Have you ever plugged in your phone to a charger just to find that it charges super slowly, or doesn’t charge at all? The main reason for that could be that your USB cable is damaged, and it’s a sign that you probably need to go and get a new one. From proper charging habits to investing in high-quality USB cables, here are some tips that will help you get longer-lasting use out of your USB charging cables instead of having to repair or replace them constantly. Read on to find out more!
Proper Charging Habits
Ever had a faulty cable with a loose USB connector that you had to angle at just the right spot or tilt your phone just the right way to get it to charge? That might mean the pins in your cable’s USB connector could be loose, or there could be dust and contaminants in the charging port.
To prevent the connector pins from becoming loose, avoid forcefully twisting or bending your cable, especially when it’s plugged into a device. When unplugging a cable from a phone, you should hold the connector head of the USB cable instead of pulling on the cable itself. Yanking on a cable can damage the internal wiring and loosen the connector pins, leading to charging issues or malfunctions.
Don’t forget to clean your USB charging ports too! Sometimes it’s not the cable, it’s all the lint, dust and debris that gets into your phone from regular outside use. Use delicate tools like cotton swabs, compressed air and microfiber cloth to clean out the insides of charging ports. Whatever you do, don’t use metal objects, as they might short-circuit or physically damage the device’s internal components, and then you’ll have to send it in for repair!
How to Store and Organise your USB Charging Cables Properly
When not using your cables, coil them neatly without straining the connectors to prevent them from getting knotted or tangled, which might cause strained or frayed charging cables. Use cable clips or organisers and store them in travel pouches.
When Should You Get a New Cable?
Check your USB cables and adapters regularly for cracks, fraying or exposed inner wiring, as using damaged wires cables could stop electricity from correctly flowing through your charging cable into your device, which could cause power surges that damage the internal components of your device, resulting in electrocution or fire hazards. No one wants that!
Investing in Quality Cables and Choosing the Right Type of USB Cable
In most cases, it’s best to stick to using the original charger adapter and USB cable that came with the device as much as possible. However, if your cable is visibly damaged or frayed with the internal wiring exposed, or if it doesn’t work and you’ve tried it on multiple devices, maybe it’s time to look into getting a new one.
When buying a new USB charging cable, make sure to look for one that’s compatible with your device, from certified and trusted brands. Depending on your device, there are different types of USB cables, from Micro-USB to USB Type C. Most people would already know what a USB Type-C is, but if you weren’t already aware, USB Type-C is increasingly becoming the standard for modern devices due to its versatility and faster charging capabilities. Check out our wide range of USB charging cables and charging adapters for any device!
USB cables are indispensable when it comes to using smartphones, as they keep our handy devices charged and can also help us transfer data between our different devices. With the tips that we’ve shared, you’ll know how to store and organise your USB charging cables and you’ll know what types to look for when the time finally comes to replace them! Take care of your cables and they’ll repay you with long-lasting reliable charging and connectivity. If you’re interested in other charging accessories, take a look at our wide range of power banks and battery chargers here at GP Batteries today!
