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I am trying to connect multiple USB devices to my Linux guest through the use of a USB hub, however, it seems that the hub is not detected on the guest. In my tests I have noted the following:

  • The USB hub works fine if connected directly to the Mac OS.
  • The USB hub works fine if connected to a Linux guest with a Windows host.
  • The USB hub + connected devices are not registered when connected to the Linux guest (Mac host). There is no change to the output of #lsusb or #dmesg

Which indicates that it is a problem with VirtualBox on Mac hosts. Is there anyway I can overcome this and detect my USB hub + devices on my Linux guest?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

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  • Will it pass all USB devices currently plugged into the hub, if plugged into the host directly, one at a time (without the hub)? May 9, 2014 at 14:03
  • Yes. I have tried three different USB devices and connected them directly to the linux guest and they were detected. I have also tried connecting them directly to the MacOS host and again they were detected. May 9, 2014 at 14:35
  • Have you installed the guest addon pack for VirtualBox?
    – Kinnectus
    May 22, 2014 at 15:43
  • Is this hub USB3 or USB2? Ditto for the connected devices. Is the VB extension pack installed?
    – harrymc
    May 22, 2014 at 15:46
  • This is a USB2 Hub. All connected devices are USB2. I have installed the VB extension pack. As I said, I have two identical Linux guests, one on Mac and one on Windows, and the problem only occurs on Mac. Thanks. May 22, 2014 at 17:02

1 Answer 1

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For automatically connecting specific devices create a USB filter :

  1. Close virtualbox
  2. Execute in bash: sudo adduser YOURUSERNAME vboxusers (if required)
  3. Attach the USB devices you want to be automatically mounted in the VM (virtual machine).
  4. Open Virtualbox
  5. From menu, go to "File" -> "Preferences" -> "General".
  6. Select your VM and go to "Machine" -> "Settings" -> "USB".
  7. Check "Enable USB Controller"; click on the icon with the USB plug and the plus, and click on the devices you want to be automatically mounted in the VM. Click "Ok".
  8. Click on "Start" toolbar button, and ensure your USB devices are recognized and mounted by the VM. Remember that you have to unmount them in the host OS too if you have to disconnect them after you exit the VM.

image

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  • This will work with USB devices but not with USB hubs.
    – Micha93
    Jan 22, 2021 at 11:25

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