Samsung used to provide micro USB cables which were asymmetrical on the end you plugged into your phone - they were curved on one side. I thought this was an excellent idea since you never had to look at it before plugging it in and you could use it in the dark without fumbling. Inexplicably, they stopped making them a year or two ago. I got a number of them off ebay to use on all my devices and at all the locations I charge them, but I would like to get a few more. However, I can no longer find this type on ebay.
Are there any manufacturers that currently make micro USB cables in which you can tell the orientation by touch?
I found a solution. I had a pack of 1/4" bumpons which are tiny rubbery self-stick feet to make things like phone stands non-slip. I can put these on one side of the end of the cable to be able to determine which end is up by touch.
Amazon Basics cables have a plastic insert/bump so you can tell which side is which by touch.
It's pretty dumb that this isn't more common. But then, look how long it took just to get a universal charger/data cable for our phones (Apple crap aside). I remember when a co-worker got a Samsung BlackBerry-like phone from someone, but didn't have the charger. We tried 5 (FIVE!) different Samsung chargers (two were mine), and none of them fit. NONE! Of course, this all comes from the same species that took as long as it did to put wheels on luggage and make squeezable upsidedown ketchup bottles.
Related
I've noticed that the connection using the micro usb cable is not snug, if I apply slight leverage to it the charge/connection is lost.
Im a bit dissapointed because I have certainly not pulled on the lead/dropped the device while attached or anything else that might have buggered the plug.
Is there any way I can make the connection snug again, or is this typical for all other devices too.
If this does turn into someting more problematic what are my steps to get it fixed, I brought this phone as an orange locked unwanted upgrade from ebay. fully boxed and sealed. (i.e. new)
Im a bit annoyed because the micro-usb plug is supposed to be more robust than the mini-usb. but to my eyes that not the case, and has proven to be not true either.
I have this issue too. Interested to see if it's a common flaw.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Same problem here. Just got it yesterday. The loose connection is very annoying in that you cannot be sure you left in a charging state unless you unlock it and check the screen. I wonder if it supposed to be that way?
After having posted this, I realize that the thread is not for my phone, a Samsung Captivate. I trusted Google search a little too much I guess. Interesting that the problem is the same.
Same here.
Xperia X10 with a loose connection that got much worse with time. I don't expect a fix for a hardware issue, but I am taking it back to the store for a replacement. The problem is that it has gotten so bad that I can't maintain a connection long enough to get my data!! Not pleased
Jamescousins said:
I have this issue too. Interested to see if it's a common flaw.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
me 3. another thread here t=689367 and here t=692242 (wont let me post full url as noob)
May have to return to T-mobile as its really annoying
I have the Captivate, and I had to exchange mine for one that did not do this.
Yep I started getting this problem a few days ago. Pissing me right off.
can someone tell me if the Samsung captivate and Xperia X10 both have micro-B USB ports also ?
Micro USB Sucks
I have the HTC Incredible and whenever its plugged into my PC you can tell by the audibles (and by HTC Sync failing 1/2 the time) that it keeps disconnecting and reconnecting - especially if you lift the phone or move the cable. So I was just as surprised to hear the MicroUSB was supposed to fix some of the wear and tear issues of MiniUSB - which is just untrue!!!
My HD2 has a loose connection
http://app1.appserver.dk:8080/RepairPictures/servlet/getPic?id=51371
<-- This is the chip. And HTC wont repair it. They say it's my own fault? :S
I've got this problem too with my desire and realised it's the cable. I got my desire on the release date (had it preordered) and the plug on the cable is smooth on all sides so it slips in and outu the phone easily. However, my girlfriend got a desire 2 weeks ago, and the micro-USB plug on her cable has two little spring loaded bumps on it, which gives it a positive "click" when it's plugged into the phone and it takes a lot more force to remove it.
Hence I stole her cable
My cappy too
This problem is happening, albeit not as seriously as some of yours, to my cappy now. I have had it for just under a year now. Looking back I could have been a little gentler with it...
Running Teamhacksung's ICS Build 9.
I've got the same issue - turns out that it's the cable more than anything, as when I plug the in-car charger one (a different cable) in, everything worked perfectly.
terrible design
Every device I or my wife has that is micro USB has charging issues. The design in a laboratory is supposed to get 10,000 cycles. But our experience is that a device after 6 months starts to have issues. Finally after a year about every device must be replace as the charging port is so loose that not even the highest quality cables will stay seated well enough to guarantee a charge or data connectivity. Very disappointed that EVERY phone uses this. Well other than Apple, which I may just have to go to since I cannot afford new phones constantly. The wireless companies KNOW it is a flaw in the design of the port also. Not a one of them will warranty the phone if the issue is the charging port. I am talking clean ports here also. No lint or anything.
Down with micro USB
lukester01 said:
Every device I or my wife has that is micro USB has charging issues. The design in a laboratory is supposed to get 10,000 cycles. But our experience is that a device after 6 months starts to have issues. Finally after a year about every device must be replace as the charging port is so loose that not even the highest quality cables will stay seated well enough to guarantee a charge or data connectivity. Very disappointed that EVERY phone uses this. Well other than Apple, which I may just have to go to since I cannot afford new phones constantly. The wireless companies KNOW it is a flaw in the design of the port also. Not a one of them will warranty the phone if the issue is the charging port. I am talking clean ports here also. No lint or anything.
Down with micro USB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, micro USB is horribly unreliable across all brands. Too bad I absolutely loathe iOS, because I would consider getting an iPhone if I could run Android on it. Hopefully USB Type-C will be better.
5 data points and a question
First, additioanal data points:
I've had 2 different devices with micro usb connectors and both failed within 3 days of beginning to use them. I can't swear it was the female socket that was damaged but that was my impression. The prongs on the male connector were NOT flattened. I looked for that.
I had another device, a Nook Color I believe it was called, that had a usb charging/data connector that was their own slightly modified design of one of the usb standards. I can't swear whether it was a modified mini or a modified micro but I think it was a modified micro. Anyway the socket was a little deeper than the standard. The idea was that if you plugged in a standard male connector it worked the same way as a standard socket but if you plugged in the longer Nook male connector it went in deeper (I'm straining to refrain from low humor here), additional contacts came into play and it would charge faster. In the Nook case it was definitely the male connector that would break. I replaced the charger twice before the Nook failed for other reasons (I suspect a cat baptised it). If you search the net you'll find a lot of people had the same problem.
So in my case micro-usb is either 2 for 0 if you don't count the Nook, 3 for 0 if you count the Nook once, or maybe 5 for 1 if you count the Nook replacement chargers and charitably assume the last one would have worked for a while if the cat hadn't scented it.
I've NEVER had a problem with large, plain, standard, type A rectangular connectors. I think the idea that the mini is too big is one only Madison Avenue types could come up with. Even the standard type A isn't really too big. After all, how big is a thumb drive? I suspect it has more to do with making it a wee bit cheaper than making it smaller.
So yeah, micro-usb just plain sucks. Assuming Frank's posts in this thread at stack exchange:
electronics.stackexchange dotcom /questions/18552/why-was-mini-usb-deprecated-in-favor-of-micro-usb
aren't fraudulent, Nokia pressured the USB Implementers Forum to accept the micro standard, implicitly against the better judgement of some people involved. I'm therefore inclined to never buy a Nokia anything.
So much for the problem. I'm thinking about workarounds because there is a tablet I'd really like to use that charges through a female micro usb port. If I can't charge the battery it's useless. So I'd appreciate comments regarding the feasbility of these alternatives:
WORKAROUND # 1:
Carefully insert a male-micro-usb-X-female-standard-type-A adaptor into the device and glue them both to a piece of waterproofed luon (very light plywood) and then connect with a cable that has male standard full size rectangular type A connectors at BOTH ends. I've never had any problem with the standard full sized type A and they are easy to replace if I do. Though both adaptors and cables as described, are readily available, it is said that the maleXmale cables can damage equipment in some cases and I'm don't know enough to be sure this is not one of those cases.
WORKAROUND #2:
Alternately I could just glue the micro end of the kind of cable that comes with such devices to the luon and leave the rest of the cable dangling. Downside: Messy dangling cable. Upside: I KNOW it is safe.
Any thoughts on these workarounds would be appreciated.
Is there a reason, why android devices have no universal plug/port like "the other popular phone maker?"
Loving my new phone (vibrant ) and all, but I cannot seem to find any kind of accessories for it...I'm guessing the reason is, that first of all the USB sync/Power port is on the TOP of the phone!? what is the reason for this?? it would seem to me if you want to get ahead in the market, you would do what the other guys did and make it (while proprietary ), somewhat .."universal"??? so that if...for example you're looking for something as simple as a desktop dock, you would not be required to have a plastic base sitting on your desk, with a cord that has to wrap around and plug IN to the top of your phone?
I understand many different MFGs make android phones, but could they maybe all agree to disagree on different ports, yet keep them all in ONE position, where adapters could be applied??
MicroUSB is the new standard for all phones from now on I believe, so if anything, you already have the most "universal" charging/data port. Apple is the black sheep in this case.
So as for accessories, most home/car chargers and data cables will work, but body styles are always going to be different, so docks and cases are what will have to be specific to your phone.
As for the placement of the port, its meant for horizontal docking.
Micro USB is universal (even in its name!). My work blackberry, CAC reader for BB, and my vibrant all use the same plug/port and also the chargers & sync cables all are interchangeable. I personall LOVE the top position of the plug as I use navigation app all the time and can drop my vibrant into the cup holder in my pickup and avoid two major issues found in bottom positioned plugs. 1.) Phone easily stays in place, no wobbiling on its plug in the cup holder. 2.) No stress placed on port from the weight of the phone resting on it. I use the audio jack to play music to my speakers while charging on my PC with the micro usb, so the set up works for me very well. As for other brands, assuming apple products, they are far far far from being universal. Hell span their own Ipod line and there isnt consistency. shuffels have audio jack as the com port while the other models use the proprietary apple plug to usb cable.
My charger doesnt fit well and i just came to terms with this but it has got worse the last two weeks. It plugs in and the led lights up but it doesnt charge sometimes, it says it is charging but an hour later and the battery goes down 5% ish. Also it only connects when the phone sits face up and the cord hangs down as in it must sit on the edge of the table for it to charge. I tried my friends Droid cord and it was a snug fit. do i have an insurance claim on my hands?
You can try getting the cable swapped, but honestly I think the amount of hassle you would go through would just not be worth it. If the problem was with your phone then I would 100% definitely get the phone replaced, but if the problem is only with the cable, I'd take the path of least resistance and just buy a new cable out of pocket. They really aren't expensive if you know the right place to get them.
I use this cable here with my Aria and it works great: http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10303&cs_id=1030307&p_id=5458&seq=1&format=2
It is only $3.13 shipped (to my address), and it's 2 feet longer than the original cable which I like because I thought the original one was too short. Never had a problem with it charging my Aria. I know it seems too good to be true, but the quality really is just as good as a $20+ cable you'd find at a local store.
I ran into the same problem with an Aria I bought off of Craigslist. It would kind of charge at first, then it gave up altogether. I found that the end that plugged into the phone had been slightly squished by the previous owner. I just went to Staples and bought a Staples branded MicroUSB cable, it's six feet long and works fine. Granted, it wasn't ebay-cheap but I got the problem handled same day, no screwing around. The nice thing about this cable is it's just as flexible as the original, unlike the MicroUSB charge/sync cables that come with Blackberry phones and the extra length makes it a little more versatile.
Don't mean to resurrect an old thread, but I didn't want to start a new one.
My connection is getting worse every day. It is very aggravating. I'll plug in at night time and wake up to find my phone didn't charge at all. I have to put the cable in at a slight angle to get it to connect.
Using adb and just any file transfer on the computer is almost impossible.
I use the original cable, and sometimes my brother's Captivate cable--both are just as bad.
And the AT&T car charger is a joke. So I think it is the phone, not the cables.
i find that the motorola(backflip) usb doesnt fit snug(still charges & transfers fine, a little slower)
May be just a bit too rough with this little phone
Finally had enough of the cable problem, so I decided to figure out whats wrong. Turns out, I ended up pulling out about a cubic centimeter of dust and lint from in the port (way down in there, a quick glance and it didn't look as bad as it really was.)
Works like a charm, now!
Brivette, glad to see you fixed your issue!
For future reference,
The MicroUSB cable that has become the new standard contains 2 prongs on the end of it. This prong is responsible for ensuring it stays locked into the connector.
The newer MicroB connector is rated at a higher use cycle than the old MiniB type, which is why current devices are moving to it as a standard. It is also designed so that the cheaper cable will bear the wear and damage, rather than the device. The usual culprit is the two latch pins at the top of the male connector which tend to wear and bend eventually causing the cord to become "flaky" or fickle (for a lack of a better term). This is usually the cause of most people's woes. However often times the connections from inside the cable may wear and short out, causing the cord to become dysfunctional. Before sending your phone in for a replacement, I highly recommend trying a second cable.
If changing the cord doesn't work, the problem most likely lies with the phone. While it is possible that the PCB mount has come disconnected from the board, it is more often than not likely that the port has become clogged with debris. So before sending your phone in for service, check the port and ensure that the port is clear and clean of obstruction.
This also goes for charging or data transfer. Sometimes issues with data transfer can arise out of a bad cable. This often happens when people wrap their cord too tightly or kink it, which causes signal interference. It also occurs with frequent use and wear and tear, which is normal.
Take good care of your cord, and it'll be there to last you a long time.
Hello, I've owned my note 2 for about a week now and I noticed how very, very flimsy the usb port is and I'm wondering if I'mthe oonly one....
The usb port is so bad that it gets ripped off with the slightest effort. Sometimes I just judge the cable and that's all it needs to disconnect.
I think that this is a feature! If your phone will fall while charging it won't break the internal usb port.
There's reports and discussions on the issue already. Take a look here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1920808
Apparently if you cut the housing on the cable end that connects to the device a little bit, it actually snaps in better.
Tronaxious said:
Hello, I've owned my note 2 for about a week now and I noticed how very, very flimsy the usb port is and I'm wondering if I'mthe oonly one....
The usb port is so bad that it gets ripped off with the slightest effort. Sometimes I just judge the cable and that's all it needs to disconnect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a common problem. Read several people thinking the same. Including me. What I have noticed however is that a SGS2 cable actually works better... There is a slight difference on the hooks on the cords contact that helps the contact to stay inside the phone. The hooks "edge" on the Note 2 cord is further back, thus they do not go as far in the phone as on the SGS2 contact. The SGS2 contact is mechanically superior in that aspect.
The hooks on the Note 2 cord actually helps to push out the contact after sliding out just a little bit. So a other cord, preferable a different original cable (for warranty reasons) would do better. The question is how important the selection of cord is, since not all were designed with a 2 amps charge in mind. Theoretically very little since I do not believe the cords are that very slimmed down to only support regular USB 2.0 current, but if something breaks, I'm sure Samsung says otherwise
so i made the mistake of forgetting to close my bedroom door behind me while i went to make a sandwich. during the 5 minutes i was gone, my cat came and demolished the usb cable that came with the phone. I liked that cable, and i was wondering if anyone knew where i could buy another OEM cable (or one thats just as long, works just as well, and fits in my phone case)
the main reason i need one though is because its the only one i have that fits in the usb while i have my case on it
Same here. The micro-USB cable I have doesn't work completely (it doesn't go in all the way I think.) So I have to position the phone in the right angle to connect it to my computer.
...
Check Amazon.com and get a wireless inductive charger with charging pad. They are around $35 for the set and then you don't have to worry about using the USB cable.
But then again you probably would need one for things like ADB and modding the phone so up to you but its an option.
I just ordered one myself and will be getting some extra charging pads for each of my work offices.
I've had excellent results with the cables from monoprice.com--almost all of the are $2 or less.
I ordered a half dozen of the "premium" ones with ferrite cores(for a buck thirty apiece) a few months back so I could have a spares at home, in the truck, at work, etc. etc. and I've had zero problems with any of them so far.
Hey my cat knows better.
sent from my wicked 2 Gs4