it’s plugged in. If the device is in a chain of devices, remove the device from the chain, then plug it directly into your computer and verify that it works.
Check that you’re using the right cable: Make sure you connect the Thunderbolt device with a Thunderbolt cable, not a Mini DisplayPort cable. A Thunderbolt cable has a Thunderbolt icon on the connector.
Check that you’re using the right port: Make sure you connect the Thunderbolt cable to a Thunderbolt port , not a USB-C port. See the Apple Support article Identify the ports on your Mac.
Check for missing software: Make sure you installed any software that came with the device. Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest software.
Check chained devices: If the device is in a chain of connected Thunderbolt devices, each connected to another with only one connected directly to the Thunderbolt port , disconnect the device from the chain and verify that it works (see “Check the device,” above). Then make sure that all the devices other than the one connected directly to your Mac have power cords. (If the device connected directly to your Mac requires a power cord, it should have one, too.)
If a Mini DisplayPort device is part of the chain, make sure it’s at the end and is connected with a Mini DisplayPort cable.
Verify that the device appears in System Information: On your Mac, press and hold the Option key, then choose Apple menu > System Information.
In the window that appears, see if the Thunderbolt device is listed below Hardware in the list on the left. If the device appears but does not work, review the device’s documentation for further troubleshooting steps.
Reopen apps: Quit and reopen any apps that use the device.
Restart your Mac: Choose Apple menu > Restart.
If these suggestions don’t work, see the documentation that came with the device for troubleshooting tips, or contact the manufacturer for help."

Thanks!

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13" MacBook Pro (mid 2012) not recognize Thunderbolt devices that connected directly

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