Can a bad USB-C cable damage my phone?

Yes, poorly made USB-C cables without proper resistors or e-marker chips can deliver incorrect voltage and damage your device. This was more common in early USB-C days and is rarer now, but still possible with very cheap no-name cables. Stick to cables from known brands (Anker, UGREEN, Belkin, Baseus) that are USB-IF certified. These cables have proper resistance and power negotiation to protect your devices.

Do I need a USB 3.0 or USB4 cable?

For charging only, USB 2.0 cables are perfectly adequate — charging speed depends on PD wattage, not data protocol. USB 3.0 cables matter only if you transfer large files to external drives (10Gbps vs 480Mbps). USB4 cables (40Gbps) are needed only for external SSDs, docking stations, and eGPUs. For phone charging, laptop charging, and occasional file transfers, USB 2.0 cables at any PD wattage are sufficient.

Best USB-C Cables Under $10 2026