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How to Use a USB-C-to-USB-C Cable With Your Smartphone

Connect a USB-C-to-USB-C cable to your phone and a compatible adapter or computer. Charging speed and data features depend on the phone, cable, and accessory.
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Connect one end of the cable to your phone’s USB-C port and the other to a compatible USB-C power adapter, then plug the adapter into a wall outlet. You can also connect the phone to a computer for charging and, if both devices support it, file transfer. The exact charging speed and available USB options depend on your phone, cable, and adapter.

First, check that the cable fits your phone

A USB-C-to-USB-C cable has a USB-C connector at both ends, so it plugs directly into a phone only if the phone has a USB-C port. If your phone uses a different connector, use the cable or adapter that matches that port instead; a USB-C-to-USB-C cable will not connect directly.

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The USB-C plug is reversible, so either end can go into the phone. Do not assume that the connector shape tells you how quickly the cable charges, how fast it transfers data, or whether it supports video or other alternate modes. Check the phone, cable, and accessory specifications for those capabilities.

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Charge your phone from a wall outlet

  1. Plug either end of the cable into the phone’s USB-C port.
  2. Plug the other end into a compatible USB-C power adapter.
  3. Connect the adapter to a working wall outlet.
  4. Look for the charging indicator on the phone.

For the fastest charging your phone supports, use an adapter and cable compatible with that phone’s charging specifications. A higher-wattage adapter does not mean every phone will charge at that wattage: the phone, cable, adapter, and charging protocol all affect the result. Check the manufacturer’s guidance for your exact model.

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Charge or transfer files through a computer

Connect the phone to a computer with the cable, using a USB-C port on the computer if available. This may charge the phone and can also allow data transfer when the devices support it. A computer port may charge more slowly than a suitable wall adapter. A hub or multiport charger can also reduce available output, particularly when several devices are connected; Apple describes these charging conditions in its iPhone charge-speed guidance.

Some Android phones show a USB notification or prompt after connection. On supported Galaxy devices, Samsung’s instructions say to tap the USB notification and choose “Transferring files/Android auto” for data transfer or “Charging phone only” to charge without file transfer. Menu wording and behavior vary by phone; see Samsung’s Galaxy USB connection guidance or your phone maker’s instructions.

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What the USB-C label does—and does not—guarantee

The USB Implementers Forum states that “USB Type-C® is not USB Power Delivery” and “USB Type-C® is not USB 3.2 or USB4®.” In other words, USB-C describes the connector, not a guaranteed charging protocol, data speed, or video capability. Those depend on the cable and the connected devices.

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For scale, USB-IF says USB 2.0 Type-C technology supports data operation up to 480 Mbps. That does not mean every USB-C cable supports a faster standard. Conversely, USB-IF says a USB 2.0 Type-C-to-Type-C cable can support USB Power Delivery, but does not include USB 3.2, USB4, or Alt-Mode capability. Check the cable’s specifications for what it supports.

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Charging recommendations are also model-specific. Google Pixel Help lists other USB Power Delivery adapters rated at 15 W or more and PPS adapters rated at 30 W or more among recommendations for Pixel phones, while the supported charging speed remains dependent on the phone model. Do not apply Pixel adapter recommendations to a Samsung, iPhone, or other phone without checking that manufacturer’s guidance.

Data capability can vary by model and cable too. Apple says specified iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro models can reach up to 10 Gbit/s with an optional USB 3 cable; that figure is not a general speed for USB-C cables or phones. See Apple’s USB-C iPhone guidance for model-specific details. The USB-IF distinctions are in its USB Type-C and USB 2.0 Type-C cable and connector guidelines.

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Connecting two phones or another USB-C device

Do not assume that connecting two USB-C devices makes one charge the other or starts file transfer automatically. Which device supplies power and which functions are available depend on the devices and their settings. Samsung provides separate connection guidance for Galaxy devices; check your manufacturers’ instructions before relying on a particular behavior.

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Fix common connection problems

  • The phone does not show that it is charging: Check both cable connections, the outlet, the adapter, and the phone’s port. Try a known-compatible cable and adapter. Google notes that an unsupported or damaged cable or adapter can cause very slow or absent charging; see Pixel charging guidance.
  • Charging is slow: A computer port, hub, multiport charger, or low-output or incompatible accessory may provide less power than a suitable wall adapter. Check the charging recommendations for your phone model.
  • File transfer does not start: Unlock the phone and look for a USB notification or connection prompt. Select a file-transfer mode if available, and confirm that both devices support the function you want.
  • The phone reports liquid or debris, or the cable or port is hot: Disconnect the cable. If the phone is wet or has overheated, let it dry or cool at room temperature; do not put anything into the port. If the warning returns, contact the manufacturer. Google gives steps for these warnings in its liquid or debris troubleshooting guidance.

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