No USB cable? Seriously? - Pixel C Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So, I just picked up a Pixel C to replace my Nexus 10, using the developer discount, and I'm really annoyed that I can't get started rooting it yet as I have no way to connect it to my computer. If you're going to put out a device that uses a brand new connector standard, the least you can do is include a cable for those who haven't owned any usb-c devices before. I wouldn't even have minded a straight usb-c to usb-c cable, as unlike most, I actually have a couple usb-c ports on the new PC I recently built. But instead all I get is a dedicated charging cable. Who the hell makes dedicated charging cables anymore???

je55ter said:
So, I just picked up a Pixel C to replace my Nexus 10, using the developer discount, and I'm really annoyed that I can't get started rooting it yet as I have no way to connect it to my computer. If you're going to put out a device that uses a brand new connector standard, the least you can do is include a cable for those who haven't owned any usb-c devices before. I wouldn't even have minded a straight usb-c to usb-c cable, as unlike most, I actually have a couple usb-c ports on the new PC I recently built. But instead all I get is a dedicated charging cable. Who the hell makes dedicated charging cables anymore???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can definitely see where you're coming from. You would think with as much as they charge for the C, they could at least throw in a short cable. Fortunately, I have a 6P, which came with a (very short) data cable. I remember people were upset when they found out the 5X didn't come with a data cable either.
IMPORTANT:
Make sure you check out Benson Leung's profile on Amazon to see which Type C cables are within proper specs: http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A25GROL6KJV3QG/ref=cm_cr_rdp_pdp
He even fried his Chromebook Pixel while testing a cable that was not within proper specs. So I would definitely recommend getting one he has positively reviewed.
I personally bought this one he reviewed: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010VFFU1W?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00
Haven't had any issues with using it on my 6P thus far. Luckily, the prices of these cables have dropped since more companies are making them.

I was annoyed that it didn't have one in the box when I opened it yesterday (I just wanted to unlock the bootloader to get that out of the way), until I remembered I could use the one from my Nexus 6p, albeit very short. Well after one PC refused to even turn on, I tried the other older one and after getting the SDK tools installed, it wouldn't recognize the Pixel in ADB or Fastboot so I gave up and just joined the N beta.
The captive cable is annoying as well. I have the OEM charger that shipped with my 6p, and purchased the 2 port charger from Google before Benson started reviewing 3rd party items on Amazon (I wanted to be sure it would work and not damage anything so I went straight to Google). I actually haven't purchased a charger for work (really don't need to charge my phone at work, just have a charger in the bedroom, living room and car) but I have the Pixel charger here at work now. I was thinking it would be nice if it wasn't a captive cable because then I could charge my phone from my tablet with a double ended USB C cable. Still an option with the cables I have at home, but it would have been nice.
charesa39 said:
I personally bought this one he reviewed: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010VFFU1W?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00
Haven't had any issues with using it on my 6P thus far. Luckily, the prices of these cables have dropped since more companies are making them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for this cable. I got it to use in my car as a charger due to the length and the braided cover. I haven't used it for data transfer/flashing but it's a very good cable and has the same satisfying click as the OEM cable that came with my 6p.

I agree. I too was disappointed that a cable was not included.

Yeah that caught me off guard. You'd think they'd be trying to get as many C cables out there as possible. Every microUSB product comes with a cable even though most people have dozens, but then they dont ship one with a brand new standard...that's shocking.

Hey, you guys are asking a bit much for only $500 +

Yea it does suck but I grabbed and adapter and a cable off of amazon for like $5-10 each, they were here in a few days.

charesa39 said:
I can definitely see where you're coming from. You would think with as much as they charge for the C, they could at least throw in a short cable. Fortunately, I have a 6P, which came with a (very short) data cable. I remember people were upset when they found out the 5X didn't come with a data cable either.
IMPORTANT:
Make sure you check out Benson Leung's profile on Amazon to see which Type C cables are within proper specs: http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A25GROL6KJV3QG/ref=cm_cr_rdp_pdp
He even fried his Chromebook Pixel while testing a cable that was not within proper specs. So I would definitely recommend getting one he has positively reviewed.
I personally bought this one he reviewed: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010VFFU1W?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00
Haven't had any issues with using it on my 6P thus far. Luckily, the prices of these cables have dropped since more companies are making them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should have read this thread before I bought a USB cable. Luckily the force was with me and I chose the one you recommended anyway. Arriving today. :good::good::good::good:

Am totally with you on this. I mean for the past x amount of years you have been supplied with charger which doubles as a data cable. This is probably the first device I have owned where you have a dedicated charger.
Also, as a so called development device, I am really surprised they didn't include the usual charger / data cable set up.
This is my first USB-C device, so that makes it an even bigger pain. I am sure things will change over the years, but for the time being its going to be a case of picking up overpriced USB-C data cables / mirco-usb adapters, etc.

Related

Get the right Type C cable!

I came across Benson Leung's blog posts for USB Type C cables that pass muster, preferably USB IF Certified. He's an engineer with Google. There are about a hundred or so "compliant" cables but there are probably hundreds more that are not, tons are on Amazon and at Best Buy. One quick thing to look for that good cables have is a solid pin , there is no vertical seam down the middle of the pin that plugs into the phones charging port.
Benson's list on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ls/ref=pdp_new_wl?lid=KF89JCHI0KT4
A list of compliant cables
https://usbccompliant.com/
Reddit discussions
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.re...ogle_spreadsheet_for_usbc_cables_with_benson/
When a cheap cable fried his pricey hardware
http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/0...ous-on-paper-it-allegedly-fried-his-hardware/
Thanks, this is very useful, I'm surprised spigen is not approved them products never failed me.
I use both the iOrange-E and Anker Powerline...didn't even read this list before I purchased them.
I do use Anker's Micro-B to C Adapters though and haven't had any issues.
this is so annoying. so I've gotten two USB c adapter he recommended so I can use one with my Samsung charger, which I assume will work no problem. and one ill use in car. but my car chargers are old, and i think quick charge 2.0. so if I use the adapter, will it blow my phone up?? I have no idea. lol ugh. so annoying.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 using Tapatalk
Currently I am using this one and it works.
USB 2.0C. Nothing fancy.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1250345-REG/digipower_sp_ac1_usb_2_0_type_c_male.html
Robert235 said:
Thanks, this is very useful, I'm surprised spigen is not approved them products never failed me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a Spigen cable on Benson's Amazon list which I linked in the original post.
I'm using Aukey USB A 3.0 to USB C cables with no issues(same ones I used on my Note 7). Got a 5 pack for $20 on Amazon
nest75068 said:
I'm using Aukey USB A 3.0 to USB C cables with no issues(same ones I used on my Note 7). Got a 5 pack for $20 on Amazon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should check to see if they are Benson's list for compliance. He forced them to issue a recall for one of their products. I'm returning an Aukey 3.0 charging station today that is overheating badly while the 2.0 charging station I have from them runs fine.
porscheoscar said:
You should check to see if they are Benson's list for compliance. He forced them to issue a recall for one of their products. I'm returning an Aukey 3.0 charging station today that is overheating badly while the 2.0 charging station I have from them runs fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He caused Anker to do a recall. Aukey is a different company. If my Aukey cables were going to show an issue, it would have been when I used them for the Note 7 lol
nest75068 said:
He caused Anker to do a recall. Aukey is a different company. If my Aukey cables were going to show an issue, it would have been when I used them for the Note 7 lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct I was thinking about this Aukey charger, my mistake. They laid into Aukey hard core. obviously both companies have put out some inferior products with regard to Type C USB standards. we cant give them blank check on brand name...yet.
https://plus.google.com/+BensonLeung/posts/cSXovGvpDvz
Heads up, I picked up a couple of cables from Benson's list. One iOrange-E and one WolfBlitz.
Unfortunately the WolfBlitz does not appear to support Quick Charge 3.0. I'm getting a message to use the original LG cable. The iOrange-E cable does not have this issue. Both were $10 on Amazon for the braided 6 foot long versions. I like the braided versions over the stiff Belkin type cables because They are eaiser to keep in my coat pocket when connected to my small 3.0 QC power bank.
I bought a good quality braided USB A to USB C cable to use as a spare for my LG V20.
When I connect my phone to my PC using the cable, the phone indicates "Charging" but it doesn't show up as a removable drive and there is an exclamation mark on the COM6 device in device manager.
Switching back to my OEM LG cable, everything works just fine.
This is the cable that I bought:
http://www.hi-online.co.za/pdp/snug-type-c-to-usb-3-cable/_/A-270091AADG5
When looking at a cable in-store, I honestly don't know how to tell which cable will work and which won't.
Now, I only really need the cable as a spare for charging purposes but I'm concerned about whether its safe for me to continue to use it for that.
There aren't a lot of options available in stores where I live but this is one other option I saw:
http://www.kanex.com/usb-c-usb3-cable
Will that work?
I've been using Samsung note 7 cables and they work great.
dcpyro1394 said:
I've been using Samsung note 7 cables and they work great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here!
I have several A to C cables including 1 Samsung and 2 Belkin.
All work 100%.
Byte_76 said:
I bought a good quality braided USB A to USB C cable to use as a spare for my LG V20.
When I connect my phone to my PC using the cable, the phone indicates "Charging" but it doesn't show up as a removable drive and there is an exclamation mark on the COM6 device in device manager.
Switching back to my OEM LG cable, everything works just fine.
This is the cable that I bought:
http://www.hi-online.co.za/pdp/snug-type-c-to-usb-3-cable/_/A-270091AADG5
When looking at a cable in-store, I honestly don't know how to tell which cable will work and which won't.
Now, I only really need the cable as a spare for charging purposes but I'm concerned about whether its safe for me to continue to use it for that.
There aren't a lot of options available in stores where I live but this is one other option I saw:
http://www.kanex.com/usb-c-usb3-cable
Will that work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the above Kanex USB-A to USB-C cable and found that it has the same problem as the other cable that I bought. My V20 shows charging but I cannot transfer data and there are exclamation marks in device manager.
I researched a bit further after buying the cable and found that Benson Leung has also given a negative review of the cable on Amazon, stating that the cable is not spec compliant.
I really like Spigen products, decided on this.
https://www.amazon.com/Spigen-C10C0...71123&sr=8-1&keywords=Spigen+C10C0+USB+Type+C
And this case, had one for my Nexus 6, never failed me.
https://www.amazon.com/Spigen-Rugge...1481171214&sr=8-3&keywords=spigen+case+lg+v20
Funny enough, I have 3 Belkin cables (one is 3.1C) and all work as they're supposed to be.
I got a anker power line c to c. No issues except when I hook it up to my alienware 15 r2 usb c plug my phone will blink back and forth of charging not charging. Might try a different c to c cable and see if its cable or computer
Sent from my LG-H910 using Tapatalk
porscheoscar said:
Heads up, I picked up a couple of cables from Benson's list. One iOrange-E and one WolfBlitz.
Unfortunately the WolfBlitz does not appear to support Quick Charge 3.0. I'm getting a message to use the original LG cable. The iOrange-E cable does not have this issue. Both were $10 on Amazon for the braided 6 foot long versions. I like the braided versions over the stiff Belkin type cables because They are eaiser to keep in my coat pocket when connected to my small 3.0 QC power bank.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As Bensor and Nathan K point out repeatedly, the USB C spec forbids proprietary fast charging such as QC 2 and 3. USB C supports PD fast changing. Oddly, the LG charger that comes with the LG20 has QC3 but I don't use it, I use a Benson-approved PD charger.

Loose USB-C cables are correct, to a degree

This has been bugging me for a few weeks now and I've been getting rather upset at the thought of returning my phone thinking there is something wrong with the charge port. Every (all three of mine) USB-C cable eventually slides down off the port just enough to make it kind of loose or wobbly. But there's good news, apparently it is designed that way to prevent what is called a 'friction fit'...
https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/phone-by-google/a4nlyABPKJ0
This could be a cop-out too, I've had some USB mini cables that were less than stellar. As for now though, it's comforting thinking it was made that way.
@cptkian,
What brand of cable are you using?
cam30era said:
@cptkian,
What brand of cable are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The two that came with the phone, and I bought a Macally 3' USB to USB-C cables. In case anyone asks why I didn't buy what was on the Approved USB Cable list, I would like to note I had left my wallet and charger at home and I was guided by price. $11

Recommended USB C cables?

This device is officially my debut into the world of USB C; I've never had a single device that uses it. I'm excited, but also cautious as I've read it can be dangerous if you buy a less-than-reputable brand for cables.
What brands would you recommend? Ideally, available on Amazon since that is where I buy pretty much everything from
*Side question - My previous device is an S7 Edge, and as such I have multiple QC 2.0 compliant chargers around the house and in my car (including wireless). I want to clarify whether I can continue to use those and expect fast charging or not*
I am using an Anker 2.0 car charger with mine with no issue. I did have to get a USB-A to USB-C adapter to be able to plug my car dock in (it's got a fixed USB-C cable).
I bought the Anker Powerline+ cable and a 3 pack of the regular Anker Powerline cables just to toss around, they're good.
Im using usb cables from a store called five below, got 5 black meshed ones right when the s8 came out. Now they are sold out. They are 6 feet 2 and working good
disturbd1 said:
This device is officially my debut into the world of USB C; I've never had a single device that uses it. I'm excited, but also cautious as I've read it can be dangerous if you buy a less-than-reputable brand for cables.
What brands would you recommend? Ideally, available on Amazon since that is where I buy pretty much everything from
*Side question - My previous device is an S7 Edge, and as such I have multiple QC 2.0 compliant chargers around the house and in my car (including wireless). I want to clarify whether I can continue to use those and expect fast charging or not*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for Anker PowerLine USB-C to USB 3.0 Cable. It has 3ft including plugs and made up of aramid fiber reinforcement which makes it stronger and more durable.
disturbd1 said:
This device is officially my debut into the world of USB C; I've never had a single device that uses it. I'm excited, but also cautious as I've read it can be dangerous if you buy a less-than-reputable brand for cables.
What brands would you recommend? Ideally, available on Amazon since that is where I buy pretty much everything from
*Side question - My previous device is an S7 Edge, and as such I have multiple QC 2.0 compliant chargers around the house and in my car (including wireless). I want to clarify whether I can continue to use those and expect fast charging or not*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I've been using on my S8+
USB C, Veckle Type C to USB 3.0 (USB 3.1 Gen 1) 6.6 Ft Braided USB C Cable
My S8+ arrived today, and I've ordered the following Aukey 5-pack from Amazon (UK). They will arrive tomorrow.
I've had pretty good luck with Anker and Aukey products, alike. Sounds like there's no hiccup with their USB C lineup. Has anyone used both, or prefer one over the other? Why?
disturbd1 said:
I've had pretty good luck with Anker and Aukey products, alike. Sounds like there's no hiccup with their USB C lineup. Has anyone used both, or prefer one over the other? Why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used both in the past, and have no preference and for me it comes down to price/offers and convenience (in stock/out of stock). Both make quality products in my experience, and you can't go wrong with either. I usually look first for Anker or Aukey products when I need things like cables, power packs/external batteries, car or wall chargers.
Google USB-A to USB- C, for the Pixel is the Best of them all, including Samsung
disturbd1 said:
This device is officially my debut into the world of USB C; I've never had a single device that uses it. I'm excited, but also cautious as I've read it can be dangerous if you buy a less-than-reputable brand for cables.
What brands would you recommend? Ideally, available on Amazon since that is where I buy pretty much everything from
*Side question - My previous device is an S7 Edge, and as such I have multiple QC 2.0 compliant chargers around the house and in my car (including wireless). I want to clarify whether I can continue to use those and expect fast charging or not*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got these cords for our S8+'s. 6.5 ft long and braided. Very nice cords.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0722DMYTN/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Only paid 5.98 for a 2 pack of them too!
USB Type C Cable,ESEEKGO 2 Pack Samsung S8 Charger Dirtproof Braided Charging Cable for LG V20/G6, Huawei P9, OnePlus 3 (2M/6.6FT Black+Grey) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N74X374/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Zh9DzbZQZ9EXK
Great quality, braided, thick, and a two pack available in many sizes. Absolutely wonderful cables that work well and fast charge.

Aftermarket charger/cable for HTC 10?

I have an HTC 10.
I have only the OEM quick charger and cable that came with said HTC 10.
I would like to get at least two more chargers and cables for said HTC, one to keep in my office and one as a spare at home.
I'd prefer not to spend $55 on each set of these chargers and cables, which is the going rate at the HTC site. That would total out to a third of what I paid for the freaking phone (on Swappa earlier this year). At the same time, I'm also not looking to pay $2.98 for the things, I know you get what you pay for.
I've tried to do some research at this and other sites, and have looked at all the posts about being careful what you use and about the issues with the Qualcomm 3.0 standard, etc., to where my non-techie eyes are spinning. I've looked at spreadsheets and Amazon lists of good cables, many of which are no longer available (since that stuff dates from 2016), to where again my eyes are spinning.
Point-blank, simple, direct question ... are there any specific makes and models of cables and chargers that, in October 2017, people are using to quick charge their HTC 10s successfully and without drama or problems? If so, could you please share at least those makes and models, if not Amazon links?
Point-blank, simple, direct question 2 ... this is my third HTC phone, I still have the chargers and micro USB cables from my EVO LTE and my M8. With micro USB to USB-C adapters, could I use those to charge my HTC 10 (albeit not quickly)?
Thank you.
Yep, they'll work fine. The only thing to watch out for with USB-C is that the cable has a 56K resistor in it, otherwise you can overheat you phone (though I haven't noticed this personally). Even some really cheap cables have it, I recommend the Blitzwolf cables, they're not dirt cheap but they a fraction of the OEM cables and way better quality than the usual Aliexpress cables.
I have had a good experience with tronsmart chargers and cables in the past. You might want to give them a try
prw94 said:
I have an HTC 10.
I have only the OEM quick charger and cable that came with said HTC 10.
I would like to get at least two more chargers and cables for said HTC, one to keep in my office and one as a spare at home.
I'd prefer not to spend $55 on each set of these chargers and cables, which is the going rate at the HTC site. That would total out to a third of what I paid for the freaking phone (on Swappa earlier this year). At the same time, I'm also not looking to pay $2.98 for the things, I know you get what you pay for.
I've tried to do some research at this and other sites, and have looked at all the posts about being careful what you use and about the issues with the Qualcomm 3.0 standard, etc., to where my non-techie eyes are spinning. I've looked at spreadsheets and Amazon lists of good cables, many of which are no longer available (since that stuff dates from 2016), to where again my eyes are spinning.
Point-blank, simple, direct question ... are there any specific makes and models of cables and chargers that, in October 2017, people are using to quick charge their HTC 10s successfully and without drama or problems? If so, could you please share at least those makes and models, if not Amazon links?
Point-blank, simple, direct question 2 ... this is my third HTC phone, I still have the chargers and micro USB cables from my EVO LTE and my M8. With micro USB to USB-C adapters, could I use those to charge my HTC 10 (albeit not quickly)?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Point-blank, simple answer is to check page 2 and 3 of this section. You have a QC 3.0 Car charger review from Choutetch and entire topic about complaint cables along with a list of tested and approved cables with proper resistor.
Choutech and Tronsmart are also oem for brands like HTC.

Magnetic Charging

So i have been using 3rd gen NetDot magnetic C usb cables since i had the Pixel. It worked on my Pixel XL, my G5, and my 5x. These still work on my 5x ang g5 (dont have pixel and XL anymore) however it only worked once on my Pixel 2, and stopped at 87%, i tried switching cables and magnet pieces. All pieces work fine in my g5/5x. On the 2 it just says charging and very slowly goes down
Obviously it charges fine with a normal C cable, and a C to C cable.
I did try different power adapters (had extra from my pixels ive had and g5) but with same results
These looked kind of interesting but I had not really looked hard at them until now. So far, it appears that none support quick charge via them however, which would eliminate it as an option for me.
Actually the brand MAGNITTO apparently does. Might give it a try. Although 3ft is kinda short. All of the cables I use are 6ft.
krelvinaz said:
These looked kind of interesting but I had not really looked hard at them until now. So far, it appears that none support quick charge via them however, which would eliminate it as an option for me.
Actually the brand MAGNITTO apparently does. Might give it a try. Although 3ft is kinda short. All of the cables I use are 6ft.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Charges 5x/g5/XL quick, i dont care to use the speedy quick charge on the 2.
On a side note, yesterday evening i used the C to A adapter, and used the magnetic on the charger included with the 2
Now its working again lol.
So i can charge it on my standard 3a charger now with the magnet again.
I joked with a friend, said there must have been something stuck in the wire, and the bigger 2 charger pushed it through lol
Odd, I'm having similar issues. Magnitto magnetic charging system worked very well with Samsung Galaxy S6. Switched to Pixel 2 XL on Nov 13th and it continued to work well using the USB-C connectors until Nov 23. I removed the connector that a.m., went to visit relatives and used the Google OEM stuff to charge while there, came back and the Magnitto system no longer works. I got a replacement (in case it was a faulty USB-C connector) and still no joy across multiple cables etc. Did Google do a software update to prevent magnetic chargers from passing power through? This doesn't make sense.
PD
I've been using different ASAP cables with different phones Nexus6/Samsung S3 and Pixel 2 XL.
You will get charging with most of the magnetic cables on the market. The problem is when you come across Power Delivery. You will never see a cable that support Power Delivery that is USB-C to USB-A cable. It needs a USB-C to USB-C because the wire pattern is pretty specific to be able to support Power Delivery.
You CAN'T have a USB-A at one of the ends AND support Power Delevery AND Data Transfer AND QuickCharge 3.0
That said. The only magnetic cable that works on a device that uses Power Delivery at my knowledge is the ASAP MagX Cable. The bad point about this is if you want to work with your Power Delevery technologie and use magnetic cables. It's the only option AND you can't go back to their regular magnetic cables unless you change the tip. So it's one or the other: if you use Magnetic Cables AND you want to use your Power Delivery (fast charging) technologie go for MagX, if you want more flexibility across devices, chargers and that you data transfer often ... go with a regular ASAP or WSKEN
You can still use their regular cables/tips but you will never use Power Delivery. You can transfer data and ''regular'' charge your phone. Also note that the regular tips (wired the same way as everyone else that uses mag cables beside the MagX) will still work good and make use of the Power iQ technologie that ''kinda fast charge'' your device depending of the power of your charger.

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