Symptoms
- Devices connect and show as recognized but don't charge, or charge very slowly
- Charging works when plugged directly into the computer but not through the hub
- Hub has no separate power adapter
- Some ports on the hub charge fine while others don't
Likely causes
- CommonHub is unpowered and relying only on the computer's USB portA bus-powered hub splits a small amount of power across all connected devices, which is rarely enough to charge.
- CommonDevice is plugged into a data-only port instead of a charging portMany hubs mark one or two ports specifically for charging with a different icon.
- PossibleComputer's USB port itself provides low powerEspecially on laptops, some ports supply less current than others.
- Less commonHub or its power adapter has failedTest with a different device to rule this out.
What to do
- Check whether the hub has its own power adapter, and plug it in if it does; unpowered hubs charge poorly at best.
- Look for a port marked for charging (often with a lightning bolt or 'BC' icon) and use that one specifically.
- Try a different USB port on the computer, since some provide more power than others.
- Test the same cable and device plugged directly into the computer to see if charging improves.
- If the hub still won't charge anything even with its own power supply, consider it faulty.
Tools and parts
- None required
Powered USB hubSearch: “powered USB charging hub”
When to call a pro
No professional service needed; an unpowered or underpowered hub simply needs to be replaced with a powered charging hub.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.