USB-C is effectively the universal cable standard, something that took a long time to come around. However, its brilliant flippable shape and extensive variety of uses can sometimes make it difficult to know if you actually have the right cable for the device at hand.
Your Port Might Be a Lower Standard
The first check regarding USB-C issues is the port you’re plugging a device into. For example, you might have a USB-C 3.2 hub, plug it into your device, and find that it doesn’t work. If you’re using the included cable for that device, the most likely scenario is that you’re plugging it into a port with insufficient standards.
Many laptops today have at least one Thunderbolt port, but aside from a few exceptions like MacBooks, most laptops have a mix of ports ranging from USB 3.0 to Thunderbolt over USB-C, in a confusing variety. These may have an icon to indicate the port’s standard, such as a lightning icon for Thunderbolt or the USB number “3.0” or “3.2” next to the port, but this isn’t guaranteed.
If you’re using the wrong port, don’t give up on your specific cable. Refer to your device’s specifications to determine which port has what standard. However, beware of further confusion about ports, such as lacking a port entirely even if your motherboard might support it.
Your Device Might Not Even Have the Port
Most prevalent on Windows desktops, your device may completely lack the correct port. For example, many motherboards technically support Thunderbolt 4 but might not have a Thunderbolt port unless you purchase a PCIe add-on.
As such, you might attempt to connect a Thunderbolt device to your PC that technically supports that standard, yet the port is lacking. Thunderbolt is a widely adopted standard, yet its implementation over USB-C remains confusing. It’s more likely USB 3.1 or 3.2. Before you even think of which cable to buy, you should know the standard your intended port supports, as well as your motherboard.
While USB-C and Thunderbolt are compatible, a standard USB port does not support the full range of Thunderbolt features, like high-speed data transfer or daisy chaining, which require a Thunderbolt-certified port. Refer to your device’s specifications to determine exactly what type of USB-C port you’re working with, then decide on a cable if you need to buy one.
Your Cable Might Not Have the Bandwidth
USB is generally backward compatible but not forward compatible. For example, a USB 3.2 port will support a USB 2.0 device, whereas a USB 2.0 port can physically support a USB 3.2 device but will only operate at USB 2.0 speeds. Certain devices requiring higher power or bandwidth of USB 3.2 may not function properly. The same concept applies to cables—a USB 2.0 cable can physically connect to a USB 3.2 device but will limit its performance to USB 2.0 standards. To ensure proper functionality, every component—device, port, and cable—should meet the same standard as the peripheral device or higher
While USB-A cables and ports are often color-coded to denote their standard—gray for USB 2.0, blue for USB 3.0 or higher—these color codes are not universal, particularly with third-party manufacturers. USB-C cables and ports, on the other hand, all look identical, with the possible exception of a small icon near the port, which might not even be included. As such, identifying the exact specifications of a USB-C cable without additional information can be challenging. Some cables include icons, such as the Thunderbolt logo, but many do not, making testing or detailed labeling necessary.
As such, USB-C cables can be impossible to know the exact specifications without testing. I once purchased a “USB-C 3 W” cable, assuming it was a USB 3.0 cable. However, whether it was my confusion or intentionally misleading marketing, the cable only had USB 2.0 standards, and I could not use it with the USB 3.0 device I planned on. This limitation was impossible to check for on the hardware until I tested it.
Similarly, when a device you purchase comes with a USB-C cable, it’s difficult to know that cable’s standard. You might purchase a smartphone that uses USB-C and might support fast charging and rapid data transfer, but the cable might have slower, older USB 2.0 standards.
My recommendation regarding picking the right USB-C cables is to search based on the standard you’re using, such as “USB 3.2” or “Thunderbolt 4,” and then double-check that the cable you purchase meets that standard before buying. You can also refer to USB-IF certification or Thunderbolt branding to ensure they meet the claimed standards.
Make Sure the Cable, Port, or Device Isn’t Broken
If you’ve checked everything else regarding USB port and cable standards, your cable may be broken. Try testing the cable with different devices. If the cable works, your device or port might have an issue, whereas if the cable doesn’t work with other ports or devices, the cable is likely busted.
In my experience doing technical support, this is the least likely root cause, but cables can break and malfunction, especially if they are used in a way that adds tension and potential breakage. Treat your cables gently, and you can likely avoid this issue.
While it is certainly possible to troubleshoot USB-C cable issues, everything would be easier if cables were required to have consistent iconography to denote their standards, such as the USB data standard. Many have these icons, but they’re not required. While USB-A is becoming outdated, at least identifying its standard is relatively easy. USB-C needs the same ease of identification!