Skip to main content
HomeDJ AppsDJ GearDJ SchoolSupportCompany
Support
General Troubleshooting

My hardware device is not recognized by djay

If your controller or audio interface is not recognized by djay, it’s often due to missing OS permissions, incorrect adapters, insufficient power, outdated firmware, or unsupported hardware. This guide provides step-by-step troubleshooting across all platforms to help you get your device detected and ready to mix.

When you connect a supported DJ controller or audio interface, djay should detect it automatically.

If it doesn’t appear in the app, most issues can be resolved by checking compatibility, connections, permissions, or power.

Before You Begin: Confirm Your Hardware Is Supported​

Before troubleshooting, please make sure your DJ controller or audio device is supported on the platform you're using. Hardware compatibility can vary between macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android, so it’s important to check the correct section for your device.

Please refer to the full list of compatible devices. This list reflects the current most recent version of djay.

note

If your device does not appear on the compatibility page for your platform, djay will not be able to recognize or configure it automatically.

If you have a MIDI controller that is currently not natively supported by djay, you can still use it with djay’s easy-to-use MIDI Learn feature.

Class-Compliant vs. Non–Class-Compliant Controllers​

Not all DJ controllers communicate with devices in the same way. Understanding whether your controller is class compliant can help explain why it may or may not be recognized by djay.

What does “class compliant” mean?​

A class-compliant device follows standard USB audio/MIDI protocols and does not require special drivers.

These devices work out of the box on macOS, iOS/iPadOS, and many Android devices.

Examples​

Most modern controllers from Pioneer DJ, Numark, Reloop, Denon DJ, Hercules, and others are class compliant.

Non–class-compliant devices​

Some controllers—especially older models or Windows-focused devices—require manufacturer drivers. These devices may:

  • Work only after driver installation on Windows
  • Not work at all on iOS or Android
  • Show power but not send MIDI/audio
  • Fail to appear in djay until drivers load correctly

How to identify your device​

  • Check the manufacturer’s website
  • Look for driver downloads
  • Look for terms like “plug and play,” “driverless,” or “class compliant”
Important

If a device requires special drivers, it cannot work on iOS or Android, as these systems do not allow installing third-party drivers.

Troubleshooting differences​

If your device is class compliant:

  • Focus on power, cables, adapters, firmware, and OS permissions.

If your device is NOT class compliant:

  • macOS: may still work, but only if the manufacturer provides updated macOS drivers.
  • Windows: requires installing the correct driver.
  • iOS/Android: will not work at all.

Troubleshooting your hardware on macOS​

1. Check the USB connection​

  • Connect the controller directly to your Mac.
  • Avoid hubs during initial troubleshooting.
  • Try a different USB port and cable.

2. Check macOS permissions​

Depending on your controller, macOS may require certain permissions before djay can access its USB audio interface or allow the device to connect.

  • USB Accessories (macOS Sonoma and later)
    If macOS shows a popup asking whether to allow the connected accessory, select Allow.

    If you previously tapped Don’t Allow on the USB accessory popup, macOS will continue blocking the controller until you re-enable it.

    Go to: System Settings > Privacy & Security > USB Accessories
    → Turn on “Allow accessories to connect”
    → Reconnect your controller

  • Microphone Access (for controllers with USB audio)
    Some controllers include built-in USB audio interfaces, which macOS labels as “microphones.”

    If access is denied, djay may not be able to route audio through the device.

    Go to: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone
    → Ensure djay is enabled.

3. Check Audio MIDI Setup​

  1. Open Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup
audio midi setup
  1. Open Window > Show MIDI Studio
audio midi setup
  1. Look for your controller

If it appears greyed out:

  • Click on the device then click the backspace key
  • Disconnect & reconnect the controller

4. Restart your computer​

Restarting your computer resets USB and MIDI services.

5. Update controller firmware​

Run the manufacturer’s firmware updater for macOS. This can usually be found on the product page of the manufacturers website.

6. Additional steps for non–class-compliant controllers​

If your device requires drivers, check the following:

  • Confirm the driver is installed
    Manufacturers often provide DMG installers for macOS.

  • Approve blocked drivers

    • Go to: System Settings > Privacy & Security
    • Look for a message such as: “System software from developer company was blocked.”
    • Click Allow, then restart your Mac.

  • Check for unsupported drivers
    Some older drivers are no longer compatible with macOS Ventura, Sonoma, or later. Consult the manufacturer’s support page.

note

Most modern DJ controllers are class-compliant, meaning they work on macOS without installing drivers.

macOS has supported class-compliant USB audio and MIDI devices for many years, so only older or legacy hardware typically relies on manufacturer-specific drivers.

If your hardware still isn’t recognized​

Please contact us and include:

  • Your platform (macOS, iOS, Windows, Android)
  • djay version
  • Controller model
  • How it is connected (adapter or hub used)
  • Whether it powers on
  • Screenshots of any error messages

This information helps us diagnose the issue quickly.

Copyright © 2025 Algoriddim GmbH. • All rights reserved • Imprint • Privacy Policy