The difference between USB charging and data cable is not obvious to everyone at first glance. We explain the differences between the two and how to tell them apart.
This is the difference between a USB charging cable and a data cable
Choosing accessories for technical devices can be difficult sometimes. For example, when it comes to the question whether to reach for a charging cable or a data cable. Some devices specifically ask for one or the other but not every user knows how to tell the two apart. Even more confusing is the fact that there are cables that can both transfer data and power to a device. We’ll explain the difference.
- Basically, the two types of cables can be distinguished by the fact that the charging cable can be used to charge the battery, while the data cable can be used to transfer files.
- As a rule, a device can also be charged with a data cable. However, pure charging cables are often not suitable for transferring data. On the other hand, charging with a charging cable is usually faster, especially if it is a fast-charging cable.
- Many devices that can be charged via USB connection do not contain any transferable data. For example, the light collar for the dog via mini fans. For such gadgets, pure charging cables are perfectly adequate.
- Externally, the two types of cables are usually indistinguishable. But with a little trick you can quickly find out which cable it is. To do this, connect your smartphone to your PC with the cable.
- If your computer reports that it has connected to a media device, it is a data cable. If, on the other hand, only the charging indicator on your phone shows that a power supply is taking place, you are usually dealing with a pure charging cable.
