My Mac doesn't recognize external devices

Servant of Cats wrote:

Apple-Silicon-based Mac laptops running Ventura (13) or later have a new security feature. You "have to approve new USB or Thunderbolt devices and SD cards that you connect to your Mac."

Allow accessories to connect to Mac - Apple Support

Awesome SoC, thank you for sharing that tidbit.

9_1_23 wrote:

No- this is a 2020 M1 MacBook Air Running MacOS 13.5.2

Apple-Silicon-based Mac laptops running Ventura (13) or later have a new security feature. You "have to approve new USB or Thunderbolt devices and SD cards that you connect to your Mac."

Allow accessories to connect to Mac - Apple Support

It's my understanding that this applies to directly-attached devices, but not necessarily to ones attached via hubs and docks.

Are your Finder Preferences/Settings set to show those items on the Desktop and in the Sidebar?

see > Finder preferences on Mac - Apple Support

Is this the MacBook Air 11" running macOS 10.13 that is listed in your profile, or a different Mac?

What USB-C to USB-A adapter or dock are you using to plug those devices into the 2020 MacBook Air?

Are those devices Bus powered or do they have their own AC power?

If we're talking USB ports...

Get a good AC powered USB hub.

Does that Anker multiport, have an external power supply to supply power the other USB devices?