A dumb ? - Are there different types of USB Cables for chargin, etc?

[Fix The Stupid]

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

[RKP5637]

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

came with your device, unless you can absolutely substantiate an alternative is the same.

[Timewas]

2. Basically

If it fits it will work, most important after that is what the output voltage and amps are,lower volts and amps, usually about 5 volts and 1 to 2 amps work on almost anything they fit but lower amps take longer to charge...

[hlthe2b]

3. Not all usb charging cables will transfer data, so yes.

It is annoying and not all that easy to tell the difference except at purchase...

[ret5hd]

4. Yes you are correct.

Some really cheap cables only charge. Others are data capable.

The really cheap ones generally come with items that need charging but not data. For example e-cigs.

[Fix The Stupid]

5. Thanks everyone, that is what I thought... cheers.

[ret5hd]

10. So, tell us!

Did we fix the stupid?

[underpants]

6. Don't you have them synced?

Trust me, no technical stuff from me. My iPad and phone are synced. Put something in phone (like photos) and it goes in the other. I’m not sure how that happens or how they got synced but they are.

[hunter]

7. Some cables don't include the data lines.

Some cables have power lines so thin they won't even charge phones properly.

The absurdly expensive name brand USB cables usually work, but I'm not going to pay $15 or more for one.

I haven't had any trouble with Amazon's house brand cables.

I have had trouble with bargain store or gas station USB cables.

[Jane Austin]

8. Sadly, yes.

Three that I know of.

[unc70]

9. Some cables only do charging

Ones from vendors like Apple have data. Ones for other types of devices might have only the lines for power.

[eppur_se_muova]

11. There are approximately 9!*8!/2! types of USB cables.

The sale of USB cables accounted for an estimated 59% of the GNP of China in 2018.