USB-A to USB-C Cables

For a USB-C phone and an older charger

USB-A is the older, larger, rectangular plug that only goes in one way up. You will not find it on a phone, but it is still the socket on many older plug chargers, car chargers, laptops and power banks, and on the USB sockets built into cars, hotel lamps and some wall sockets. A USB-A to USB-C cable lets a USB-C phone charge from all of them: an iPhone 15 or later, or any recent Samsung, Pixel or other Android phone. The commonest reason a new cable "does not fit" is a USB-C to USB-C cable meeting an old charger with a USB-A socket, and this is the cable that solves it.

What is here

The cables here today include a nylon braided cable in a choice of colours and lengths; a thickened cable with an e-marker chip in several lengths; and a soft silicone cable in 1m or 2m. Some are sold with a choice of ends, USB-A or USB-C at the charger end, so pick the USB-A option on the product page. For cables that turn a corner or reach further, see right-angle cables and long cables.

Will it charge as fast as USB-C to USB-C?

Usually not at a phone's very fastest. USB Power Delivery, the shared standard for fast charging that iPhones, Galaxy phones and Pixels use, is built around USB-C. A USB-A to USB-C cable still charges a phone well, and the higher figures on some listings depend on a charger and a phone that support the same fast charging system. For the full speed a recent phone can take, use a USB-C charger and a USB-C to USB-C cable. For a car socket, a lamp's USB port or an old charger from a drawer, this is the cable that fits.

Choosing one

Check the length along the route the cable will really take, and add a little slack so the plug is not pulled tight. A braided jacket resists the kinking and fraying near the plugs that ends most cables, which suits a car, a bag or a bedside. In the car, a short or right-angled cable keeps clear of the gear lever, the handbrake and your feet. If you are buying a cable to go with a charger you already own, look at the charger's socket before anything else, because a charger with both kinds of socket can take either cable.

Questions people ask about USB-A to USB-C cables

Does this work with an iPhone?

With iPhone 15 and later, which have USB-C. iPhone 14 and earlier need a Lightning cable.

Why does my phone charge slowly in the car?

A USB socket built into a car is often there for music and maps as much as charging, and may supply only a little power. A car charger in the 12V socket usually charges faster. The guide to charging cables covers the car in more detail.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.

More to look at

• USB-C to USB-C cables
• Braided cables
• Long cables
• Car chargers
• USB-A accessories
• Wall chargers
• Guide: Which charging cable does my phone need?
• Guide: Fast charging explained: watts, USB Power Delivery and PPS