I've used the same charging cable for about two years, but today its connector suddenly wouldn't fit into my phone. When I inspected the end, I found two large white crystal-like pieces inside and removed them. The connector still looks unusual compared with my other USB-C cables: instead of roughly ten gold contacts on each side, this one appears to have about four or five contacts per side, with two next to each other. It's a charging-only cable, but I'm unsure whether the missing-looking contacts are normal or whether the cable has been damaged. Is it safe to keep using?
2 Answers
Some USB-C cables are wired only for charging, so they may have fewer visible contacts than full data cables. That part can be normal. However, white crystals or any debris, corrosion, bent contacts, looseness, or a connector that no longer fits properly are warning signs. I wouldn't keep using this cable—replace it with a reputable cable rather than risking damage to the phone or overheating.
The number of contacts alone doesn't prove the cable is unsafe, since inexpensive charge-only cables often omit data wiring. The unusual white material is the bigger concern. It could be residue, corrosion, or damaged material, and removing it doesn't guarantee the connector is safe. If it doesn't slide in smoothly, stop using it and check the phone's port for debris or damage as well.
Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload