I follow these USB-C rules to ensure my devices charge at maximum speed

• High-quality charging blocks
• Stick to certified cables
• Choose the optimum cable length and thickness
• Only use new cables
• Match the correct charging block and cable

I hate plugging in my Samsung Galaxy and seeing the slow-charging message. Smartphone manufacturers are partly to blame for this, because they no longer supply charging blocks that match their phones’ latest capabilities. Instead, they expect us to use the ones they provided years ago or spend even more cash on the newest charging block after a huge outlay on a smartphone.

My solution at the time was to dig through the pile of old USB-C cables and charging blocks in my drawer to find a combination that supported the fastest speeds. Now I’m wiser and follow these USB-C rules to ensure my devices charge at maximum speed and have a long battery life.

High-quality charging blocks

Get up to speed

The last time Samsung included a charging block with a phone was in 2020, with the S20 series, and the S21 was the first flagship shipped without one. That charging block had a maximum charging speed of 25W, and the ones I still have lying around aren’t adequate to get the best out of my newer flagship phones.

This is because higher-end models, starting with the S22+ and S22 Ultra, support 45W charging, and my old charging blocks can’t keep up. To get the best speeds, I stick to new OEM blocks that support Samsung Super Fast Charging or use alternatives from trusted brands like Anker or Belkin if I’m in a pinch and need to top up my battery.

Higher-end models, starting with the S22+ and S22 Ultra, support 45W charging, and my old charging blocks can’t keep up.

It’s not worth using cheap, unbranded charging blocks. They offer questionable performance and can even damage my phone if they have low-quality wiring and deliver unstable power. Brands like Samsung have disclaimers stating that third-party chargers may void your warranty, and it’s best to be on the safe side and use originals to avoid potential issues.

Stick to certified cables

Guaranteed quality

It may be tempting to buy those cheap, unbranded USB-C cables from the supermarket, but it’s not worth it in the long run. Time is money, and the few bucks you save will likely cost you extra hours of charging time due to the cable’s limited speed. I’ve tried going down this route many times and have now learned to avoid it because of the unnecessary stress.

These days, I don’t mind paying more for USB-IF-certified cables, which offer guaranteed performance. These cables comply with official USB-C technical and performance standards and are clearly marked to indicate their power output.

The best part of having clearly marked cables is that I can easily find the exact USB version and speeds that correspond to the device I want to change. I also get some peace of mind because cable manufacturers must pay hefty fees to obtain USB-IF certification, which limits adoption to higher-quality brands that can afford it.

Choose the optimum cable length and thickness

Find the best performance and convenience

Did you know that a USB-C cable’s length and thickness can affect its performance? Cables with thicker, lower-gauge wires have lower resistance and greater shielding, resulting in more efficient power flow. This makes them better for fast-charging my phone because they can reach their maximum amperage.

Cable length is just as crucial for high-speed charging. The resistance increases with length, causing signal degradation and lower power and data transfer rates. Longer cables are fine for slower USB 2.0 or 3.0 speeds, but I prefer shorter cables around 2.6 feet for fast charging and data transfer. This is a more general rule, and actual performance can vary depending on the specific cable I’m using and the device I’m charging.

Only use new cables

Avoid damage and degradation

USB-C cables have a limited lifespan, and their wires and connectors are prone to damage with regular use. The longevity of my cables varies by brand, thickness, and how often I drop my phone while it’s charging. I treat my USB-C cables as disposable and keep a spare on hand because the old one will inevitably fail when I need it most. I also replace functioning old cables at the slightest sign of a bent connector or other damage.

When discussing new cables, I must also stress the importance of using USB-C-to-USB-C connections and avoiding older Type-A cables for fast charging. These have a limited speed of around 15W and won’t deliver the best fast-charging speeds, even when paired with a compatible adapter that fits my charging block.

Match the correct charging block and cable

It takes two to tango

Having a fast USB-C cable or charging block won’t make a difference if they aren’t compatible with each other and don’t support the same speeds. If either is slower, the entire system will default to the lower speed, undermining what I’m trying to achieve.

The best way to ensure compatibility between them is to check the labeling. Charging blocks from reputable brands usually advertise their power ratings and include relevant features, such as overvoltage and current protection.