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Key takeaways

• USB-C charging requires protocol negotiation, which some inexpensive devices omit.
• Devices failing to charge often lack the necessary internal hardware for the charging handshake.
• Use a USB-A to USB-C cable to bypass the power negotiation protocol.

While USB charging is an improvement over the mess of proprietary connectors and protocols that preceded it in the past, it's still not the utopia the tech industry wants you to believe it is.

Here's a good example. I have a portable thermal label printer that I've found to be just so useful for keeping things organized -- it prints really clear labels that are resistant to water, oil, acid, and heat. It's also powered by a built-in rechargeable battery. It's a great printer that costs less than $30.

Also: This USB power meter I tested is shockingly accurate - especially for how cheap it is

But I've now lost count of the number of times I've put it on charge only to find that it's flat when I need it. So, why?

Why some gadgets don't charge with USB-C

Although the printer may have a USB-C port, it lacks the necessary hardware to support USB-C charging protocols. On a more technical level, the manufacturer opted to save a few cents by omitting some basic components (typically just two resistors, which cost virtually nothing) to accommodate different power inputs. Since USB-C doesn't supply power without first negotiating what the device needs, no power is delivered.

By contrast, USB-A always delivers a default 5V without any negotiation.

Also: I never leave home without this viral USB-C key ring accessory

The upshot is that, while the port appears to be identical to every other USB-C port, if you plug in a USB-C cable connected to a USB-C charger, the device won't charge.

Which is rather annoying.

There is a significant giveaway for a device with this limitation: it will come supplied with a USB-A to USB-A cable.

There's another rub. I've come across some USB-C chargers that will work with devices like this. They shouldn't, and are only working because they aren't compliant with the standards, but they will work.

What to do instead

OK, assuming that you don't have a non-compliant USB-C charger that manages to work even though it shouldn't, what should you do?

• Find the USB-A to USB-C cable that came with the device. Or buy a replacement cable or adapter , as they're only a couple of bucks. Or get a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
• Use a cable like the Rolling Square inCharge universal charging cable that can transform into a USB-A to USB-C cable. Yet another reason to have one of these in your tech bag!

Also: What an orange USB port actually means - and the truth behind all the colors

So, if you have a USB-C device that doesn't charge from a USB-C charger, don't throw it away or start to get out the prytool -- try a USB-A to USB-C cable!

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