If you work with multiple USB devices on your Mac, keeping track of connections can help with troubleshooting and device management. MenuBarUSB is a free app that adds a USB status display directly to the macOS menu bar. This tool lists connected USB devices in a dropdown menu, showing details like device names and connection status.
Developed by rafaelSwi and available on GitHub, the app runs in the background without using much system resources. It supports macOS versions from older releases up to the latest, making it accessible for a wide range of users.
Key Features of MenuBarUSB
The app focuses on core functionality for USB monitoring:
- Real-Time USB List: Click the menu bar icon to see a list of all connected USB devices, including hubs, drives, keyboards, and other peripherals.
- Device Details: Each entry shows the device name, type, and connection path, which can assist in identifying issues like faulty ports.
- Ejection Option: Right-click on a device in the list to eject it safely, similar to using Finder but faster for quick access.
- Customization Settings: Adjust the display to show or hide specific details, such as icons or verbose descriptions, through the app’s preferences.
- Notifications: Get alerts when devices connect or disconnect. For macOS 16 or higher, enable notifications in System Settings under Notifications > MenuBarUSB. For macOS 15 or lower, use the app’s built-in settings panel.
These features integrate with macOS without needing additional plugins.
Installing MenuBarUSB on macOS
Installation uses Homebrew, a package manager for macOS. If you do not have Homebrew, install it from the official site.
- Open Terminal and add the tap:
brew tap rafaelswi/menubarusb- Install the app:
brew install --cask menubarusb- If macOS shows a verification warning (due to the developer not having a paid Apple account), go to System Settings > Privacy & Security, scroll down, and select “Open Anyway.”
To update the app later:
brew upgrade --cask menubarusbIf issues occur, run:
brew upgrade
brew reinstall --cask menubarusbThe app is licensed under the MIT License, allowing free use and modification.
Practical Uses in Daily Workflows
For developers testing hardware, MenuBarUSB provides a quick way to confirm USB device recognition without opening System Information each time. IT professionals managing office setups can monitor connections during diagnostics, such as checking why a printer or external drive fails to appear.
Home users with multiple peripherals—like external hard drives for backups or USB cameras for video calls—can use the ejection feature to avoid data corruption when disconnecting. In a shared workspace, it helps track who connected what, reducing confusion with shared ports.
During software updates or system reboots, the notifications alert you to disconnected devices, ensuring nothing is left unplugged accidentally.
Final Thoughts
MenuBarUSB offers a straightforward solution for USB device visibility on macOS. It fits into existing workflows without complexity, available directly from GitHub for those who need it.
