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How To Connect Your USB-C Cable To A Regular USB Port

You might be curious about the difference between USB-C and USB-B. You might not even know these connection types’ advantages and disadvantages. Or you might be looking for a guide on connecting a USB-C cable to a standard USB port.

Using an adapter, you can connect a USB-C cable to a standard USB-A port. Male adapters are used for connecting a USB-C device to a USB-A port. Female adapters are used for connecting a USB-A device to a USB-C port. You can find several male or female adapters online at affordable prices.

There’s much to consider if you’re considering switching to USB-C or looking for compatible hardware. Thankfully, we cover everything you need to know in the article below. Read on for more information.

What’s the Difference Between a USB-C and a USB-A?

USB Type C Kabel Data

USB-C, USB-A, USB-B; what does any of this mean? Determining the differences between the various USB options can be confusing and headache-inducing. The main types you’ll see are USB-C and USB-A, which have a few key differences you need to be aware of.

USB-A

USB-A probably comes to mind when you think of a USB cable or port. They have been a staple in the tech industry for quite some time and have a rectangular horizontal port with pin connectors on the bottom. However, unlike USB-C, you can only use a USB-A cable if you insert it correctly.

USB-A has been losing popularity since USB-C came out in 2014, but many devices still include a USB-A port. In addition, millions of accessories and devices still require a USB-A connection, which allows the technology to hang on.

USB-C

USB-C, or USB Type-C, came out in 2014 and is the new standard port for consumer electronics. Newer laptops, tablets, and smartphones utilize USB-C technology because it has fewer problems than USB-A. What’s more, Type-C connections have several beneficial features compared to USB-A.

Type-C connection ports are smaller and thinner than their predecessors. In addition, USB-C connectors have a symmetrical design, so it doesn’t matter how you insert the cable into the device. USB-C can also be backward compatible with USB-A and other connections, as long as you have an adapter.

USB-C also has Power Delivery, allowing you to charge devices like laptops and smartphones. In addition, SuperSpeed and SuperSpeed+ technology provides faster data transfer speeds. Type-C connections can use Thunderbolt 3 and 4, making them a popular option for laptops and desktops.

Can a USB-C Plug into a USB-A?

You cannot plug a USB-C connection into a USB-A port. However, there are several adapters available that allow you to connect otherwise incompatible devices. Depending on your circumstance, you might select from USB-A to USB-C or even USB-C to HDMI.

What Kind of Adapter do You Need?

Silver USB type C to USB OTG angle adapter

There are several different USB-A to USB-C adapters you can choose from. You can find several online (on Amazon) depending on your needs. One of the main considerations is whether you need a male or female connection.

Female adapters (on Amazon) allow you to plug a USB-A device into a USB-C port. So, for example, you would use this adapter with a USB-A keyboard and a USB-C laptop port.

Male adapters (on Amazon) allow you to plug a USB-C device into a USB-A port. So, for example, you would use the adapter for charging a USB-C smartphone in a USB-A car charging port.

What are the Advantages of UBS-C?

USB-C has several advantages over USB-A, making it an attractive option for modern technology and users. Here are some of the benefits of USB-C:

  • Charges devices faster due to a higher Power Delivery.
  • It can charge larger devices than USB-A.
  • Compatible with alternate modes and connections if you use an adapter.
  • Faster data transfer capacity with SuperSpeed and SuperSpeed+.
  • Uses high-speed protocols such as USB 3.1 and USB 3.2
  • Has support from several tech giants, including Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, Dell, and more.
  • A smaller connection makes it easier to transport and use.
  • A reversible connection makes it more accessible and convenient.

Will USB-C Eventually Replace USB-A?

USB Type-C has gained tremendous support since its release in 2014. The technology is preferred, faster, and more convenient than its predecessor USB-A. Type-C also connections transfer data and charge faster. It makes you wonder, “Will USB-C replace USB-A? And why hasn’t it already?”

Although USB-A has more issues than USB-C, it’s still used in several different situations. Several devices use USB-A and are rendered useless if you don’t have a compatible cable or adapter. USB-A can also use USB 3.0, so it’s sufficient for daily use and transferring media, albeit more slowly.

USB-C might take over USB-A in the future, but it will take some time. By the time USB-C takes over USB-A, you’ll hardly notice it’s gone. Until then, you can use both technologies or combine them with adapters.