USB ethernet adaptor not working after restart (MacMini 2014)

Hi all,


Am running an Mac Mini (Late 2014 MacOS 12.7.6) and have recently added a UGreen 2.5Gig USB ethernet adaptor which works fine until I reboot the Mac.


On restarting, the adaptor shows as not connected in network settings, both lights on the ethernet connection are flashing as though they are receiving data, but, router shows it is not connected and speed tests reflect wireless speeds.


If I unplug the USB and plug it back in again, it comes back to life and connects as normal.


Obviously, it's an old machine, but, it's a trusty workhorse and the fact that it works fine when first plugged in suggests it is compatible. It's a PITA to have to disconnect every time the thing reboots (which, ok, doesn't have to be that frequent, but, I'd like to just have it work on startup as normal).


Other USB devices connect fine on reboot (USB drives, mouse, keyboard) and it makes no odds on which USB socket is used.


Any suggestions? Is there a reliable way to restart the USB service to spark it back to life that anyone can suggest?


Thanks

Posted on May 28, 2025 7:30 AM

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USB ethernet adaptor not working after restart (MacMini 2014)

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