My Docking Station and/or connected devices are not detected by my Apple Silicon M1, M2, M3, or M4 based Mac computer

After macOS Big Sur version 11.1 and newer we have observed that for some users their USB-C Triple Display Docking Stations may not be correctly detected by Apple’s MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, iMac, and Mac Studio computers with Apple Silicon “M” processors after being restarted, when powered on after being turned off, or after being in sleep mode and then woken up. (Older Intel processor based Macs are not affected.) 

This issue only affects the original version UD-ULTCDL (from October 2022 and older), original version UD-ULTC4K (from May 2022 and older), and the UD-3900PDZ docking stations along with any externally connected USB 2.0 and 3.0 devices, and including the two DisplayLink based video outputs, Ethernet, and audio controlled by the DisplayLink USB Graphics chipset. The primary USB-C DisplayPort Alternate Mode based video output and connected display should remain functional after reboot. Power Delivery charging should also be unaffected.

As of macOS 26.3 we are still seeing occasional reports of this issue for the aforementioned affected dock models.

Troubleshooting Steps

For most users encountering USB connectivity issues with their docking station, simply unplugging the docking station from the computer, waiting 10-15 seconds, then reconnecting the docking station will restore the functionality, if this does not help please try these additional steps to fully reset the docking station and computer: 

1. Unplug the dock from the Mac and unplug power from the dock, leaving the dock disconnected until the final step.
2. Fully shutdown the Mac by clicking the Apple menu and selecting Shut Down.
3. Wait for 60-90 seconds after the Mac has shutdown, then turn the Mac back on.
4. Wait for an additional 30-60 seconds after logging back in.
5. Plug power back into the dock first, then plug the dock into the Mac using the provided USB-C to USB-C cable that the dock shipped with.

Expected Result

The docking station and any externally connected USB 2.0 and 3.0 devices, including the two DisplayLink based video outputs, Ethernet, and audio, should now be correctly detected and have their functionality restored.

If the Issue Persists

If these initial troubleshooting steps do not help, please contact us at support@plugable.com and we'll be happy to assist you.

Applicable To

• Original version UD-ULTCDL (from October 2022 and older)
• Original version UD-ULTC4K (from May 2022 and older)
• UD-3900PDZ
• Apple's MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, iMac, and Mac Studio computers with Apple Silicon “M” processors (M1, M2, M3, or M4)