How to Fix USB-C Devices Not Being Detected on Linux

• This blog article explains how to fix the problem of USB-C devices not being detected on Linux until you run sudo lsusb -v or sudo cat /dev/bus/usb/009/001.
• The article provides four possible solutions, such as updating the system and kernel, checking the BIOS settings, trying a different cable or port, and resetting the USB controller.
• The article also provides some tips and best practices for using USB-C devices on Linux, such as using certified cables and chargers, updating firmware and drivers, and reporting bugs or issues.

USB-C is a versatile and powerful connection standard that can be used to connect various devices such as mobile phones, docking stations, display adapters, and more. However, some Linux users have reported a strange issue where their USB-C devices are not being detected automatically by the system. They have to run a command like sudo lsusb -v or sudo cat /dev/bus/usb/009/001 to make the devices appear in the kernel logs and be recognized by the system. This can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially if you need to use your USB-C devices frequently.

In this article, we will explain why this problem occurs and how to fix it. We will also provide some tips and best practices for using USB-C devices on Linux. By the end of this article, you should be able to use your USB-C devices without any hassle on your Linux system.

Why USB-C devices are not detected automatically on Linux

The root cause of this problem is likely a kernel bug or a regression that affects the USB-C port driver or the device driver. This means that there is something wrong with the code that controls how the system communicates with the USB-C port or the device. As a result, the system fails to detect the device when it is plugged in, unless you manually trigger a scan or a read operation with a command like sudo lsusb -v or sudo cat /dev/bus/usb/009/001.

This problem may affect different Linux distributions, kernel versions, hardware models, and USB-C devices. It may also depend on how you connect your device, whether directly to the port or through a hub or a dock. Therefore, it is hard to pinpoint a single solution that works for everyone. However, there are some general steps that you can try to fix this problem.

How to fix USB-C devices not being detected on Linux

Here are some possible solutions that you can try to fix the problem of USB-C devices not being detected on Linux:

Solution 1: Update your system and kernel

The first thing you should do is to update your system and kernel to the latest version available. This may fix any bugs or regressions that affect the USB-C port driver or the device driver. To update your system and kernel on Ubuntu or Debian-based distributions, you can run the following commands in a terminal:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
sudo apt dist-upgrade

To update your system and kernel on Fedora or Red Hat-based distributions, you can run the following commands in a terminal:

sudo dnf update
sudo dnf upgrade

To update your system and kernel on Arch Linux or Manjaro-based distributions, you can run the following commands in a terminal:

sudo pacman -Syu

After updating your system and kernel, you need to reboot your system for the changes to take effect. Then, plug in your USB-C device and see if it is detected automatically.

Solution 2: Check your BIOS settings

Another possible solution is to check your BIOS settings and make sure that the USB-C port is enabled and configured properly. To access your BIOS settings, you need to restart your system and press a specific key (usually F2, F10, F12, or Del) during the boot process. The exact key may vary depending on your hardware model and manufacturer, so check your manual or online documentation for more details.

Once you enter the BIOS settings, look for an option related to USB-C port configuration. It may be under Advanced Settings, Chipset Settings, System Configuration, or something similar. Make sure that the USB-C port is enabled and set to Auto Mode or Native Mode. If there is an option for Thunderbolt Support or Thunderbolt Security Level, make sure it is enabled and set to No Security or User Authorization. Save your changes and exit the BIOS settings.

Then, reboot your system and plug in your USB-C device and see if it is detected automatically.

Solution 3: Try a different cable or port

Sometimes, the problem may be caused by a faulty cable or port. To rule out this possibility, you can try using a different cable or port to connect your USB-C device. Make sure that the cable supports USB-C data transfer and power delivery, and that the port supports USB-C functionality. You can also try connecting your device directly to the port without using any hubs or docks.

If using a different cable or port solves the problem, then you know that the original cable or port was defective or incompatible. You can replace it with a new one or avoid using it in the future.

Solution 4: Reset the USB controller

Another possible solution is to reset the USB controller that manages the USB-C port. This may fix any glitches or errors that prevent the system from detecting the device. To reset the USB controller, you can use the following command in a terminal:

sudo sh -c 'echo 1 > /sys/bus/pci/rescan'

This command will trigger a rescan of the PCI bus, which includes the USB controller. This may take a few seconds, and you may see some messages in the terminal or the kernel logs. After the rescan is done, plug in your USB-C device and see if it is detected automatically.

Tips and best practices for using USB-C devices on Linux

Here are some tips and best practices that you can follow to use your USB-C devices on Linux without any issues:

• Use the cable and charger that came with your device or a certified USB-C cable and charger. This will ensure that your device receives the correct power and data signals and avoids any compatibility issues.
• Use a USB-C port that supports USB-C functionality and not just charging. Some laptops may have multiple USB-C ports, but not all of them may support data transfer or display output. Check your manual or online documentation to find out which port supports which feature.
• Use a USB-C hub or dock that supports USB-C functionality and not just charging. Some hubs or docks may have multiple USB-C ports, but not all of them may support data transfer or display output. Check the specifications and reviews of the hub or dock before buying or using it.
• Update your firmware and drivers regularly. This will ensure that your system and devices have the latest features and bug fixes. You can check for firmware updates using tools like fwupd or gnome-software. You can check for driver updates using tools like Driver Manager or Software & Updates.
• Report any bugs or issues to the developers or manufacturers. If you encounter any problems with your USB-C devices on Linux, you can report them to the developers or manufacturers of the system, kernel, device, cable, hub, or dock. This will help them identify and fix the problem and improve the user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about USB-C devices on Linux:

Question: What is USB-C?

Answer: USB-C is a connection standard that can be used to connect various devices such as mobile phones, docking stations, display adapters, and more. It has a reversible connector that can be plugged in either way, and it supports high-speed data transfer, power delivery, and alternate modes such as DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, and MHL.

Question: What is sudo lsusb -v?

Answer: sudo lsusb -v is a command that you can use in a terminal to list all the USB devices connected to your system and show detailed information about them. The sudo part means that you need to enter your password to run the command as a superuser. The lsusb part means that you want to list the USB devices. The -v part means that you want to show verbose information.

Question: What is sudo cat /dev/bus/usb/009/001?

Answer: sudo cat /dev/bus/usb/009/001 is a command that you can use in a terminal to read the raw data from a specific USB device connected to your system. The sudo part means that you need to enter your password to run the command as a superuser. The cat part means that you want to concatenate (join) the data from the device. The /dev/bus/usb/009/001 part means that you want to read from the device with bus number 009 and device number 001.

Summary

In this article, we have explained why some USB-C devices are not being detected automatically on Linux until you run sudo lsusb -v or sudo cat /dev/bus/usb/009/001. We have also provided some possible solutions and tips for fixing this problem and using your USB-C devices on Linux without any hassle.

We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. We are not responsible for any damage or loss caused by following the instructions or suggestions in this article. Please use your own judgment and discretion before applying any of the solutions or tips mentioned in this article.