Most of the cheap ones that are available online are completely passive, meaning they take the data pins from the USB-A plug and just wire them over to some pins on the USB-C receptacle. The problem is that the geometry of the USB-C plug vs. the USB-A plug means that if they just pick 6 data wires to pass from A to C (4 superseded wires and 2 USB 2.0 wires), only half of the superspeed pins in the USB-C receptacle will actually be functional, meaning your USB3 device will only work in one orientation, but not the other. Remember, USB-C has 8 superspeed pads, while USB-A has 4. In order to do it right, the adapter needs to have something called a multiplexor, or "mux" for short, which routes the 4 superspeed wires that come from the USB-A plug to the appropriate 4 superspeed pins depending on the orientation of the device you plug in. I won't ever use it for charging or anything like that. Whether you intend for it to be used for charging or not, like it or not, the USB system always guarantees power is sent on Vbus wires. Even if you're plugging in a DAC, the DAC is drawing power from your PC via the USB-C or USB-A port... so yes, that's "sinking power". Power is a concern. The USB-C port has more safety features built in from its original design than the USB-A port, meaning that when nothing is plugged in, the 5V main voltage is not present on any pin. All of the correct behavior of a USB-C female port requires active components to cut power to Vbus, and to route or mux signals. Passive adapters don't do that, and can't be recommended. Luckily for you, there are companies that make active adapters that check off more of the boxes: https://www.amazon.com/Female-Adapter-3-Pack-CableCreation-Peripherals/dp/B074V4QRNK?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A21TE5CLHZDYA7&th=1 That one will work in both orientations, and cuts Vbus when disconnected on the USB-C receptacle. Answer from LaughingMan11 on reddit.com
Amazon
amazon.com › Adapter-JXMOX-Charger-Compatible-Samsung › dp › B092JNHDSB
Amazon.com: JXMOX USB C Female to USB Male Adapter 4-Pack, Type C to USB A Charger Cable Converter,Compatible with iPhone 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Pro Max,iPad Pro Air 4 Mini 6,Samsung Galaxy S25 S24 S23 S22,Pixel : Electronics
【Plug and play】 : With this adapter plugged into an available standard USB port, your legacy devices (charger, power bank, computer) can turn into a USB-C enabled platform. 【Safe and Durable】 : Designed and constructed with high quality materials for maximum reliability and durability,and built-in Double sided 56KΩ resistor in this USB-C to USB adapter ensures charging and data transferring safe.
Apple
apple.com › all accessories › charging essentials › usb-c to usb adapter
USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple
USB-C to USB Adapter
The USB-C to USB Adapter lets you connect your iOS devices and USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) enabled Mac. Buy now a apple.com
Price $19.00
Videos
17:37
How to Upgrade Any Old USB Device to USB-C - YouTube
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The BEST USB-C to USB-A Adapters that YOU CAN BUY!!! #Inexpensive ...
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🔌 USB Hub Problem Solved! Connect USB-C to USB-A w/QianLink ...
00:31
Syntech USB-C to USB Adapter – Fast 10Gbps & Fits Side-by-Side!
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Top Choices of USB C Chargers 2025 Edition - YouTube
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The Frustrating Reality of USB-C (and why it never works) - YouTube
Plugable
plugable.com › plugable technologies › usb-c adapters
USB-C Adapters ~ Plugable Technologies
USB‑C adapters to add displays, USB, and Ethernet as needed—compact, travel‑ready, and simple. Trusted support in the US plus a 2‑year warranty.
Why are USB C to USB A adapters bad?
Most of the cheap ones that are available online are completely passive, meaning they take the data pins from the USB-A plug and just wire them over to some pins on the USB-C receptacle. The problem is that the geometry of the USB-C plug vs. the USB-A plug means that if they just pick 6 data wires to pass from A to C (4 superseded wires and 2 USB 2.0 wires), only half of the superspeed pins in the USB-C receptacle will actually be functional, meaning your USB3 device will only work in one orientation, but not the other. Remember, USB-C has 8 superspeed pads, while USB-A has 4. In order to do it right, the adapter needs to have something called a multiplexor, or "mux" for short, which routes the 4 superspeed wires that come from the USB-A plug to the appropriate 4 superspeed pins depending on the orientation of the device you plug in. I won't ever use it for charging or anything like that. Whether you intend for it to be used for charging or not, like it or not, the USB system always guarantees power is sent on Vbus wires. Even if you're plugging in a DAC, the DAC is drawing power from your PC via the USB-C or USB-A port... so yes, that's "sinking power". Power is a concern. The USB-C port has more safety features built in from its original design than the USB-A port, meaning that when nothing is plugged in, the 5V main voltage is not present on any pin. All of the correct behavior of a USB-C female port requires active components to cut power to Vbus, and to route or mux signals. Passive adapters don't do that, and can't be recommended. Luckily for you, there are companies that make active adapters that check off more of the boxes: https://www.amazon.com/Female-Adapter-3-Pack-CableCreation-Peripherals/dp/B074V4QRNK?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A21TE5CLHZDYA7&th=1 That one will work in both orientations, and cuts Vbus when disconnected on the USB-C receptacle. More on reddit.com
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April 26, 2024usb c to audio jack adapter not working
I also bought the original adapter for my S20 FE, but the sound was crackling and it only worked half of the time. I just returned it the next day. More on reddit.com
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March 27, 2022Any reliable USB-C (female) to USB-A (male) adapters yet?
I picked up one of these this week. https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-CableCreation-Converter-Charging-Chargers/dp/B074V4QBS4 I haven't done a deep dive on it, but it avoids common mistakes I've seen in this category of device thus far. Vbus on USB-C side is well controlled. Only applies 5V to Vbus on USB-C receptacle if Rd is present from sink SuperSpeed USB pins are properly routed, so that SuperSpeed USB devices with a USB-C plug work in both orientations at 5Gbps (without active components, it would only work in one) Diodes protect from backfeed of Vbus voltage in case a legacy A-to-C cable is used on the C plug (ie, if the user tries to create an A-to-A cable, the adapter will prevent Vbuses from being attached to each other) Correct Rp resistors are used to advertise Default USB power only Relatively low power consumption. (8.6mW) Yeah, it's not a passive adapter. It's definitely got some active smarts. The manufacturer claims it's using a VL160 chipset internally, and VIA is a reputable chipset vendor. More on reddit.com
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March 18, 2021Safe USB-A Female to USB-C Male Adapters?
USB A female to USB C male is pretty hard to get wrong. They are defined in the USB-C specification. Random Amazon example: https://www.amazon.com/Thunderbolt-Compatible-Chromebook-Pixelbook-Microsoft/dp/B07KR45LJW/ However, the one you linked is USB A male to USB C female. Adapters like this are not defined in the USB specifications, and for a good reason: one could stick two of those onto a C-C cable, and create an A-A cable! Imagine what could happen when someone sticks the ends of that monstrosity into two different USB chargers... Luckily, it is not entirely impossible. Basically, you want to get one with integrated safety electronics. This older post is a nice starting point: https://www.reddit.com/r/UsbCHardware/comments/m7rcu5/comment/grducjr/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 Personally, I would never buy one which has not been vetted by u/LaughingMan11 . It might work for your application and it'll probably be fine in most cases, but are you really willing to risk your car over paying a few cents more for a proper adapter? More on reddit.com
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4
September 27, 2022Walmart
walmart.com › c › kp › usb-c-adapters
USB C Adapters
$8.942 Pcs Type C to USB Charger Cable Adapter, USB C Female to Male Charger Converter for Samsung Galaxy iPhone Gray
Reddit
reddit.com › r/usbchardware › why are usb c to usb a adapters bad?
r/UsbCHardware on Reddit: Why are USB C to USB A adapters bad?
April 26, 2024 -
I have been searching Reddit for a budget USB C (female) to USB A (male) adapter, and have heard many people advice against getting them at all. Why is this? I know that they could potentially feed back the power into the USB port, but will they still be harmful if I use for data transfer? I would be only ever use it to convert a type C dongle DAC to USB A since my PC does not have any USB C ports. I won't ever use it for charging or anything like that. The one I'm currently using disconnects whenever it moves in the slightest, so I was looking for a replacement.
Top answer 1 of 3
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Most of the cheap ones that are available online are completely passive, meaning they take the data pins from the USB-A plug and just wire them over to some pins on the USB-C receptacle. The problem is that the geometry of the USB-C plug vs. the USB-A plug means that if they just pick 6 data wires to pass from A to C (4 superseded wires and 2 USB 2.0 wires), only half of the superspeed pins in the USB-C receptacle will actually be functional, meaning your USB3 device will only work in one orientation, but not the other. Remember, USB-C has 8 superspeed pads, while USB-A has 4. In order to do it right, the adapter needs to have something called a multiplexor, or "mux" for short, which routes the 4 superspeed wires that come from the USB-A plug to the appropriate 4 superspeed pins depending on the orientation of the device you plug in. I won't ever use it for charging or anything like that. Whether you intend for it to be used for charging or not, like it or not, the USB system always guarantees power is sent on Vbus wires. Even if you're plugging in a DAC, the DAC is drawing power from your PC via the USB-C or USB-A port... so yes, that's "sinking power". Power is a concern. The USB-C port has more safety features built in from its original design than the USB-A port, meaning that when nothing is plugged in, the 5V main voltage is not present on any pin. All of the correct behavior of a USB-C female port requires active components to cut power to Vbus, and to route or mux signals. Passive adapters don't do that, and can't be recommended. Luckily for you, there are companies that make active adapters that check off more of the boxes: https://www.amazon.com/Female-Adapter-3-Pack-CableCreation-Peripherals/dp/B074V4QRNK?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A21TE5CLHZDYA7&th=1 That one will work in both orientations, and cuts Vbus when disconnected on the USB-C receptacle.
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I know I'm a little late to the game, but came across this post while researching and now here to say I ended up getting this , and can thoroughly recommend - super fast etc.
Monoprice
monoprice.com › adapters, switches, & splitters › av & computer adapters › usb adapters › 21881
Monoprice USB-A to USB-C Adapter - Monoprice.com
Monoprice USB-A to USB-C Adapter
Connect your device with a USB-A connector to a USB-C® port using this USB-A to USB-C Adapter from Monoprice™!This small adapter features a standard female USB-A port and male USB-C plug. It allows you to use an existing USB 2.0 or 3.0 device, such as a mouse, USB hub, etc., with a USB-C connector port, such as that found on the newest MacBook Air®. Monoprice™ and all Monoprice logos trademarks of Monoprice Inc. USB-C® and USB-C® are trademarks of USB Implementers Forum, Inc. Apple®, Mac®, MacBook®, and MacBook Air® are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Upda
Price $2.09
Amazon
amazon.com › Syntech-Adapter-Thunderbolt-Compatible-MacBook › dp › B07CVX3516
Amazon.com: Syntech USB C to USB Adapter Pack of 2, USB 3.0 Female to Thunderbolt 4/3 Adapter Compatible with MacBook Pro Air 2024, Surface, iPad, iPhone, Galaxy Notebook, XPS and More Type C Devices, Space Grey : Electronics
USB 3.0 Speed in Two: Came in two fast speed adapters in data transfer and charging with premium materials. A foam container is also included for storage and travel · Compact and Easy to Use: Plug and play, no driver required; Simple structure, lightweight and portability; Also, you can sync or charge your phone with this USB C to USB adapter
SynTech Home
syntechhome.com › usb c to usb adapter 3.0 (2 pack)
USB C to USB Adapter 3.0 (2 PACK) | Syntech
USB C to USB Adapter 3.0 (2 PACK)
Minimalist and durable design: Made of zinc alloy and embossed for a better grip to give it a sleek and lasting look.
Fast sync and charge: USB 3 speed for flawless plug-and-play data transfer or charging.
Universal Compatibility: MacBook Pro 2016+, MacBook Air 2018+, and most USB-C devices.
Built to last: Withstanding up to 10,000 plug/unplug cycles. This way, it will be as reliable as a USB C to USB adapter.
No need for drivers: A light, user-friendly adapter with no installation required plug and play.
Price $19.99
iStore
istore.co › home › usb-c to usb-a adapter set
USB-C to USB-A Adapter Set
USB-C to USB-A Adapter Set
Embrace the future of connectivity without discarding older USB-A devices and cables. The iStore USB-C Adapter Bundle is the ultimate solution to merge the usability of your legacy devices with your most updated devices.
Price $26.99
Amazon
us.amazon.com › Best-Sellers-USB-to-USB-Adapters › zgbs › pc › 3015402011
Amazon Best Sellers: Best USB-to-USB Adapters
AVMAX USB C to USB A Adapter 4 Pack, USBC Male to USB A 3.0 Female OTG Adapter, Type C Male to Type A Female 3.0 OTG Adapter for Apple iPhone 16 15, Flash Thumb Drive,Mac,iPad,Samsung Galaxy ... 8pcs USB to USB C Adapter, Micro USB to USB C Female Male Converter Connector for Laptop Car Smartphone ...
Best Buy
bestbuy.com › site › searchpage.jsp
usb c to usb adapter - Best Buy
UGREEN - USB-C Hub, 4 Ports 10Gbps USB-C 3.2 Adapter (2 USB-C 3.2 + 2 USB-A 3.2), for MacBook, PC, Laptops - Black
EZQuest
ezq.com › usb-c-female-to-usb-a-male-mini-adapter-2-pack.htm
USB-C Female to USB-A Male Mini Adapter 2 Pack
The EZQuest USB-C Female to USB-A Male Mini Adapter lets you charge/sync your iPhone, iPad, tablets or smartphones through converting the USB-C to USB-A connectors. The EZQuest USB-C Female to USB-A Male Mini Adapter also converts your USB-C ...
StarTech.com
startech.com › home › cables › usb-c cables › usb31caadg
USB-C to USB-A Adapter - M/F - USB 3.0 (5Gbps)
USB-C to USB-A Adapter - M/F - USB 3.0 (5Gbps)
This USB-C™ to USB-A adapter lets you connect standard USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 devices to your USB-C equipped phone, tablet or computer. Simply plug the adapter into the USB Type-C™ port to turn it into a USB Type-A port, and you’re ready to connect your older devices. The adapter is compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 1 enabled computers, such as the Dell™ Latitude™ 11 5000 2-in-1, and more.
The USB31CAADG is backed by a StarTech.com 2-year warranty for guaranteed reliability.
Note: USB 3.2 Gen 1 is also known as USB 3.0 (5Gbps).
Price $14.99
StarTech.com
startech.com › home › cables › usb-c cables › usb31caadp
6in (15cm) USB-C to USB-A Adapter, USB 5Gbps, 3A, USB-C Male to USB-A Female Converter, USB-IF Certi
6in (15cm) USB-C to USB-A Adapter, USB 5Gbps, 3A, USB-C Male to USB-A Female Converter, USB-IF Certified - Thunderbolt Compatible
Have you purchased a new device that only came equipped with a USB Type-C™ or Thunderbolt™ 3 port, such as a laptop or tablet? Do you need to connect to older USB 3.2 Gen 1 or 2.0 devices?
This USB-C™ to USB-A adapter makes it easy to connect USB 3.2 Gen 1 and 2.0 devices to new USB-C devices. Simply plug the adapter into the USB Type-C port to turn it into a USB Type-A port, and you’re ready to connect your older devices. The adapter is compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 1 enabled computers, such as the Dell Latitude 11 5000 2-in-1, and more.
Provide superior connections with a USB-IF certified ad
Price $16.99
Belkin
belkin.com › p › 3.0-usb-c-to-usb-a-adapter-usb-c-adapter › P-F2CU036.html
3.0 USB-C to USB-A Adapter (USB-C Adapter) | Belkin US
The Belkin USB-C to USB-A Adapter lets you charge your USB-C device as well as sync your photos, music and data to your existing laptop at transfer speeds of 5Gbps.
Belkin
belkin.com › products › adapters › usb-c adapters
USB-C Adapters | Belkin US
Browse our multiport USB Type-C adapters. Enhance your MacBook, PC, and Chromebook with additional power and ports, including HDMI, Ethernet, USB-A, and more.
Best Buy Canada
bestbuy.ca › en-ca › collection › usb-c-to-usb-a › 310113
USB-C to USB-A Cables, Adapters, and Hubs | Best Buy Canada
Bridge new and old tech with USB-C to USB-A cables from Best Buy Canada. Charge and transfer data seamlessly across devices.
Best Buy
bestbuy.com › site › searchpage.jsp
usb type c adapter - Best Buy
Shop for usb type c adapter at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up
eBay
ebay.com › electronics › computers/tablets & networking › computer cables & connectors › usb cables, hubs & adapters › usb type c usb adapters
Usb Type C USB Adapters for sale | eBay
Adapter performs flawlessly. Does exactly what I needed it to do which is convert Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 for my... see all reviews ... Great usb-c adapter. The usb-c powerdirect port also works as an audio out port which is great. The device feels very hi...
Staples Canada
staples.ca › search
usb c to usb adapter
Shop keyword at Staples and save. Get fast free delivery, curbside pickup and easy returns.