> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.parallels.com/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-27-users-guide/advanced-topics/using-other-operating-systems-on-your-mac/running-macos-virtual-machines/connecting-usb-devices-directly-to-your-macos-virtual-machine.md).

# Connecting USB Devices Directly to Your macOS Virtual Machine

Starting from version 20.3.0, Parallels Desktop for Mac allows you to connect USB devices directly to a virtual machine running macOS. For example, this may enable you to connect a USB security device to the macOS virtual machine instead of your Mac, similar to the way it works for [Windows virtual machines](/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-27-users-guide/use-windows-on-your-mac/connecting-external-devices.md).

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Warning**:

1. This functionality is only available on Macs running macOS Sequoia 15 and newer.
2. It MAY NOT WORK for your particular device. For the latest known issues, refer to [this Knowledge Base article](https://kb.parallels.com/en/128867).
3. The current implementation of this feature does not support permanently assigning them to a specific virtual machine running macOS.
   {% endhint %}

### How to connect a USB device to your macOS virtual machine

Due to the current limitations, you will have to manually assign a USB device to the specific virtual machine running macOS. For that:

1. Ensure that your Parallels Desktop [**Devices Preferences**](/landing/pdfm-ug/parallels-desktop-for-mac-27-users-guide/parallels-desktop-preferences-and-virtual-machine-settings/parallels-desktop-preferences/devices-preferences.md) are set to **Ask me what to do**.
2. Launch your macOS virtual machine if it isn't active yet.
3. Connect your USB device and wait for the Parallels Desktop connection dialog to appear.<br>

   <figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/hVLphlNWs82OS4cXatMx/blobs/Icf3phINuU8DFAZa1APh/PDfM-122144_macVM_USB_PT.png" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

   The **Remember my choice** option is inactive due to the aforementioned limitations.
4. Choose the macOS virtual machine.

### How to disable connecting USB devices to a virtual machine

For security reasons, you may want to prohibit connecting USB devices to your virtual machines. Here is how you can do it using the command line interface:

```
prlctl set <VM ID> --device-del usb
```

This command will disable the USB device controller for the virtual machine. For more CLI capabilities, please review the [respective section](/landing/parallels-desktop-developers-guide/command-line-interface-utility.md) of our Developer's Guide.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**: Parallels Desktop Command Line Interface is only available on Pro, Business, and Enterprise licenses.
{% endhint %}


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