[SOLVED!] Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Not Recognized: Solved for Mac and Windows Users

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Once it comes to Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 not recognized, you must consider checking out Focusrite Control Server as there could be problems with compatibility and/or drivers. Moreover, it’s wise to restart the Focusrite Control Server and see how things turn out. Continue reading to tackle the issue and get the most out of Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.

Common Reasons Why Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 not Recognized

Have been using Scarlett 2i2, but all of a sudden it can’t be recognized? The hardware is working fine, but the software isn’t! There are two common reasons why you bumped into this problem – compatibility issues and missing drivers.

Compatibility Issues

Did you have an OS update lately? Have you checked if your version of the Focusrite Scarlett is compatible with the version of your operating system? Go to the Support page of the company and check whether your Scarlett 2i2 will work well with the operating system that you have. Whether you are using either Windows or iOS, Focusrite provides to you all the information you need.

For Mac users, for example, a certain iteration of the latest macOS 10.15 (Catalina) may somehow alter the performance of your hardware. Though their website says the Scarlett 2i2 is compatible, it’s still important to check not just the audio interface, but all the rest of the hardware/software setup. Check the DAW that you’re using, e.g., Ableton Live, Pro Tools, etc.

On the other hand, for Windows, Scarlett 3rd Gen ranges including 2i2 is compatible with the latest Windows 11 21H2. Hence, before doing any upgrade/downgrade of your operating system, make sure that you won’t have any compatibility issues.

Problems with the Drivers

For most times, having an update to the software is a good thing because patches are made to solve existing issues. However, for some reason sometimes having a driver update seems to be more devastating as it may cause another difficulty. If the recent problem encountered is due to a software update, perhaps a downgrade will do the trick.

There is a certain thread in the Cakewalk forum solved this problem with a downgrade of the Focusrite Control. The problem is that, on Focusrite’s website, some versions aren’t there. So, what you’re going to do is contact support for assistance. They are more than willing to give you the best customer service that they can offer.

Solution for Windows Users

Most PC users have the luxury of accessing information online in order to solve their problems. Yet, some solutions offered aren’t applicable. Hence, this compilation is made.

No Hardware Connected

Go to Device Manager, but do a right-click on the Windows Icon (this is in Windows 10). A pop-up window will appear displaying all the devices. You can find Focusrite 2i2 under Sound, Video & Game Controllers, and Focusrite Audio. You should be able to see the interface unless your connection is broken. (And, in this case, you must literally try to use new cable wire.)

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Not Recognized

If your computer has detected it, look for the latest version of the Focusrite Control. Make sure it’s installed on the C: drive of your computer. Then, check Focusrite Control Server by opening your File Explorer, then, Local Disk (C:)>Program Files>Focusrite>Focusrite Control Server.

Now, look for the ControlServer.exe and enable Run as Administrator. This should be the ultimate solution to this, otherwise, you have to contact their support.

No Hardware Detected

To see if Focusrite Control Server is running, you go to the Control Panel (set View by: to Small Icons) to check Administrative Tools>Services>Focusrite Control Server. Once you find the Focusrite Control, select it and hit the Start hyperlink on the upper left of the window. (If you can see the Start hyperlink, that means, the item isn’t running. Otherwise, why you can see the Stop and Restart hyperlinks). Restart and see if the problem goes away.

If you are running third-party antivirus, make sure that it’s not blocking the Focusrite Control Server. But, if you only have Windows Defender, you should have this problem. If you really keep the antivirus running, just put in the exemptions the following:

  • C: > Program Files > Focusrite.
  • C: > Program Files > Focusrite > Server.

Solution for macOS Users

No Hardware Connected

To check whether the audio interface is connected, you have to go to Apple logo>About This Mac>System Report>Hardware>USB, or Thunderbolt. Check the USB Device Tree if you are going to find Focusrite. If you can’t find it, just try to use another cable wire, as you do in Windows to test.

If you can find the 2i2 but it is not recognized by the computer, you have to ensure that it has the latest software. Just like in Windows, let’s check the services: Open Focusrite Control and open Finder. Navigate to Applications>Utilities>Activity Monitor>FocusriteControlServer. Double-click and it will open a new window. Hit the Quit button.

Note: FocusriteControlServer will not stop, instead it will just stay in the Activity Monitor .

After this process, you should be able to see the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 in the Focusrite Control. If not, check out this YouTube video for the simplest way to fix the problem.

No Hardware Detected

As mentioned earlier, the compatibility of the Focusrite Control depends on the version of the macOS. If after all your efforts to follow the instructions in the previous section, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is not recognized still, try to manually activate the service.

To do so, go to Finder>Applications. Look for the Focusrite Control, right-click on it and go to Show Package Contents > Contents > Library > Login Items. Double-click on FocusriteControlServer. When you open your Focusrite Control, your interface should now be recognized.

Then, you have to put Focusrite Control Server under the exemptions of your third-party firewall. Go to System Preferences > Security and Privacy > Firewall > Firewall Options. Then, from the previous window, drag the FocusriteControlServer to the Firewall Options, then Allow incoming connections. This should allow your interface to be seen in the control.

Conclusion

Getting to the connectivity problem in the Focusrite Control is really frustrating. And, it’s a very common problem for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 not recognized. Basically, you’ll get either the ‘No hardware connected’ or the ‘No hardware detected’ error. We hope you’ve tried out the solutions presented in this article, and hopefully we were able to help you out. Until next time!