Your phone’s USB-C port does a lot more than charge your battery—and once you know how to use it, it can quietly upgrade how you work, play, and travel.
Most of us plug in our phones, wait for the battery icon to turn green, and move on. But that small USB-C port at the bottom of your phone is one of its most powerful features. It can turn your phone into a backup drive, a media hub, a gaming console, or even a mini workstation.
Whether you’re trying to free up storage, stay productive on the go, or get more entertainment out of your device, here are four genuinely useful ways to put your phone’s USB-C port to work.
1. Plug In External Storage and Free Up Space
Running out of phone storage is stressful—especially when it’s your photos, videos, or important files on the line. The good news? You can plug an external USB drive straight into your phone, just like you would with a laptop.
Both iOS and Android support external storage, and most modern phones will recognize a USB drive instantly. In some cases, you may need a small adapter or a specific file format, but once connected, your phone’s built-in file manager can browse, move, and back up files with ease.
This is perfect if you:
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Want to back up photos and videos without paying for cloud storage
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Need to move large files quickly
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Want offline access to movies, music, or documents while traveling
It’s simple, fast, and surprisingly liberating to have physical control over your files again.
2. Play Videos on a Bigger Screen—No Wi-Fi Required
Many phones—including recent iPhones and Pixel devices—can send video directly to a TV or monitor through USB-C. That means no casting, no logins, and no unreliable hotel Wi-Fi.
With the right cable or adapter, you can:
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Watch movies or shows on a hotel TV
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Share photos or videos on a larger screen
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Give a presentation straight from your phone
Some phones go even further. Samsung Galaxy devices, for example, support Samsung DeX, which turns your phone into a desktop-style interface when connected to a monitor—ideal for both entertainment and productivity.
3. Connect a Gaming Controller for Better Mobile Play
Mobile games have come a long way, but touchscreen controls still have their limits. If you’ve ever missed a crucial move because your thumb slipped, you already know the frustration.
A USB-C gaming controller gives you:
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Physical buttons and joysticks
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Faster, more stable input than Bluetooth
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No extra charging—most controllers draw power from your phone
Controllers like the Backbone One snap directly onto your phone and instantly make games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and console game streaming feel more immersive and precise. It’s one of the easiest ways to turn your phone into a serious gaming device.
4. Turn Your Phone Into a Mini Workstation
Yes—you can plug a mouse and keyboard into your phone.
Both iOS and Android support wired peripherals through USB-C, and pairing them with a USB-C hub lets you connect multiple accessories at once. Suddenly, writing emails, editing documents, or managing files feels far less cramped.
This setup is especially useful if:
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You travel frequently
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You work remotely in short bursts
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You use a foldable phone or larger screen device
Add a hub that supports charging, and you’ve got a surprisingly capable portable workstation that fits in your bag.
The Bigger Picture: Your Phone Is More Powerful Than You Think
Your USB-C port isn’t just a charging hole—it’s a gateway to making your phone work harder for you. With the right accessories, your everyday device can replace tools you didn’t realize you were carrying separately.
Sometimes, the best tech upgrades aren’t new devices at all—just better ways of using what you already own.
