Overview
The USB-C port on the Plugable USBC-7IN1 is for USB-C Power Delivery pass-through only. It is designed to accept power from a USB-C charger and pass that power through the hub to the connected laptop. This USB-C port does not support USB data transfer, video output, or connection to USB-C peripherals.
The USBC-7IN1 provides three USB-A 3.0 ports for USB data devices, a 4K 30Hz HDMI output, SD and microSD card slots, and one USB-C Power Delivery charging port. The USB-C Power Delivery input supports up to 100W input, with up to 92W available to the host when self-powered. The USB-A ports are the data ports for connecting USB peripherals.
Compatibility
The USBC-7IN1 connects to the host computer using its built-in USB-C cable. The host USB-C port must support the functions you want to use.
For USB data devices, the host connection must support USB data.
For HDMI video output, the host USB-C port must support DisplayPort Alternate Mode. Note that HDMI output and charging require host device support for USB-C Power Delivery charging and DisplayPort over USB-C Alternate Mode. You will need to check your system manufacturer's documentation to verify whether your system has a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode (or Thunderbolt) and Power Delivery.
For charging through the hub, connect a compatible USB-C Power Delivery charger to the USB-C Power Delivery port on the USBC-7IN1.
Why this happens
USB-C describes the physical connector shape, not the features supported by every USB-C port. A USB-C port may support charging, data, video, or a combination of these features, depending on the product's design.
On the USBC-7IN1, the USB-C port on the hub is a Power Delivery input port. It is intended for connecting a USB-C charger, not USB-C storage drives, phones, keyboards, mice, video adapters, docks, or other USB-C peripherals.
This is expected behavior and does not indicate a defect with the hub.
What to use instead
To connect USB data devices, use the three USB-A 3.0 ports on the USBC-7IN1. These ports support USB 3.0 data transfer and can be used with devices such as:
- USB flash drives
- External USB storage drives
- Keyboards
- Mice
- USB headsets
- Other standard USB-A peripherals
To connect a USB-C peripheral, a different hub or adapter with a USB-C data port would be required. The USB-C Power Delivery port on the USBC-7IN1 cannot be converted into a USB-C data port through a cable or adapter.
Important notes
- The USB-C Power Delivery port on the USBC-7IN1 is not a downstream USB-C data port.
- The USB-C Power Delivery port does not support video output.
- The USB-C Power Delivery port does not support USB-C storage devices or USB-C accessories.
The hub can still be used for USB-A data devices, HDMI video output, SD and microSD cards, and power pass-through when connected to a compatible host system. Plugable lists the USBC-7IN1 as including 3 USB 3.0 ports, 1 HDMI output, 1 SD card reader, 1 microSD card slot, and 1 USB-C Power Delivery charging port.
How to verify expected behavior
To confirm the hub is working as expected:
- Connect the USBC-7IN1 to a compatible USB-C port on the computer.
- Connect a USB-A device, such as a flash drive, keyboard, or mouse, to one of the USB-A ports.
- Confirm the USB-A device is detected by the computer.
- Connect a compatible USB-C Power Delivery charger to the USB-C port on the hub.
- Confirm the computer begins charging, if the host system supports USB-C Power Delivery charging through the hub.
Do not connect USB-C data devices to the USB-C Power Delivery port, since they will not be detected.
Summary
If a USB-C device is not recognized when connected to the USB-C port on the USBC-7IN1, this is expected behavior. That USB-C port is for Power Delivery pass-through only. Use the USB-A ports for USB data devices, or choose a different hub model if a downstream USB-C data port is required.
Need more help?
Still have questions or concerns? Please reach us at support@plugable.com for additional support.
