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My DisplayLink-based USB Docking Station or USB Video Adapter stopped working as expected with my Mac computer. What should I do?

Last Update: August 29th, 2026
Article ID: 3148400

Summary

If a Plugable DisplayLink-based USB docking station or USB graphics adapter is not working as expected with a Mac, performing a clean reinstall of the DisplayLink Manager application can help restore the DisplayLink software and connected hardware to a known-good state.

The recommended process is to disconnect and reset the Plugable product, completely remove the existing DisplayLink software, restart the Mac, install the current Plugable-recommended DisplayLink Manager version, and reconnect the product.

Applicable To

This article applies to:

  • Plugable DisplayLink-based docking stations
  • Plugable DisplayLink-based USB graphics adapters
  • Macs using the DisplayLink Manager application

These instructions are specifically for products that use DisplayLink USB graphics technology. They do not apply to Plugable USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode, MST, or Thunderbolt-only video products that do not use DisplayLink Manager.

Before You Begin

Save any open work before beginning, as this process requires restarting the Mac.

Keep the Plugable docking station or USB graphics adapter disconnected from the Mac until instructed to reconnect it.

1. Disconnect the Plugable Product

Disconnect the Plugable USB docking station or USB graphics adapter from the Mac.

If the product has an external power adapter, disconnect the power adapter from the product as well. This allows the unit to fully reset.

Keep the Plugable product disconnected until the final step.

Download and run the DisplayLink Installation Cleaner for macOS → LINK

If you need additional guidance, see Synaptics' End-User Cleaner Tool for macOS instructions → LINK

Follow the prompts within the cleaner to remove the existing DisplayLink Manager installation and associated components.

3. Restart the Mac

After the DisplayLink Installation Cleaner has completed, restart the Mac using:

Apple menu > Restart

Restart the Mac even if the cleaner does not specifically prompt you to do so.

Download the DisplayLink Manager version recommended by Plugable for your version of macOS → LINK

Install DisplayLink Manager and complete the required macOS setup and permissions.

Detailed installation instructions for each supported macOS version are available by selecting the INFO button next to the appropriate download on Plugable's DisplayLink Drivers and Software page.

5. Reconnect the Plugable Product

If the Plugable product uses an external power adapter, reconnect power to the product first and allow it to power on.

Then reconnect the Plugable product directly to the Mac.

Confirm that DisplayLink Manager is running and test the connected displays and other device functions.

If the product is still not working as expected, restart the Mac once more with the Plugable product connected.

Need Assistance?

If your Plugable DisplayLink-based product is still not working as expected after completing the clean reinstall process, please contact Plugable Support at support@plugable.com.

  • When contacting support, please include:
  • Your Plugable product model
  • Your Mac model
  • Your macOS version
  • A description of the issue
  • The output from Plugable's PlugDebug diagnostic utility → LINK