I'm recoverying data with a Thunderbolt cable in Target Disk Mode, but because the 12" MacBook only has 1 port, I can't keep it charged long enough.
Is there a hub/dongle that will allow me to charge the laptop and connect a Thunderbolt cable?

h4lp m3 said:

I'm recoverying data with a Thunderbolt cable in Target Disk Mode, but because the 12" MacBook only has 1 port, I can't keep it charged long enough.
Is there a hub/dongle that will allow me to charge the laptop and connect a Thunderbolt cable?

One hub that I was able to find online (I have been looking for a hub with two USB-C ports as well) was one by Anker. In the specs it does not specifically list a MacBook Retina 12” in the compatibility section, but it is also not listed as incompatible. I have been debating whether I should buy it and try it out.

Anker USB C hub

Would charging the MacBook fully and then running it in target disk mode with the screen brightness at its lowest level not give you enough power to last enough time to transfer?

MiamiBeach said:

One hub that I was able to find online (I have been looking for a hub with two USB-C ports as well) was one by Anker. In the specs it does not specifically list a MacBook Retina 12” in the compatibility section, but it is also not listed as incompatible. I have been debating whether I should buy it and try it out.

Anker USB C hub

Would charging the MacBook fully and then running it in target disk mode with the screen brightness at its lowest level not give you enough power to last enough time to transfer?

Click to expand...

It can’t be just any regular USB-C dock it has to support Thunderbolt 3.
In fact, just finding the right cable was a massive undertaking because the so called “Thunderbolt 3” cables I bought from Amazon, B&H, Adorama and eBay all turned out to be regular USB-C cables.

I actually gave up on this project after someone here posted it was impossible to extract data in TDM mode on a 12” Macbook (which I thought was odd because you can put the Mac in Target Disk Mode. If you can’t use it to extract data, then what is it for?)

But recently, I bought a LaCie drive and it came with a thick orange cable with the thunderbolt icon so I thought, what the hell I’ll give it a try. Sure enough, the drive mounts on my iMac 2017 iMac and I’m trying to clone it using carbon copy cloner, but alas my battery will only hold a charge for five minutes and it says “replace now“

But I can see why that guy assumed it was impossible, because he obviously tried and failed. For me, it’s just a matter of keeping the Mac charged long enough, so I’m either going to need a) A dock that supports what I’m doing or b) I’ll have to replace the battery.

Caldigit do some nice ones. I have the small and portable soho (which I use with the 12” MacBook)but I think you would need to step up to a larger one if you need twin thunderbolt ports

This Apple adapter ought to do the trick. Connect the power brick to the USB-C port and connect data through the USB-A port.

I use this one of Ugreen brand, very pleased, for HDMI output, usb-a etc.

Orico is great brand and has dock station for macbook

chabig said:

This Apple adapter ought to do the trick. Connect the power brick to the USB-C port and connect data through the USB-A port.

About the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter

Connect a Mac that has a Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, or USB-C port to an HDMI display, while also charging your Mac and connecting to a USB-A device. iPad models that have a Thunderbolt or USB-C port can also use this adapter.

support.apple.com

Click to expand...

No...it does not (at least for the 2015 model).

On the Apple forum an Apple specialist said that the adapter will not charge MacBook 2015. Not sure about 2016-2017's model. I tried a bunch of adapters to try to find one that would charge and use an extra port, but no luck.

The only hub-type that I have found that will charge MacBook 2015 and also be able to use ports at the same time is the LG 24" UltraFine monitor that Apples sells. I am able to use the ports along with the monitor and charge.

Leezona said:

Orico is great brand and has dock station for macbook

Got a link?