iFixit - Active Questions With Device "USB"

satechi usb c hub: How to fix USB-C hub cable that only works when bent? Tear it down?

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 13:31:12 -0700

I have had a Satechi USB-C hub like this one for 2 years now (which I know regret buying because ...), the cable only works when I bent it with adequate force while plugged in, why is that?

Would I have to tear it down to see the inside? There are no screws, and the outer case appears to be metal and there are black cover on both sides like in the photo. I have no clue how to open it.

⟐ Answered September 22, 2025 at 13:31 MST

USB: How can I know if I have genuine Apple Lightning cable

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:13:25 -0700

Hi everyone,

I had an issue with Apple USB to Lightning cable and now I am wondering how can I check if I have genuine Apple cable. I get my cable from “second hand” (it was in original packing and it’s looks genuine - compare the one from Apple Store - no different at all).

I know there are some cable testers, but the price is high - if I just want check cables. So I am curious if there is any software ? So I can connect USB to my Mac and will know if it’s genuine or not.

Thanks all for any idea :)

Regards Rob

⟐ Commented January 28, 2025 at 0:13 MST

USB: Broke one side of my 16 foot ubs type c

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 12:48:45 -0700

hey guys i have a c to c cable and one end broke i cut the end that was broken and there is at lest 9 single wires and then 4 that are shielded twisted pair. I need guidance on this my self and were to get the type c connector for that, its a 16 foot cable so id rather not chuck it out

ok I did forget to mention it was meant for the quest 2 and it was the 90 degree bend end.

The info given is great by the way

⟐ Commented April 17, 2024 at 12:48 MST

USB: Laptop cooling pad, usb fan cable end replacement

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 17:00:48 -0700

I'm trying to fix a laptop cooling pad. The usb end broke off. So I figured, easy fix, found a spare usb end and soldered the wires together. No dice. It's a 2 fan setup, I assume wired in parallel. It's not really designed to be taken apart, so I can't get a good look at the set up. Lable on the pad says it's rated at 5V 0.45A 2.25W. I tried a few power sources, each time I get 5V before connecting the fans, and 2V after. I tried just wiring one, and got the same. Seems like it should have been the simplest fix, but I'm stumped.

Attached is a pic with it just connected to one fan.

⟐ Answer accepted September 24, 2023 at 17:00 MST

Chromebook USB Type-C Charger: Why is my power adapter overheating?

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 11:16:43 -0700

I need solution for the overheating of my power adapter

⟐ Answered August 10, 2023 at 11:16 MST

USB: Replacing USB connector for USB Cable

Fri, 26 May 2023 12:24:49 -0700

Hi, I bought some USB connectors to replace a broken USB connector. Question is the plastic housing doesn't have any lock or clip! Not sure if I need to glue this in or use another method? Thanks.

⟐ Answer accepted May 26, 2023 at 12:24 MST

USB: Changing USB Type-C connector

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 05:16:17 -0700

Hi,

My Hp Chromebook Type-C charger stopped working after a hard pull on the cable. I tore apart the connector and found out the cable just beneath the connector is damaged. I got a new connector but am confused which wire to connect where.

Charger cable has 3 wires (White, Blue, Black) and the connector has 4 connection pads (G, D+, D-, V). I checked voltage between all wires and got:

White - Blue = 2.9V
White - Black = 0V
Black - Blue = 2.9V

Make matter even more confusing the original connector has nine pins (yes not eight), five pins on 'top' (A1, A4, A8, A9, A12) and four pins on the 'bottom' side (B1, B4, B9, B12). I believe A8 is extra and does not do anything but who knows...

If you understand this please help me determine which wire should be soldered on which pad.

Here is a related question I found with similar charger with similar configuration.
Repair connector on HP charger

Thanks

Images Attached:

⟐ Answer edited January 30, 2023 at 5:16 MST

USB: Can I fix a loose wireless USB dongle?

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 01:56:45 -0700

The wireless USB dongle for my keyboard/mouse setup has become loose and will no longer stay in the USB port on my computer, so my keyboard won't stay connected. The metal and the plastic parts have become loose so they are wiggly. Microsoft can't replace just the dongle and only offered to replace the entire setup (meaning I would have to throw away a perfectly good keyboard and mouse - only a year old - because they can't connect to anything!). I've tried holding it in place with tape/rubber bands while in my USB port, but that hasn't worked. Does anyone know a way to repair the dongle so that it will stay in place?

⟐ Commented January 23, 2023 at 1:56 MST

USB: Monitor Says No HDMI Signal But Laptop Says Its Connected?

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 10:00:03 -0700

Hey guys,

I bought a Dell S2721QS monitor to hook up with my laptop which is an Acer A515-46-R14K running Windows 11.

I connected the laptop to the monitor using the HDMI cable that came with the monitor...the laptop showed the second display in display settings and everything seemed good on the laptops side. However the monitor said No HDMI Signal from HDMI 1/2. I switched the ports and got the same issue. I installed drivers etc and still nothing.

I tried another cable and this one "worked" but every 15-20 seconds or so the signal would drop and the monitor goes black then comes back up. So I tried another cable which was an Amazon basics cable and got the same issue of signal loss every 15-20 seconds or so.

I had one more cable remaining to test im not sure of the brand etc it just says HDMI on the end. When i connected this one it just worked and its works really well. Im getting the 4K @60Hz too.

What im really asking is why/what would cause this issue?
Why some cables work and some don't.

And would anyone be able to tell me if this cable will work: https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Certifi...

Funny things is my friends also have Acer laptops (different models-older) but they have Windows 10 and the monitor works fine with any cable on their laptops.

Not sure whats going on here.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

⟐ Commented October 23, 2022 at 10:00 MST

USB: Is it safe to use cable that's dropped into melted wax?

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 19:27:38 -0700

hi experts,

the story is like this…i’m clumsy and i accidentally dropped the head of my iPhone’s USB cable into a 3wick melted wax.

I’ve tried to clean out the wax completely (not sure if all’s out tho) and tried charging my phone with the cable again. It works with no issue.

The thing is I tried searching online but there’s no similar results online. From what I know wax is flammable and should I continue to use the cable to charge my phone? Is it safe to do so? Or should I get a new cable? Please advise!

Many thanks! :)

⟐ Commented January 28, 2022 at 19:27 MST

USB: Usb rats nest identification assistance...

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 23:59:40 -0700

So ive googled around and cant find solid info on what exactly each of these wires is responsible for

for those counting thats 2 red, 4 silver, one green, one white , pluss the foil shielding and the wire mesh around that. Green and white are data+/-, at least one red is power… any help on the rest?

⟐ Commented December 05, 2021 at 23:59 MST

USB: USB headsets not recognized by Windows 10

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 08:22:24 -0700

I just built a PC using a ASUS B550 F-Gaming from Asus. I installed all the drivers updated everything and all works great. Except USB headsets. They work when I use the 3.5mm jack but nothing happens when I plug them in using USB. I tried connecting to different USB ports (2.0 and 3.0) and I tested all USB ports with my external hard drive and testimg them on my laptop, everything works. The LEDs even turn on when I plug them with USB, but Windows doesn't seem to recognize them, it doesnt even list is an unknown device, it's like they aren't even connected at all.

⟐ Answer accepted November 27, 2020 at 8:22 MST

USB: What type of USB cable do I need

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 21:49:35 -0700

I want to connect an older computer with alot of files on it to my new computer and transfer files. What kind of USB cable do I buy?

⟐ Commented August 25, 2020 at 21:49 MST

USB: USB port/panel shorting from improper connection

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 08:43:54 -0700

Hello, I recently plugged a USB device into my laptop and I think that it shorted the USB panel on the motherboard. I think that the USB cable had been fine in the computer, but wired wrong into the device. When I plugged in the device, heard some sort of pop in the computer, and now whenever I plug anything into the port nothing happens and I am not able to find the device in the Device Manager. Is there any way to fix this that does not include a DIY or taking it to a professional? If I do have to take it to a professional are there any recommended ones?

⟐ Answered July 16, 2020 at 8:43 MST

USB: Can I re-solder a lightning cable?

Sat, 04 Apr 2020 16:55:16 -0700

The cable is broken near the connector, can I re-solder it?

⟐ Answered April 04, 2020 at 16:55 MST