There is no denying that USB-C is a future. But this future is still imperfect and requires some more work. There are a lot of USB-C problems people are facing these days. But first going to the problems section let’s talk about USB-C. What is USB-C? Well, a USB-C is made to charge your devices and transfer files by connecting to other USB-C devices. Like docking stations, mobile phones, display adapters, and any other device which supports a USB type C port.
The USB-C connections are faster, more reliable, and provide improved power delivery. USB-C is a good choice to replace your older USB versions because it provides better connectivity standards like a thunderbolt and Display port. Currently, a USB-C is under extensive testing for a USB audio standard.
So, if you are thinking to buy these USB-C cables or supported devices you must keep in mind some important things. In this article we have mentioned some common problems USB-C users have faced and also provide a solution to them.
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MAJOR USB-C PROBLEMS
First of all, if it is not working in your Windows, the major reason behind it is drivers. This issue can cause slow charging or no charging at all of your devices. Aside from charging issues, you can also face file transfer-related issues. Also, the major reason for USB-C problems is un-updated PCs or mobile phones. Means updated devices are a must to make your USB-C cables and ports work efficiently.
Well, these are some minor issues lets discuss some major USB-C problems you can face while using these cables or devices. The major and common problems related to USB-C are:
- Poor Quality Cables: Wrong USB-C cables can Fry your devices.
- All the USB Ports are not the same in your device.
Wrong USB-C Cables Can Fry your devices.
Using the USB-C cables is not that easy. Like in the case of USB-A or USB-B ports it was not hard to choose the right one for your device. But that’s not the case here. Most of the USB-C problems are related to the wrong choice of cables. The wrong cables can cause serious damage to your device and worst, fry the whole device.
The reason is, USB-C cables and devices support fast and powerful charging. And when connected with the wrong cable like USB-A, the device can pull too much power to handle by USB-A port. This leads to frying your phone, Computer, and the USB-C port itself.
Another important point to note here is the quality of your USB-C cable. The properly made cables are supported by inline resistors to prevent any trouble. Now the question is how can you know which cable is of good quality? Well, the answer is simple, always buy from reliable vendors. And make sure that the USB-C cable you are buying is compatible with your USB-C port or device. You can easily find compatibility by reading specs and features.
All the USB-C Ports are not the same in your device
A major thing we miss about USB-A ports is their diversity. Almost any type of cable can get attached to USB-A ports. But the USB-C ports are far less diverse than type A. Not just the USB-C cables but USB-C adapters must be compatible with your device’s ports to run it efficiently.
Now the commonly find cables in the market are USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 or 3.1 are rare to find. And we all know that USB 2.0 is used for charging. These can also be used for transferring data but results are quite slow. So, the technology experts tried to infuse some features in USB-C. And that’s where the things get confused for buyers when same-looking cables were made for different purposes.
Thunderbolt 3 & Display Port
For example, Thunderbolt 3 is a result of a collaboration of Apple and Intel brands. This thunderbolt 3 offers a speed of up to 40gbps which is 4 times more than regular 2.0 and 3.1 cables. But again this thunderbolt 3 can offer its thunderous powers to device compatible with it. And also if you have the thunderbolt 3 compatible cable.
But still, there are other options available too. USB-C ports offer connectivity with some other stuff. Like HDMI & MHL. Both these can allow specific displays to be connected. There is one such thing name Display port which usually comes bundled up with Thunderbolt 3. But in some devices, it is also offered independently. In short, if you want to connect your PC or laptop to external displays make sure if your device supports it or not. And then go to buy an adapter or a cable that matches that mode.
All this creates a fuss in buyers, as to which cable is for which work? And which cable is compatible with which port? Either this display is compatible with your device? Because wrong cables can cause a stream of USB-C problems.
When USB-C is not working properly, the following notifications appear on your PC screen.
We have talked about two major USB-C problems and now will discuss how our PC recognized these problems. We will also talk about the best USB-C cables later in the article but first, let’s solve the USB-C-related issues. The following are notifications our PC sends us when USB-C is not working properly.
- The Functionality of Thunderbolt device or USB is limited.
- USB device might not be working properly.
- Display Connection might be limited.
- Use different USB port.
- Your PC or phone is not Charging.
- USB device might not be working properly.
Now let’s dive into the details of each issue and find its solution.
USB-C Problems: The USB or Thunderbolt Functionality is Limited
| Causes of Limited Functionality | How to Fix it? |
| The PC or other device you are going to connect with C-type cable has updated features regarding USB-C. Means USB-C Cable is not updated and is of an old version. | Try to buy the updated USB-C cable which has all the features as the connected device. |
When your device is not accurately connected with a dongle or connected with the wrong USB-C port it causes the thunderbolt and USB functionality limitations. | Directly connect the dongle with your device or PC and in the right port to avoid such USB-C problems. |
USB-C Problems: USB Device not working Properly
| Possible Cause | How to fix it? |
| The main reason why your device is not working properly is that your driver is not supported. This means the driver is not supported by Windows 10 on your phone. | Try updating your phone to the latest version of Windows 10. You can check for updates by following this route; START->SETTINGS->UDATE & SECURITY-> PHONE UPDATE->CHECK FOR UPDATES |
This will let you know about the new updates. If your phone is already updated to Windows 10, then connect your device with your PC Windows 10. To check if your device is supported by Windows 10, click the link here; UNIVERSAl SERIAL BUS.
USB-C Problems: Display Connection is Limited
| Possible Cause | How to Fix it? |
| The device you connected to your PC does not support new features of USB-C or that PC itself does not support new USB-C features. This means both device and PC are incompatible with each other. | First of all make sure that your phone, PC or cable all support MHL alternate modes and also Displayport. |
| The display connection can also get limited when Device or dongle are connected with wrong USB-C ports on your PC. Too much dongle or device connected with your PC also leads to display connection limitation. | Then directly connect your dongle or device with your PC or phone. Make sure the dongle is connected accurately at the USB-C port. Always connect the dongle or device into supported USB-C ports. |
So, when the display connection is limited choose the right USB-C port.
For example, always use the DisplayPort Alternate Mode adapter to connect with the USB-C port on your PC that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode.
USB-C Problems:Your PC or Phone is not charging
| Cause of Slow Charging | How to Fix it? |
| The charger you are using is not compatible with your PC or phone. | Use the original cable for charging purposes. |
| The charger is not connected to the charging port in your device. Means connected with some other USB-C port. | Connect with the right charging USB-C port to avoid this problem. |
Sometimes dust particles or some kind of dirt can get inside the USB-C ports on your PC or phone. Use specific compressed Air cans to remove any kind of foreign particles from ports.
USB-C Problems: USB Device Might Not Be Working Properly
| Possible Cause | How To Fix it? |
| The main purpose why the USB device is not working properly is because it is not supported by USB-C port. And your PC can’t power an unsupported device. | If your device can get powered externally then plug it with some external source. Also, disconnect any device which is connected to your PC and is currently unused. This will reduce the power load on your PC. |
So, these were some real-time USB-C problems. We have tried our best to provide you best solutions for it. Now if you want to buy a featureful USB-C cable, here is our best choice.
BEST AMAZON BASICS USB Type-C CABLE
- Amazonbasics USB-C cables are best to buy.
- These offer consistency as well as Super speed.
- Can connect with USB-C supported devices like Macbook, chromebook, Pixel, etc.
| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT USB-C PROBLEMS |
| Why is my USB-C not working properly? |
| The charger is not connected properly to the charging port. There might be dust particles inside the port. The USB-C cable is not compatible with the USB-C port on your PC. The charger is not connected directly. Means connected by some external port or hub. |
| How to know if your USB-C supports DP Alt mode? |
| There are logos and symbols next to the windows port which let you know, what to do with these ports. If there is a logo of lightning near the USB-C port then it is for charging. Also, you can pass on a video signal via this port and connect to monitors. This is the port that is for DP alt mode. |
