How to Correctly Plug in a USB Cable from the First Attempt

Do you have troubles plugging in correctly your standard, type-A USB cables? Does this simple process usually end up in frustration and numberless failed attempts, making you wish the type-A USB cables were reversible and curse the fact that they are not? If the answer is YES, then this article will provide you with some useful tips on how to solve this puzzle and increase your odds of getting it right from the first attempt. It is common knowledge that lightning connectors can be correctly plugged in both ways. Moreover, the shape of micro- and mini- USB connectors makes it extremely easy to orientate them and plug them in correctly. Then why do USB type-A cables keep resisting us?

How to Correctly Plug in a USB

If you are looking for an instant solution, you have the possibility to learn how to get it done correctly right now. In general, given their preponderant promotional use, USB connectors have logos on one of their sides. And even if they don’t have a logo, just look for two small holes on their metal connectors. When you try to plug in your USB drive in your PC, for example, that side should – in most of the cases – be facing upwards. If you are dealing with a vertically aligned socket, you have to make sure that the logo or the two small holes are facing the nearest end of your gadget. If you are dealing with a screen, the logo should be oriented towards the screen. Obviously, this solution is not 100% fool proof, as there might be USB hubs that do not follow this rule. But this method significantly increases your chances of getting right from the first try.

However, if this method sounds way too complicated for you, another valid solution may be coming directly from Apple. In 2013, Apple trademarked a USB connector that can be oriented both ways and can easily and successfully be plugged into USB sockets. The pictures of the respective connector became available this summer, and rumours say that it will be incorporated in the Lightning cables provided with the new iPhone 6. However, this patent is still kept secret by Apple. Therefore, as long as type-A sockets and cables are still hanging around, giving us a rough time, it might be useful for you to dedicate a couple of hours of practice to our first method.

At the end of 2013, it was disclosed that the upcoming generation of USB devices will be provided with a Type-C connector, which will make it possible for them to be plugged in both ways, just like Lightning cables. Though it may still sound like a utopian dream, the ultimate solution is coming!