USB cables are a necessary evil in this day and age. If you are into gadgets and other technical stuff you probably have a ton of them just laying around. They are handy and we mostly use them to charge our phones, and tablets and also to connect them with some other device.
There is a variety of USB cables, some of which are better than others and some of which are more expensive. But do USB cables go bad? Can they just stop working after a while?
Absolutely, All USB cables will lose their effectiveness over time and go bad. Most USB has a minimum rated lifetime of 1,500 cycles of insertion and removal whereas the rated minimum lifetime for new USB models (micro-USB and USB-C) is 10,000 cycles.
But for most people, USB cables go bad way before they ever reach that point. In this article, we will further explore why USB cables go bad and answer some related questions. So, keep reading!
Rough handling
One of the main and most common reasons USB cables go bad is because of all the wear and tear they endure. We use them every day to charge our devices and transfer data.
Over time, the USB cables become frayed and damaged from all the bending and twisting. The insulation on the wires can also become damaged, exposing the wire inside and making it more susceptible to breakage.
USB cables are quite durable, but they are not indestructible. If you find yourself unintentionally pulling or yanking on them frequently. It won’t take long for your USB cables to begin to break
Try to be gentle when you are handling your USB cable and don’t pull from the wire when unplugging. Grab by the base of the USB connector instead. This will help to prolong its lifespan
Bad quality
Another reason USB cables go bad is due to poor quality. Not all USB cables are created equal and some are just not built to last.
This is the reason why some cables last longer than others. If you buy a USB cable from a reputable brand, it will usually be better quality and last longer. On the other hand, if you buy a cheap USB cable from an unknown brand, it’s more likely to go bad sooner.
When it comes to USB cables, you really do get what you pay for. It’s worth spending a few extra dollars on a good-quality USB cable that will last longer.
Old cable
USB cables have a limited lifespan and eventually, they will go bad. Even if you take good care of your USB cable and don’t abuse it, it will still only last for so long.
The older your USB cable is, the more likely it is to go bad. This is because the materials degrade over time and the USB cable becomes less flexible, which makes it more susceptible to breaking.
If you have an old USB cable that you’ve been using for some time, it’s probably time to replace it. Especially, if you start to notice that it’s not working as well as it used to like it is now taking longer to charge there are some obvious signs of wear and tear.
How do you know if your USB cable is bad?
The easiest way is just by looking at it. Check to see if the USB connector attaches to the cable and doesn’t have any cracks or other signs of wear. If it has been physically harmed replace it.
The other way to know is to observe or compare how well it works. Try using a different cable and see how it works. If the second cable charges your device faster than your first USB cable is probably going bad and you should replace it.
How long do USB cables last?
If you handle the USB cable carefully and don’t use it excessively. Then a good quality cable can last you about 3 to 5 years.
If you don’t use your cable that often, it can actually last much longer than 5 years. So it depends on you how often you use it and more importantly how you handle your USB cable.
Why do USB cables fail?
USB cables can fail for a number of reasons like bad quality, old age, and rough handling. This can also result from repetitive bending from daily use over time, which causes tiredness.
USB cables are not indestructible and need to be treated with care. If your USB cable is not working as well as it used to or if you can see physical damage, then it’s probably time to replace your USB cable
Conclusion
I hope you found this article helpful. In theory, Yes USB cables do go bad but with the proper usage, they can last quite a while. USB cables have a lifespan but depending on how you use them it can vary.
You can prolong the lifespan of your USB cables by being gentle with them and not pulling or twisting the cable when unplugging.