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Basic

Which hole is which on a laptop: USB, USB-C, HDMI, audio

Step 1 of 3

USB: the rectangle

For a mouse, a flash drive or a printer. It only fits one way; if it doesn’t go in, turn the plug over.

  1. USB: the rectangle

    For a mouse, a flash drive or a printer. It only fits one way; if it doesn’t go in, turn the plug over.

  2. USB-C: the small oval

    For the charger on newer laptops and for phone cables. It fits either way up.

  3. HDMI to the TV, the small round hole for headphones

    HDMI shows your screen on a TV or monitor. The round 3.5 mm hole is for headphones or a headset.

From basic to technician

BasicWhich hole is which on a laptop: USB, USB-C, HDMI, audioYou are here
BasicShow the laptop screen on a TV or projectorFixFlash drive not showing upFixHeadphones not working on the laptop
Technical details (for the curious)

The colour inside a USB port

A blue inside usually means USB 3 (faster for flash drives and external disks). Black/white is usually USB 2. Both are fine for a mouse and keyboard.

Not every USB-C is the same

USB-C with a lightning bolt (Thunderbolt) or a screen symbol (DisplayPort) can drive a monitor; others are only for data or charging. Look at the small symbol next to the port.

Never force it

The right plug slides in easily. Forcing a USB plug in upside down can snap the plastic tongue inside the port.

Coming soon

Still not fixed?

In the next update you can tell us what happened, and our AI helper will suggest another way. Until then, restart the device and go through the steps once more.