Linksys USB3GIG Frequently Asked Questions

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
HARDWARE INFORMATION
 

SETUP AND INSTALLATION
 

TROUBLESHOOTING
 
HARDWARE INFORMATION
 
1.  What is the Linksys USB3GIG USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter?

The Linksys USB3GIG USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter is a small, light, and portable adapter that lets you connect any device with a USB port, such as your computer, game console or DVR, to a wired network. 
 

2.  What are the parts of the Linksys USB3GIG adapter?
  • Link/Activity (Blue) – The Link/Activity light is solid blue if there is an active ethernet connection behind the adapter.  The light flashes blue if there is activity between your device and the router or switch. 
  • USB connector – The adapter is a USB 3.0 Type A connector that you can connect to an available USB port on your computer or device.  For maximum performance, it is recommended to connect the adapter directly to a USB 3.0 port on your computer or device.
  • Ethernet port – This port connects the adapter to your network’s router or switch. 
3.  What does a blinking or flashing light on the adapter indicate?

The light flashes blue when data is being transferred over the ethernet.
 
4.  What is the warranty period for the adapter?

The warranty period of this adapter is dependent on the country of purchase.  For more information about your device's warranty, click here.
 
5.  What are the compatible operating systems with the adapter?

The Linksys USB3GIG is compatible with the following operating systems:
  • Windows®
  • Windows 10 (32-bit and 64-bit) 
  • Windows 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit)
  • Windows 8 (32-bit and 64-bit)
  • Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit)
  • Windows Vista® (32-bit and 64-bit)
  • Windows XP (32-bit and 64-bit)
  • OS X®
  • OS X Sierra 10.12
  • OS X El Capitan 10.11
  • OS X Yosemite 10.10
  • OS X Mavericks 10.9​
  • OS X Mountain Lion 10.8​
  • OS X Lion 10.7
  • Chrome OS™ - There is no need for a driver when installing the adapter to Chromeâ„¢.  The adapter will only show as an available adapter if there's an active ethernet cable connected to it.
6.  What USB standards are supported by the adapter?

The Linksys USB3GIG supports USB 1.0, USB 1.1, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0.
 
SETUP AND INSTALLATION
 
1.  How do I install the driver for the adapter?

Installing the Linksys USB3GIG driver is simple using the setup w
izard from the Linksys website or setup CD included in the package.  For detailed instructions on how to do this, click here.

NOTE:  The Linksys USB3GIG downloadable files are also available on the support product page.  You can click here to download.

2.  How do I connect the adapter to a computer or device?

Step 1:
Remove the caps from the adapter.
 
Step 2:
Plug the adapter’s USB connector into an available USB port on your computer or device.
 
NOTE:  For maximum performance, it is recommended to connect the adapter directly to a USB 3.0 port on your computer.  If you are connecting to a USB hub, make sure it operates at USB 3.0 speed.
 
Step 3:
Connect one end of an ethernet cable into the adapter’s RJ-45 port.
 
Step 4:
connect the other end of the ethernet cable into the ethernet port of your router or switch.

 
3.  I have an OS X 10.13, after installing the adapter on my Mac all my wired and Wi-Fi adapters were disabled.  How do I fix this issue?

We are aware of this issue and we are currently working on a Linksys USB3GIG driver for OS X® 10.13.  For now, you may follow the steps provided here as workaround to restore the adapters in your Mac.
 
TROUBLESHOOTING

1.  What should I do if my computer doesn’t recognize the adapter?

Make sure that your Linksys USB3GIG adapter is plugged correctly into your computer’s USB port and the adapter’s driver has been installed properly.  To learn how to install the adapter, click here.  If your computer still doesn’t recognize the adapter, try plugging it into a different USB port.
 
If you are using a Chromebook™, make sure that the Linksys USB3GIG is connected to a powered up router/modem/switch/hub.  The adapter will only show as available in your your computer if there is an active ethernet connection behind it.


2.  What should I do if the adapter doesn’t work properly?

Unplug and re-plug the adapter into your device's USB port.  You may also try plugging it to another USB port. 

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