USB Connectors used by Smart Home Devices

USB Connector Types Used by Smart Home Devices

USB connectors power and connect many smart home devices, especially for initial setup, charging or ongoing power. Below is an overview of the different types of USB connectors used by smart home devices

The Main Types of USB Connectors

Here are the most common USB connectors you’ll come across in smart home devices:

USB Type A

  • Description: The classic rectangular connector found on most laptops, chargers, and plugs.
  • Where it’s used: The host side of a connection, does not connect into the smart device.
  • Smart home use: Commonly used to connect devices like USB powered hubs or charge accessories via a wall socket or power bank.

USB Type B

  • Description: Square’ish connector, mostly phased out.
  • Where it’s used: Older printers or network devices.
  • Smart home use: Unaware of  it being used in home setups

Mini USB

  • Description: Smaller than Type-B, used on older portable devices.
  • Where it’s used: Some early smart home devices, mainly smart hubs
  • Smart home use: Mostly legacy devices. Rare now, but still seen in older security cameras or cheap, unbranded hubs.

Micro USB

  • Description: Slim, flat connector with one tapered side.
  • Where it’s used: Widely used in budget smart devices for many years.
  • Smart home use: Common in smart hubs, smart WiFi devices and smart sensors, especially older or low cost models. 

USB C

  • Description: Small, oval-shaped and reversible (no wrong way to plug in).
  • Where it’s used: Modern smartphones, laptops, and newer smart home gear.
  • Smart home use: Increasingly common for smart displays, advanced hubs, blind motors and newer DIY home automation devices like Raspberry Pi 4. 

How USB is Used by Smart Home Devices

  • Power Supply: Many smart devices are USB powered rather than battery powered. USB A to Micro USB or USB-C is typical for power input.
  • Data Transfer: For devices like smart hubs or DIY platforms (e.g. flashing firmware to a Zigbee coordinator), USB-C or Micro-USB is often used.
  • Mounting Hubs or Repeaters: Some devices plug directly into a USB port for power, such as range extenders or USB Zigbee dongles.

Tips for Smart Home Setups

  • Check the port type before buying power adapters or cables. Don’t assume USB C if it’s not listed.
  • Watch out for power requirements. Not all USB ports supply enough power. For example, a smart display or hub might need 2A or more to run reliably. Find out more about USB power