onnecting a USB multiport to MacBook Pro brings up an alert

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onnecting a USB multiport to MacBook Pro brings up an alert

I use an ANKER multiport USB connected to my MacBook Pro. This connects my computer to an external microphone, my external hard disk for backups, and my wireless mouse. I have an Apple wireless keyboard. I use a large screen monitor connected to the laptop via HDMI. Works great. Except, when I did a RESTART of my computer, on restart it comes up with a notification: "Do you want to allow the multiport device to connect to the computer" or something close to that. I need to "accept" or "reject" this device or it will not let me do anything. BUT, I cannot click on "accept" because the mouse is wirelessly connected to this multiport device ('catch 22') so I can do nothing. If I disconnect the multiport device from my laptop, I can use the laptop! But, not the large screen monitor or my external microphone or my hard drive ... How do I work around this?

Posted on Oct 31, 2025 2:40 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

139,643 points

Oct 31, 2025 4:36 PM in response to valpoMac37

You find a mouse that you can connect directly to a port on your Mac, possibly with a simple adapter.

Use that mouse to click accept.

if you post the model-year of your Mac, and more information about the mouse you have, Readers can try to find a way to adapt that.

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Answer 2

HWTech

Level 9

68,078 points

Oct 31, 2025 9:48 PM in response to valpoMac37

You can also use the laptop's Trackpad to acknowledge it. If you keep the display clamshell lid closed, then this can just be a temporary fix until you can take @Grant's advice.

If you are using macOS 26.x Tahoe....the default Privacy & Security Setting for allowing accessories to connect is "Ask for new accessories". If using Tahoe, then see if that makes any difference. Or you can try configuring that option to "Always" which is also an option on previous versions of macOS. I would only use the "Always" option as a temporary fix at home until you can follow @Grant's advice.

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Answer 3

valpoMac37 Author

Level 1

20 points

Nov 1, 2025 11:04 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Macbook Pro 13", M1, 2020 running Sequoia 15.1.6 There are two (only) USB-C ports on this Mac. I suppose if I got a USB-C male to with USB female adapter I could plug in the small receiver for the wireless mouse and be able to do it that way. Thanks very much for the suggestion.

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