Support
Need help with any Connection Information app? Find answers below or reach out directly.
- Email Support — I typically respond within 24 hours
- Report a Bug
USB Connection Information
Why is my device speed slower than expected?
The app shows the negotiated link speed — what your device and port actually agreed on, not a theoretical maximum.
- Cable issue: A charging-only USB-C cable often negotiates at USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) even with a fast device.
- Port issue: You may be plugged into a USB 2.0 hub or port.
- Device limit: The device itself may not support faster standards.
If you’re seeing 480 Mbps with a fast SSD, the cable is almost always the culprit.
What do the different USB speeds mean?
| Standard | Speed | Name |
|---|---|---|
| USB 2.0 | 480 Mbps | High Speed |
| USB 3.x | 5–20 Gbps | SuperSpeed |
| USB 4 / Thunderbolt | 40 Gbps | USB 4 / Thunderbolt |
For the full breakdown of USB versions, connectors, and Power Delivery, see the USB Reference Guide.
What are USB-C PD profiles?
A USB-C Power Delivery profile is a voltage/current pair that a charger advertises it can supply. USB Connection Information reads these profiles directly from the charger so you can verify it’s actually capable of delivering the power your device needs — no separate tester required.
Why isn’t my USB device showing up?
The app can only show devices the operating system has successfully recognized. If a device isn’t appearing:
- Make sure it’s fully plugged in and try a different port.
- On Apple Silicon Macs, macOS may prompt for “Accessory” permission — check System Settings → Privacy & Security.
How do I install on Linux?
Follow the instructions in the GitHub repository. The Linux version is free and open source.
Audio Connection Information
Why can’t I change the sample rate from within the app?
Audio Connection Information is a monitoring tool — it reads what Core Audio reports. To change sample rates or bit depth, use Audio MIDI Setup (included with macOS). The app is useful for verifying your changes took effect correctly.
What devices does it show?
All Core Audio devices macOS sees: built-in speakers and microphone, USB audio interfaces, Bluetooth headphones, HDMI/DisplayPort audio outputs, and virtual audio devices.
Display Connection Information
How do I check my refresh rate?
Click the Display Connection Information icon in the menu bar. It lists all connected monitors with their active resolution (including HiDPI/Retina scaling) and current refresh rate (60 Hz, 120 Hz, ProMotion, etc.).
Does it show HDR status?
Yes — the app reports whether HDR is active and the display’s color depth for each connected monitor.
Network Connection Information
What’s the difference between link speed and internet speed?
The app shows the maximum supported link speed your hardware reports (e.g., 1 Gbps Ethernet or 1200 Mbps Wi-Fi 6). This is not a live bandwidth test — it’s the ceiling your connection is capable of, which helps diagnose whether a slow network is a hardware or ISP issue.
What’s the difference between MAC address and IP address?
- MAC address: A permanent hardware ID assigned by the manufacturer — like a serial number.
- IP address: A temporary address assigned by your network — like a mailing address.
Connection Information Suite
What apps are included?
- USB Connection Information — Speeds, protocols, and USB-C PD profiles
- Audio Connection Information — Sample rate, bit depth, channel count
- Display Connection Information — Resolution, refresh rate, HDR, color depth
- Network Connection Information — Wi-Fi standard, SSID, RSSI, link speed, IP
What happened to Connection Information Suite (v1)?
Suite v1 has been discontinued and replaced by Connection Information Suite 2, which adds Audio Connection Information. If you owned v1, you can upgrade to Suite 2 or purchase Audio Connection Information separately.
Do I need to run all apps at once?
No — each app is fully independent. Run only what you need, or run all four for a complete system dashboard in your menu bar.
Can I install on multiple Macs?
For personal use, yes — install on all Macs you own and control. For commercial volume licensing, contact support.
General Troubleshooting
App not appearing in menu bar
On MacBooks with a notch, icons can be hidden behind the camera housing. Try closing other menu bar apps to make space, or use a menu bar manager (Bartender, Ice) to reorganize icons.
“No Device Detected” message
- USB: Ensure the device is fully plugged in. Try a different port or cable.
- Network: Check that Wi-Fi is enabled or Ethernet is connected.
- Permissions: Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and confirm the app has necessary permissions.
App seems stuck or frozen
Quit the app completely (click the icon → Quit), wait a few seconds, then relaunch from Applications.
Incorrect speed readings
The app shows the negotiated speed, not real-time transfer throughput. A USB 3.0 device in a USB 2.0 port will correctly show 480 Mbps — that’s the actual negotiated speed, not a bug.
Installation & Licensing
How do I install?
- Mac App Store / Microsoft Store: Download and install normally. Updates are automatic.
- Direct purchase (Mac): Download the
.dmgfrom your purchase email and drag to Applications. - Linux: See the GitHub repository.
Is my data collected or shared?
No. All Connection Information apps operate entirely on your device and transmit no data. See the Privacy Policy for full details.
Contact
- Email Support — I typically respond within 24 hours
- Report a Bug
- Linux GitHub Repository