The Ingenious Uses of Common Computer/Phone Data Cables

You would be amazed at the “hidden uses” of the common computer printer data cables, screen mirroring cables, and phone data cables found in offices. It’s such a shame if you don’t know how to utilize them!

1.USB-A to USB-B Data Cable: Expanding the Display with USB HUB Functionality

Many monitors nowadays come equipped with USB ports, but when you plug in a USB flash drive, keyboard, or external hard drive, nothing happens. What’s going on? The main reason is that the PC and the monitor are not connected using a USB-A to USB-B data cable!

When purchasing a new monitor, it usually comes with a USB-A to USB-B data cable (upstream interface: USB-A, downstream interface: USB-B). Its main purpose is to expand the monitor’s USB HUB functionality, allowing users to connect USB peripherals to their desktop easily!

Apart from that, the USB-A to USB-B data cable can also connect computers to printers, scanners, and RAID cabinets. Give it a try if you didn’t know about this!

2.Type-C to HDMI Screen Mirroring Cable: Turning an Old Monitor into a TV

Instead of selling outdated monitors as scrap and not even getting enough to buy a cup of tea, why not try repurposing them as TVs?

By using a Type-C to HDMI screen mirroring cable to connect your old phone to the monitor and ensuring that 【Wired Screen Mirroring】 is enabled on your phone, you can use the monitor as a TV. Not only does it provide a clear display on a large screen, but it also delivers a visually stunning experience—perfect for enjoying movies!

Compared to wireless screen mirroring applications, wired screen mirroring provides a more stable and smoother output. However, it requires the phone’s Type-C interface to support video output for this application to work.

3.Phone Type-C Data Cable: Connecting the Computer to Mobile Networks

What should you do if the office suddenly loses internet connection, and you haven’t sent out an email to your superior yet? Don’t panic! A Type-C data cable can connect your computer to the mobile network. Let me demonstrate the specific steps using a Huawei phone as an example:

​① Connect your phone and computer using a Type-C data cable.

② On your phone, go to 【Settings】 > 【Mobile Network】 > 【Personal Hotspot】, tap on 【More Sharing Settings】, and enable the 【USB Sharing Network】 function to share the mobile network.

Please note that while connecting your computer to the mobile network can be a temporary solution, it consumes a significant amount of data. Therefore, remember to set a data usage reminder before using this method.

That’s all for the hidden uses of computer and phone data cables shared by the cable manufacturers. If you have different opinions or additional insights about this article, feel free to add them in the comment section!