My type C cable does not charge (computer, iPhone, charging)

[RobertFisher]

I bought a type C cable; the cheap type I suppose, those sitting in big bins on a table at the front of the store. Turn out it charges very slowly, sometimes even losing power when I charge from computer USB port.

My question: Is this just a defected cable, or are there different grades of charging cable?

If the latter, then I have to watch what I buy in the future.

[Sydney123]

I’ve purchased after market lightning cables for my Apple IPhone and iPad. Even the ones that say “Apple certified” don’t always work. I just resolved myself to the fact that I was going to have to pay more... for a cable that worked.

[elnina]

You bought a cheap charger cable. Because of a change in the way that USB-C cables charge devices, it’s possible for a manufacturer to cut corners and create a cable that can physically damage your devices.
Your phone probably isn't cheap, why would you buy a crap charger cable from China?

If you want the latest spec and the highest data speeds in your C-to-C cable, you want USB 3.1 Gen 2, which can support up to 10Gbps data speeds and up to 100W charging speeds.

Here are several good charger cables listed that will not break your budget:
https://www.androidcentral.com/best-...ables-adapters

[RobertFisher]

Originally Posted by elnina

You bought a cheap charger cable. Because of a change in the way that USB-C cables charge devices, it’s possible for a manufacturer to cut corners and create a cable that can physically damage your devices.
Your phone probably isn't cheap, why would you buy a crap charger cable from China?

If you want the latest spec and the highest data speeds in your C-to-C cable, you want USB 3.1 Gen 2, which can support up to 10Gbps data speeds and up to 100W charging speeds.

Here are several good charger cables listed that will not break your budget:
https://www.androidcentral.com/best-...ables-adapters

I did not know cables are different. I thought they are like hoses -- as long as diameter is same, water carrying power is same....

[dontaskwhy]

When it comes to electronics it is far different than with plumbing. Sometimes the old saying "You get what you pay for" comes to mind. I remember buying a cheap charging cable and finding out it did not offer the ability to also transfer data between my phone and my computer. I learned from that mistake and I will pay more for reliable cable every time.

[Peregrine]

There are 2 types of USB-C Cables: Data and Charging. Charging cables do data. Data only cables do not charge.

[dontaskwhy]

Originally Posted by Peregrine

There are 2 types of USB-C Cables: Data and Charging. Charging cables do data. Data only cables do not charge.

Agreed !

Don't forget there are cables that will allow charging and data transfer. They are more expensive, but well worth it to prevent users from having to buy two different cables. Usually the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) cables included in the box when the device is purchased do both functions. The issue occurs when the user buys a "cheap" cable which usually only charges the device and lacks the data transfer capability.

[elnina]

Originally Posted by dontaskwhy

Agreed ! Don't forget there are some cables that will allow charging and data transfer. They are more expensive, but well worth it to prevent users from having to buy two different cables.

I had few higher speed, good quality Micro B cables (Anker powerline) that I used with my older phones, and I just bought a type C adapters. No need to buy a new set of cables. The maintenance app still shows a high-speed data transfer.
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Adapter...ef=pd_cp_147_3

[RobertFisher]

Originally Posted by Peregrine

There are 2 types of USB-C Cables: Data and Charging. Charging cables do data. Data only cables do not charge.

Learnt something new today! Thanks.

[dontaskwhy]

Originally Posted by elnina

I had few higher speed, good quality Micro B cables (Anker powerline) that I used with my older phones, and I just bought a type C adapters. No need to buy a new set of cables. The maintenance app still shows a high-speed data transfer.
https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Adapter...ef=pd_cp_147_3

No disagreement with you. If the phone shows the high-speed transfer, you are golden.