Why Some Devices Won't Power Up: The Truth About Fixing USB-C Charging

USB-C was supposed to end the days of rummaging for the “right” charger. One cable for everything — phones, headphones, cameras, and that random gadget you only use once a month.

Yet if you’ve ever plugged two devices into the same USB-C port and watched one charge perfectly while the other just sits there, you know it doesn’t always work out that way.

Why does this happen? Let’s break it down in plain English.

  ❖  Understanding USB-C Charging: Why Some Devices Don’t Charge Properly
Take a look at a USB-C connector — it’s just a neat little oval. But what happens after you plug in depends on whether the device can communicate with the charger.

Here’s why:
  🔹USB-C charging requires negotiation. The charger asks the device, “How much power do you need?” If the device doesn’t answer correctly, no power is delivered
  🔹Some manufacturers skip tiny components (usually a pair of inexpensive resistors) to save on costs
  🔹So even though the port looks modern, the charging behaviour is stuck in the past

Meanwhile, the classic USB-A port is simpler: it delivers a default 5 volts to almost anything, no questions asked.

  ❖  Real-World Example of USB-C Compatibility Issues
Imagine you have a new smartphone and an affordable thermal label printer. Both have USB-C ports.
  🔹You plug in your phone with our USB-C to USB-C charging cable — charging begins instantly
  🔹You plug in the label printer with the same cable — nothing happens

The printer doesn’t negotiate USB-C power delivery, so the charger doesn’t send any current.

Frustrating? Definitely. But fixable.

  ❖  How to Fix USB-C Charging Problems
Here are a few simple ways to avoid USB-C compatibility headaches:
  🔹Check the Included USB-A to USB-C Cable: If your device came with a USB-A to USB-C cable, that’s a clear sign it expects simple 5V power, not negotiated USB-C charging
  🔹Use a USB-A, Micro-USB, or Mini-USB Charging Cable for Legacy Devices: Older ports allow for straightforward usage — simply plug in the appropriate charging cable, and you’re all set

To avoid dealing with tangled cords, consider using a converter. A high-quality USB-C converter is crucial for fast charging modern devices, ensuring compatibility with all the other items in your bag.

  ❖  The Best Charging Cables to Avoid USB-C Compatibility Issues
USB-C is powerful and fast — when everything plays nicely together. But not every device does.

If your gadget refuses to charge from the same port that powers your laptop or phone, don’t panic. You probably don’t need a new charger or a new device — just the right cable.

Having both a USB-C to USB-C fast charging cable and a USB-A to USB-C charging cable in your tech kit means you’ll never be caught off guard again.

Because sometimes the simplest solution is just having the right tools on hand.