How To Fix Micro USB

I am sure everyone reading this has at least one product that has a broken Micro USB connector, making it useless.
In this video, we explore ways to fix this problem once and for all.
Facebook: / leos.bag.of.tricks

[@juliannesermon8057]

I still love barrel jacks even though they've fallen out of fashion. USB C with PD is technically more versatile but also ridiculously complex.

[@michaelosmon]

Came here to learn something, only to discover I already knew something. I appreciate your approach to explaining everything, it is done in such a way that I cannot possibly miss the point. Thank you

[@laosgpsmapmidnitemapper9411]

Great video, I have a stack of faulty USB micro, Sony, Dji, And new expensive Garmin devices made with USB micro; which, are supposed to be used in rugged environments!! Maddening! Thanks for the video

[@stephanie.treanor]

Thank you for speaking against the micro usb chargers/connectors with the ratios to back it up!! I will be more mindful of avoiding things that require it.

[@jarrettdoesstuff2318]

Agreed with everything except your final conclusion - I think sadly neither the consumers nor the product designers have any power to effect meaningful change. Even if the product designers convince management to produce a more expensive and robust design, and even if the consumers buy it, its profit margins will be slimmer and it will be seen as a failure. Disposable objects are more profitable than robust ones. The system is at fault, not the designers and consumers!

[@mysticdru]

Came here to say that. I was with OP until the portion where he said if everyone buys the more expensive but longer lasting products then problem solved. I think its easy for technically minded people to get in their own bubble and forget how most people use (/consume) the products we are working on. The *vast* majority of users do not have any insight into how it all works, or if it breaks then whick part broke. For me the solution is more in regulation of standardisation, so that we minimise waste, and make sure that the decisions are made in the interest of users/society rather than profit.

[@goodstuffmaynard4922]

Leo, i agree with you. Of course i would buy your product that will last forever. Would you be out of business if you made a product that didn't break after a year of use?

[@johnsonlam]

Thanks for your example Leo. Totally agree with you, it's terrible designed and break so easily, my grandma always miss the shape and insert it wrong, hostile to people that not having good eyes.

[@SE45CX]

Hi Leo, I really like the topics on your channel. Especially your crystal-clear viewpoint on what really matters from a customer perspective. Regardless of what is common on the market. Maybe if you like I would like to hear your observations about car dashboard design. As some video idea. If that interest you.

[@tiger12506]

Yeah. I hear ya, brother. It's amazing the number of people that will regurgitate the praises made of the micro connector, but when it comes right down to it, I have a pile of useless cords, cords that only work with some devices, some devices that won't allow any micro usb cord to charge them -- It's a nightmare. Then, that QC charging "standard" came out and it's just a ... well. yeah. Nothing works with anything and they've broken it all.

[@babla9701]

such a great youtube channel, please never stop making videos for us!

[@HastyRhombus760]

Your wish is coming true. With the EU standardizing the type of charge port allowed on products it is only a matter of time, very little, before the USA does this too. The new "standard" is the USB-C. Oops! same issue. Oh well in another 15 years a new standard can be adopted. Better luck next time!!! Love the vid.

[@s.wajeehulhassannaqvi6418]

You said all what I wanted to say. Very very true. I hope more people have such logical approach towards things

[@tdumnxy]

Amen, brother!

[@erwinsolmayor9205]

I feel you man. Or just simply, once you connect the micro usb cable (for the first time) dont ever-ever remove it. GLUE IT!!! hahaha.

[@georgescott6967]

This is part of planned obsolescence. If that doesn't get you the built-in lithium ion battery with a lifetime of 500 recharge cycles (and zero deep discharges) will.

[@leosbagoftricks3732]

Yes! Sing it! All of those products should have a way to easily replace the battery, so you are not forced to throw it away when it's still totally repairable.

[@SianaGearz]

They could easily get the battery life to 1500 cycles by sacrificing just a tiny nominal capacity - but the actual average capacity in 2-year use cycle would likely end up larger. Battery easily replaced? Ah but then nobody makes the battery. I have several devices where all the decent custom-fit batteries for them were manufactured years or decades ago and spent all that time in bad storage conditions, got deep discharged, they're damaged - or come from suspicious manufacturers and also have barely any actual capacity. You'd need to standardise the batteries too to ensure their availability.

[@engrenage]

I like what you say about "making landfills". I asked you recently about your water level sensor.. I have been outraged for many years how manufacturers do less than the minimum when it comes to products. I have mostly given up hope on getting them to change spontaneously : rather, I am looking for people like you to build products "made by those who use them".

[@MOTOXXX387]

Respect for even getting those GD little wires stripped SO CLEAN without ripping them off over and over. Those is seriously a huge help to myself you have no idea, just wish I would have came across sooner guy. Thanks for this. But I am a heavy handed ape and end up tearing everything off just trying to slide of the sleeve after trying to strip. I love your comments on the DUMBASS design on this SHIT. SO RIGHT... LOVE IT. LMAO.

[@bikhoda6508]

Totally agree with your point. Cannot tell how many devices I've lost due to this crappy mini usb cables. At least 2 mechanical keyboards on top of my head.

[@Johadart]

Hi Leo, I’ve found that the mini usb is more robust than the micro usb, I’ve broken many of the micro’s due to the the fact of probable cause, ie: in upside down in most cases, but more so how flimsy they are if bent or trodden on in an accidental way, hence forcing them in, normally they break, as I have found in most cases, so solution to the problem is.. ready for it….. bring out more usb-c connections in everything, or leave it as mini usb , it worked, and I was taught, if it’s not broken leave it alone. Rant over, just my objective view that’s all, like your videos, YOU MAKE SENSE, not STUPIDITY.. keep up the great work pal.. 🤙🏼🇦🇺

[@NolanHergert]

Hi Leo, A few points, looking forward to your feedback. * I found that reinforcing the through hole pins on the micro USB connector with some additional solder on the bottom side prevented me from breaking the connector. Granted it's not the default behavior in the industry and I was only using a 1 inch Wemos D1 Mini (not much opposing leverage), but it worked surprisingly great! The cable side did bend in the experiment, but it wasn't catastrophic either since it was soldered internally. Plus, it is easily replaceable with a cable found at a neighborhood Dollar Store. * I was not able to reproduce the "bending the cable connector by hand" that you showed in your video. I needed about 1 inch of leverage on the board side. * Do you have a suggestion for an alternative connector? In my particular case, I am working on a board that allows multiple LED strips / devices to be connected by the end-user to a base module without soldering. It needs to be water resistant and as reasonably compact as possible (immediate application is a bicycle helmet with up to 4 strips), but not high insertion cycle. I would prefer something like keyed through-hole 90 degree .1" headers (as I think you would too), but I am not able to source them with the tough cable sheathing that USB cables come with, they're not as water resistant, require through hole soldering (not *that* bad), and apparently don't look as nice as a professionally injection molded strain reliefed cable. And getting a replacement cable if you do break or cut through it is tough. Thanks for your advice. Nolan

[@iamsobeautifulomg]

This guy's growing on me.

[@HeathLedgersChemist]

Would soldering also work or does it have to be sodder?

[@michaelginther3298]

I love your video and logic. If I spend hundreds of dollars on a luxury device, and it has a usb-b that fails fast....i WILL take it apart and a different connector like a usb-c or a jr plug (rc racing connector). I m mad that i have so many early bluetooth devices that have a usb-b. Hell i have a surface tablet that uses that terrible connector. It is being used as a training tool of obsolescence to my 9 year old.

[@MrBobWareham]

I f I could find the person that designed the micro USB plug and socket it would be murder

[@JoeAzzato]

@JoeAzzato 16 minutes ago I had a similar rant earlier today over a laser engraver port! I thought I was being over-critical, but you seem to be of a similar opinion! THANKS!

[@maxj777]

I hate my mini usb ports found on my go pros. Thanks a lot for sharing this. Now I'm going to fix my Wasabi charger.

[@Star-vg7ix]

Love the detailed explanation.

[@MyProjectBoxChannel]

Maybe usb-c is a little bit more robust, but I get your point. I've done plenty of these rough hacks like these, in the past.

[@catalinchereches3058]

Genius this guy

[@user-nj4nh7it8x]

love this video of analytics

[@ZomB1986]

When I was at a camp, someone told me his 2 years old Nexus 5 phone wouldn't charge reliably. I offered to take a look, and fetched my tools. The USB micro port was not at all broken, but so stuffed with lint that the plug didn't fit in anymore. I also have a Nexus 5 phone, which is now 8 years old and I never had to clean or service the USB port in any way! The moral is that it heavily depends on the user. At work we had a PICKIT 4 where the USB connector fell off the PCB. When I repaired it, I noticed it's a full SMD type connector, not the more common connector type with 5 SMD pads and 4 Through-hole chassis pins. Moral here is that it also depends on choice of part (possibly also manufacturer)

[@TheDannyMcGee]

I always blamed the little "fangs" on the flat side of the plug - there's just no way those things provide enough springy-ness to withstand years of connect/disconnect cycles. Curious what your experience has been with USB-C though. I don't think I've ever had one fail on me.

[@simonmikkelsen]

I couldn't agree more. Micro USB is the worst connector I have ever used.

[@nielsk.nielsen1997]

Hi Leo, Micro USB is fine - if you put in a stationary magnetic connector😉

[@c4ashley]

I miss Mini USB.

[@redroversk]

I've never had a usb-c warp or fall apart on me, I go through multiple micro usb cables a year, they slightly bend and that's it, it never gets better, whoever designed it, designed it to break EASILY

[@HanstheTraffer]

Hah! Like an idiot I bought a bunch of micro USB sockets and did the insane microsoldering ...only to have them break off more easily than the original...It never dawned on me to solder wires to a regular usb plug.

[@cmd_f5]

You don't like Micro USB either. Instant sub haha. Good info :)

[@gotsm9959]

@Heavy metal chainsaw: LG made micro USB that has an indent that tells you how to plug it in while others install the port on the computer upside down just to troll.

[@cmd_f5]

@@gotsm9959I'm late to this, but that's both amusing and terrible

[@marvk]

Exactly my thoughts on Micro USB, I couldn't have put it better myself. It really needs to go burn in hell and I'm happy USB-C is replacing slowly but surely.

[@fred-9929]

+1000! I hate this connector too! A solution is to use a magnetic adapter. But the one I bought can be reversed, allowing you to burn your device! Amazing! Do you know where I can find some with a polarity security?

[@StubbyPhillips]

The ones I've used work correctly either way because of how the pins and contacts are mirrored on them.

[@fred-9929]

@@StubbyPhillips Do you have a link?

[@gotsm9959]

@@StubbyPhillips or usb c conversation 😄 also wireless charging conversion.

[@jenkatan7113]

YES I NEEDED EXACTLY THIS

[@Wbforlife]

What are your thoughts on usb-c ? I've been considering it for an automotive application constrained by the addition of 3rd party hardware.

[@SianaGearz]

You can get USB-C connectors that are reinforced with an extra piece of steel frame, but the connector also has an even crazier pin pitch, really finicky. Also i think PCB mounted connectors where significant force can be exerted are just a bad idea, and special considerations actually need to be made for all connectors and all external controls, how you want to prevent them from warping the board and breaking solder joints. If you have to do USB, then if you can't do full size USB B, USB-C can be a viable choice. You may also consider making it a daughterboard on a ribbon cable that can be easily replaced. BTW the male USB-A 3.0 connector is bad too. I once had some piece of junk fall into the connector of a... back then $50 USB stick and mangle the SuperSpeed pins when i plugged the thing in, such that it wouldn't work again, not just at SuperSpeed, but at all. If you have to do USB 3.x, all you have is basically bad choices, and USB-C is likely the least bad of them. Don't get me started on the USB 3.0 Micro B, which is a disconcerting wide boi. If you bought an external spinny hard disk several years ago before USB-C, you know the plug.

[@Cineenvenordquist]

@@SianaGearz Yeah, but what goes wrong with microUSBs? I have one that seems pretty lint free, the center bit isn't knocked woggly so the pins should connect...need to hit it with an LED and a loupe rather than a cellphone zoom, but it's not a fragged male shroud that's wrong. Why won't it charge...

[@SianaGearz]

@@Cineenvenordquist solder joints connector to PCB. Usually the weak spot for microUSB since the connector ends up warping and pivoting around its anchor points, lifting the pins from the PCB. There are about 16 common constructions of the microUSB connector regarding anchoring and pins, and basically all of them end up with similar susceptibilities, some are better than others. If you wonder why so many: different protrusion extent (how far the connector overhangs the PCB edge), some drop into a routed inset, straight vs upside down, etc. It's crazy. The complex shape of the connector shell encourages these issues. The straight oval shape of USB-C is more stable. MiniUSB was pretty reliable in through-hole version, it has a more fortunate aspect than micro which keeps it stable. For some reason it has a much lower rated cycle life than micro, that is number of insertions it's supposed to survive. Probably a spring contact and tongue design issue? But in reality it just holds up better.

[@Cineenvenordquist]

The steel shroud doesn't seem much to blame but the pins and center bit seem to fail without much visual evidence...

[@qwaqwa1960]

480 Mb/s USB will not be very happy running over a long sloppy wiring splice. Make the data leads a twisted pair to increase your chance of success.

[@leosbagoftricks3732]

Good point! The things I have fixed so far are all rather slow, the transmission line effects should not be a problem, but for high speed, you are 100% right.

[@ketas]

workaround here is the magnetic usb adapter cable

[@sgall17a]

Very calm and reasoned argument as to why Micro USB is a total heap of *^$!@#$X crap. (I could not do such a great video and not lose my temper). Much appreciated.

[@robertharker]

Ever have a micro USB or USB C cable fall out of its socket? I work with professional audio and video gear. There has been a wide spread migration to micro type connectors. Flimsy as you point out but also not locking. What the industry needs is a locking type A connector. A simple solution would be the locking tab used on "display port" video connectors. The male cable end has locking tab that is part of the sheet metal housing that extends into the plastic cable protection to unlatch the connector. The female receptacle has hole that the locking tab grabs on to. Cheap, easy to use and robust. And compatible with non-locking parts. A latching type A connector would provide a robust connection that will not fall out.

[@DimitriPappas]

Type A shouldn't fall out anyway. It's a fairly large connector which should have sufficient friction (otherwise something else is wrong, like a worn or damaged socket). Besides for the friction aspect, the male connector has two square holes which should be filled by springy extrusions on the female socket, holding it in place. Locking tabs are a horrible idea. I broke my first ever displayport cable because I tried to remove it from the socket by force, not realizing that it actually has a metal tab that locks it in place. This can happen a lot more easily than you think, and there are tons of even less tech-savvy people out there than me. I like magnets (eg Apple's macbook chargers circa 2011), but otherwise the metal-on-metal friction of a well-designed & well-sized connector should be all that's needed.

[@robertharker]

@@DimitriPappas A type A connector should not fall out unless someone yanks on the cable, steps on the cables, dislodges the cable while unplugging a nearby cable or one of a multitude of other problems. If the connector does not lock or latch, then it has the habit of disconnecting (falling out) at the worst time. I come from a pro audio sound environment where most everything is locking cables and non-locking cables are discouraged. I'm looking at you 1/4" headphone cable.

[@jmartin5410]

I agree with you and I’ll raise the stakes to say Micro USB should be banned.

[@elimika8892]

Very true bro

[@synthshoot1026]

Thanks, But I think you should have also compared the design to USB-C and lightning. instead of power plugs and RJ45 !!

[@supernumex]

Great video! Micro USB is the worst. USB-c is slightly better, but my favorite is actually apple's lightning connector.

[@juliannesermon8057]

Apple is the worst offender of perpetuating the "thinner is better" mentality though. It even caused them once to ditch their just-established MagSafe power connector in favor of a new, slightly thinner but of course incompatible one... because they wanted the new line of laptops thinner (yes they broke easily on the hinges and had terrible thermal design too)

[@gotsm9959]

@supwrmax: micro USB is better than usb c if you are a company marketing wireless peripheral for Android and Windows because of easy circuitry. Charging those tiny battery with usb c would be ridiculous .

[@gotsm9959]

@@juliannesermon8057 Apple is just stupid.

[@soupisnotameal4172]

“Lord give me a sign” @ 1:33

[@jstro-hobbytech]

I always have older mini usb break out boards

[@grindfi]

dont forget, this is your chance to usb c all the things!

[@erwinperciva5708]

or just use magnetic usb cable, use with 7 pin or 4 pin for data

[@DavidSmith-zx7wz]

Amen!!

[@bluesonkel]

hmmm... nice idea i have ab brocken conector at my LED lamp.... this usb A fix is a bad option for this... i need a better idea :(

[@yourlocalguapo]

The thumbnail is my problem my phone charger literall micro usb charging thing has snapped off from the cable

[@rimmersbryggeri]

Could ahve at least put usb c on that flir but probably there is room even for B there.

[@NYXsucksatyoutube]

This made me hate micro USB even more I wish I could convert old micro USB SB devices to USB C

[@StubbyPhillips]

I have come to the conclusion that the "engineers" who design MOST of the connectors used in consumer products are IDIOTS. Didn't anyone involved in the development of USB connectors (prior to "C") notice that it always goes in the OTHER way but if you start out that way, it feels wrong so you flip it only to find out it actually was right the first time. Actually, this isn't always true. I think it was in the Summer of 2019... I plugged in a USB cable and got it right on the first try! Anybody remember the S-Video connector? 'nuff said. As for the people who come up with this crap, to borrow a bit from George Carlin's rant on drivers, "I just want to see what they look like!" I think my FAVORITE connector has to be BNC. They are reliable and easy to connect while doing the blind reach-around.

[@huuuuuuhhhhhh69]

Scream at the owners not the workers if you want change. Owners hate being bothered since the ancient Egyptian times

[@GabrielTavaresAtento-ao-Vento]

look, I came by to watch how could I fix my USB conector... And look, I get it, you are upset. But how I do it? Could you show it now?

[@vadegdadeg]

Как я тебя понимаю...

[@transkryption]

Then take USB C bioengineers for engineer's who never leave the lab. Take intel arguing for it over 3.5 audio yeah like that's not going to break from abuse! Or take the galaxy s10 have any the USBC connected directly on the main board, rather than a nice, cheap, easily replaceable flex cable!

[@elhoucinebaikik]

My problem is otg

[@lycanlycans7548]

You can actually convert Micro USB to USB c !

[@9069able]

Your posting a lot more often these days lol. i give it 3 days before this pops up on hackaday

[@GeorgeMTau]

😂😂😂😂❤

[@chadx8269]

Agree its crap.

[@lambda7652]

But USB-C is ok?

[@SianaGearz]

There are reinforced variants that are less terrible, but it's also fundamentally wonky.

[@jcherrera104]

So where in the video does he show you how to fix the cable

[@leosbagoftricks3732]

I show how to solve the problem, not fix the cable.

[@IsmailHA]

ok so I came to fix the stupid USB but a saw a guy that is complaining about how stupid the product is, therefore, I did not gain anything from these 8 minutes