MenuBarUSB: Effortless USB Device Monitoring on macOS

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 menubarusb
If issues occur, run:

brew upgrade
brew reinstall --cask menubarusb
The app is licensed under the MIT License, allowing free use and modification.

Practical Uses in Daily Workflows

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.

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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.