USB-C adapters: which one fits, and which one works
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USB-C is a plug shape, not a promise. The adapter fits mechanically into any USB-C socket; whether anything comes out is decided by the device behind it. That is why the same HDMI adapter produces a picture on a laptop and nothing on a colleague's phone.
USB-C to HDMI: the Alt Mode question
Video over USB-C only works if the port supports what is called DisplayPort Alt Mode. On laptops that is the rule today; on phones it is not. iPhones from the 15 onwards can do it, many mid-range Android models cannot. The adapter itself cannot change that, it only passes signals through.
If your device's specifications say nothing about DisplayPort or video output over USB-C, even the best adapter will stay black. How to find out what your port can do is covered in which port does your device have.
USB-C to headphone jack: active or passive
Headphones with a jack plug need a digital-to-analogue converter. Some phones have one built into the USB-C port, many do not. So there are two kinds of adapter that look identical: passive ones that merely pass the contacts through, and active ones with their own chip. A passive adapter on the wrong phone stays silent.
When in doubt, take the active one. It works on both kinds and costs a few francs more.
USB-C to USB-A and to Ethernet
These two are the straightforward cases. A USB-C to USB-A adapter keeps old sticks, mice and printers alive. An Ethernet adapter brings a wired connection to a laptop or tablet, which in hotels and crowded offices is often faster than Wi-Fi. Why is explained in ethernet instead of Wi-Fi.
| Adapter | Requirement on the device | Typical trap |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C to HDMI | DisplayPort Alt Mode | phone outputs no picture |
| USB-C to jack | DAC in phone or adapter | passive adapter stays silent |
| USB-C to USB-A | none | power draw of old hard drives |
| USB-C to Ethernet | none | drivers on very old systems |
One detail that matters daily
If your laptop or tablet has only one USB-C socket, the adapter occupies exactly the one the charger normally uses. Adapters with an extra charging input solve that. If you regularly need more than one port, a hub serves you better, see hub or docking station. Our adapters come from Hoco, Baseus, Rock, Mcdodo, UGREEN and Apple, among others.