USB-C: the plug on most phones today
USB-C is the small, rounded plug that goes in either way up. It is on the iPhone 15 and every iPhone since, on most Android phones of recent years, and on many tablets, laptops, earbud cases and power banks. This page gathers everything in Charging and Power whose listing names USB-C or Type-C, the same plug under its other name, so a cable, a charger, a power bank and an adapter can all be found here together.
What is here
- USB-C to USB-C cables make up a large part of the page: braided and woven cables at 60W with USB Power Delivery, 240W cables, retractable cables, coiled cables, and short keychain cables. A few of the short ones list fast data and video as well as charging.
- USB-A to USB-C cables for older chargers and car sockets, including long ones offered up to 8m and more, and right-angle cables for gaming and the car.
- Chargers: compact 20W USB-C PD wall chargers with a UK plug, a dual-port charger, a multi-port charger, and dual-port USB-C car chargers.
- Power banks with USB-C cables built in, so there is no cable to forget.
- Adapters: OTG adapters for USB sticks and keyboards, adapters between USB-C and Lightning, and sets of small converters for a bag.
How to choose a USB-C cable or charger
For a cable, check its power rating. Most USB-C to USB-C cables carry up to 3 amps, which at 20 volts is 60 watts, and that is enough for a phone on its own. Cables built for more carry 5 amps and hold a small chip, an e-marker, that tells the charger so; they go up to 240 watts, which matters for a laptop or a Galaxy on 45W charging. Cables certified by the USB-IF show a 60W or 240W logo. If a listing gives no rating, assume 60 watts. Check data speed too, if you move photos to a computer by cable: some cables list a basic 480Mbps, a few far faster.
For a charger, look for USB Power Delivery and the watts, not just the USB-C socket. The USB-IF itself points out that USB-C is not the same as USB PD. Shop by charging power sorts chargers by their watts, and the guide to fast charging explains the labels.
Questions people ask about USB-C accessories
Will a USB-C cable from an Android phone charge my iPhone 15?
Yes. Apple says the USB-C iPhones charge with a USB-C cable and a USB-C power adapter using USB Power Delivery, the same as most Android phones.
Can my iPhone charge other things over USB-C?
Yes. Apple says the iPhone 15 and later can charge small accessories, such as earbuds or a watch, from their USB-C socket at up to 4.5 watts.
Why will my new USB-C cable not go into my charger?
The charger probably has the older USB-A socket. Use a USB-A to USB-C cable or a charger with a USB-C socket.
More to look at