Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Computer Help and Support

Fix The Stupid

(972 posts) Tue Nov 5, 2019, 02:47 PM Nov 2019

A dumb ? - Are there different types of USB Cables for chargin, etc? [View all]

Yes, I know...I'm a dummy, but, please bear with me...

Why, when I use my laptop as a charger, do some USB charging cables just re-charge my phone and that is all they do? Then another USB cable will not only charge my phone, but allow me to open the phone up and see the files, etc?

The cables look the same? They both have that little graphic on them?

Thanks

11 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

A dumb ? - Are there different types of USB Cables for chargin, etc? [View all] Fix The Stupid Nov 2019 OP

There have been several iterations of USB. It's always best to use the cables and chargers that RKP5637 Nov 2019 #1

Basically Timewas Nov 2019 #2

Not all usb charging cables will transfer data, so yes. hlthe2b Nov 2019 #3

Yes you are correct. ret5hd Nov 2019 #4

Thanks everyone, that is what I thought... cheers. Fix The Stupid Nov 2019 #5

So, tell us! ret5hd Nov 2019 #10

Don't you have them synced? underpants Nov 2019 #6

Some cables don't include the data lines. hunter Nov 2019 #7

Sadly, yes. Jane Austin Nov 2019 #8

Some cables only do charging unc70 Nov 2019 #9

There are approximately 9!*8!/2! types of USB cables. eppur_se_muova Nov 2019 #11