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That USB-C port on your phone is something you use every single day, but probably for just one thing: charging the battery. The thing is, that tiny port is far more capable than you realize. And no, I’m not talking about simply connecting your phone to a monitor or using it to charge another device.
With the right USB-C adapters, your phone can connect to flash drives to transfer files, connect to the wired internet for faster downloads, use a wireless keyboard and mouse for a desktop-like experience, or even make your favorite pair of wired headphones usable again.
I plugged random USB devices into my phone and was pleasantly surprised by how many actually worked.
The most useful USB-C adapter I own is also the one I ignored for years. It actually came bundled with my old Google Pixel 2 XL back when USB-C ports were still relatively new and companies felt the need to soften the transition. Looking back, leaving it in a drawer for so long feels like a waste because it’s now one of my best USB-C accessories.
A USB-C to USB-A adapter essentially adds a full-sized USB-A port to your phone. That means many of the gadgets you’d normally use with a PC can work with your phone too. The most obvious example is a USB flash drive, which I still use occasionally to back up my Samsung phone. It keeps my files offline and makes transfers ridiculously quick when switching devices.
But that’s just the start. Having a USB-A port also means I can plug in a wireless keyboard or mouse whenever I use Samsung Dex or simply want my foldable phone to feel more like a mini PC. Typing long emails, editing documents, or even just browsing the web becomes far more comfortable. It also means I don’t have to carry my laptop everywhere I go. As long as I have the adapter and a foldable keyboard, I’m pretty much covered.
Even my wired gaming controller works just as well. Instead of dealing with Bluetooth pairing or connection lag, I can plug in the controller and start gaming. The best part is, all these accessories are genuinely plug and play. I don’t need to go through any pairing or setup process to get them to work on my phone. And considering you can grab one of these adapters for just $5 on Amazon, it’s easily the most useful USB-C accessory you can own.
Most of the time, my phone stays connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data like everyone else’s. But there are still situations where a wired connection is simply better, and that’s where a USB-C to Ethernet adapter comes in handy. It lets me connect my phone directly to a wired network, so I get the fastest internet speeds possible.
I do this when downloading large files from apps like Netflix or Spotify before a flight. The same goes for downloading massive games or updates that would otherwise take forever. The difference in speed makes it all worth it. It’s also incredibly useful when I want to back up my phone to the cloud. Uploading hundreds of photos and videos over Wi-Fi can be unreliable, but with Ethernet, uploads are far stable and less frustrating.
Of course, it’s not an adapter I use every single day. Most of the time, Wi-Fi works fine and gets the job done. But when I need the fastest connection possible for large transfers or gaming, the USB-C to Ethernet adapter comes in clutch, and you can pick one up for as low as $12.
As much as smartphone brands want to push everyone toward wireless audio, I still can’t give up wired headphones entirely. And that’s why a USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter is still a must-have for me.
Sadly, most phones these days no longer have a headphone jack. But with this tiny adapter that costs less than $5, I can still use my favorite wired headphones. The biggest advantage here is reliability. Wired headphones just work. I don’t have to worry about charging them, dealing with Bluetooth pairing issues, or occasional lag while gaming.
I also still think wired headphones sound better for the money. Even relatively affordable pairs can outperform many wireless options when it comes to audio quality. And unlike wireless earbuds, they never run out of battery halfway through a trip or workout. Finally, they work with almost every device. For instance, I can remove the adapter and use those same earphones with an in-flight entertainment system too.
The best part about these adapters isn’t that they’re cheap. It’s that they also work with other devices I have. On a laptop that only includes USB-C ports, for example, I can use these same adapters for flash drives, wired internet, and headphone jacks. And that versatility is what makes them so easy to recommend.