How To Test If Thunderbolt Port Is Working On Your Mac

The Thunderbolt port on your Mac may look like USB-C, but it’s a powerhouse for high-speed data transfer, video output, and power delivery. The Mac Thunderbolt port functionality offers more than what a standard USB-C can do, especially with Thunderbolt data transfer speed hitting up to 40 Gbps.

The difference between Thunderbolt and USB-C lies in Thunderbolt’s ability to handle multiple displays and daisy-chaining, which USB-C can’t always manage. Thunderbolt’s capabilities make it the go-to port for faster data and more demanding tasks.

Checking Thunderbolt Connection in System Information

Need to check Thunderbolt devices on Mac? It’s pretty simple. Start by plugging your Thunderbolt device into your Mac. Then, press and hold the Option key, click the Apple menu, and choose System Information. In the window that pops up, find Thunderbolt under the Hardware section on the left.

On the right side, you should see your device listed, and this will serve as a confirmation that Thunderbolt hardware detection is working. If it does not show up, make sure the device is properly connected and powered on. You can also try to check if there are any outstanding software updates.

Testing Thunderbolt Port with Another Device

If your Mac isn’t recognizing your Thunderbolt device, here’s a simple test: try using a different Thunderbolt device. If the new device works, then it’s likely that the issue is with your original device. But if it doesn’t work either, then it’s time to troubleshoot Thunderbolt issues and look at your Mac’s Thunderbolt port.

Also, check your cables! Sometimes, a faulty cable is the hidden culprit behind the problem. Apple also recommends making sure you’re using the right cable and that it’s securely plugged into the correct port.

Activating Thunderbolt Bridge on Mac

To Enable Thunderbolt Bridge on your Mac, head over to System Settings > Network.

If you don’t see the “Thunderbolt Bridge” option, click the three-dot menu and select Add Service. Choose Thunderbolt Bridge from the list and hit Create, then Apply.

This creates a direct connection between your Macs, making Thunderbolt data sharing between Macs quick and easy. To be able to transfer files, make sure File Sharing is enabled on both Macs, which you can find under System Settings > General > Sharing.

Resetting Thunderbolt Port on Mac

Start by unplugging everything connected to your Mac—Thunderbolt devices, USB peripherals, even external displays. Next, reset the System Management Controller (SMC).

For MacBooks with a T2 chip, shut down your Mac, then press and hold Control + Option (Alt) + Shift on the left side of the keyboard along with the power button for 10 seconds. Release everything, wait a moment, and power it back on. If your Mac doesn’t have a T2 chip, use Shift + Control + Option on the left side, then turn your Mac back on.

Once that’s done, plug your devices back in and check your Thunderbolt port. If the SMC reset did the trick, it should be working just fine. But if it is still not responsive, it may be the perfect time to reach out to Apple support, as there may be a hardware issue.

Troubleshooting Non-Working Thunderbolt Port

Thunderbolt port giving you trouble? The first step to fixing your Thunderbolt issue is to make sure your Mac’s firmware is up to date. If you want to do this, head over to the Apple menu, select “About This Mac,” then tap on “System Report” and check your Thunderbolt firmware version.

If it’s not the latest, just head over to the System Settings to update it. Also, your macOS should always be updated, as system updates usually include crucial firmware fixes. A quick reset of your Mac’s SMC and NVRAM can also do wonders for hardware-related glitches.

Testing Port Status Using Network Utility

If you want to check your general Mac port status, open Network Utility from the Utilities folder. The next step is for you to head to the Port Scan tab, enter in your Mac’s IP address, and click Scan. You’ll get a list of active ports (not including Thunderbolt ports).

Keep in mind that Thunderbolt ports won’t show up in Network Utility since they work at the hardware level. If you want to check the Thunderbolt port status, System Information is the way to go.

Conclusion

Want to verify your Mac Thunderbolt functionality? Start by looking under system information to confirm the Thunderbolt connection is there. For Thunderbolt troubleshooting, try a fresh cable or switch ports, and restart your Mac. Going for a Mac port connection test? Plug a working device into the Thunderbolt port and see if it works.