OnePlus has released a statement, which address the USB Type-C compatibility problem with third party devices.
Recently, information circulating the Internet suggested that there were compatibility issues while charging third party devices with OnePlus’ USB Type-C charger. The issue is that the cable and adapter are designed for a maximum of 2 amps of power, but the resistor will allow fast-charging devices to try to draw more power than a power source may allow. This could result in damage to the power source (third-party charger, USB port, etc.) if the device and power source do not have an internal mechanism to self-regulate the amount of power flowing to or from them. Typically, if a charger has a CE, UL or CCC logo on it, it has been certified and is safe to use. OnePlus has addressed the issue with the following statement.
Here is the complete statement from OnePlus
Recently it has come to our attention that two of our products, the OnePlus Type-C cable and the OnePlus USB Type-C adapter, are using a resistor that may not be fully compatible with some third-party devices.
Please rest assured that this cable and adapter are safe to use with the OnePlus 2. That means that if you’re charging or transferring data to or from the OnePlus 2, you should have no problems using the cable that shipped with your OnePlus 2 or the cables or adapters you bought separately on OnePlus.net.
We’ve gotten a lot of really good feedback on these products, and many of you have bought them to use with your other USB Type-C devices. That may be fine, but depending on the devices and power sources you’re using them with we can’t guarantee full compatibility with those products.
Our cable and adapter use a 10kΩ resistor, but according to version 1.1 of the Type-C port standard, these products should be using a 56kΩ resistor. The issue is that the cable and adapter are designed for a maximum of 2 amps of power, but the resistor will allow fast-charging devices to try to draw more power than a power source may allow. This could result in damage to the power source (third-party charger, USB port, etc.) if the device and power source do not have an internal mechanism to self-regulate the amount of power flowing to or from them. Typically, if a charger has a CE, UL or CCC logo on it, it has been certified and is safe to use.
Don’t worry if it sounds too complicated. Here is a quick overview:
*Name-brand products like chargers, cables, power banks and USB hubs that are made by reputable companies are usually pretty trustworthy and safe to use. But there are a lot of products on the market that are cheaply made and more likely to potentially harm your devices. It’s a good rule of thumb to choose products from the brands you trust and research their products to ensure compatibility before you purchase them.
To identify if your charger has been certified by CE, CCC or UL, it will have a “”, “” or “” logo on it.
Listening to our community and the broader tech community is extremely important to us. You all are the reason we exist in the first place. We owe it to you to deliver the best products possible – and to fix problems when we come across them. So we want to fix this.
If you’ve purchased these products to use with devices other than the OnePlus 2, we are going to offer an opportunity to apply for a refund on those products purchased through the OnePlus website. Please note that cables that were included in the box with your OnePlus 2 are not eligible for a refund, since they are safe to use with the OnePlus 2.
Here is the process for applying for a return/refund:
For customers in North America and Europe:
- Visit oneplus.net/support/type-c-refund and fill out the form with all the relevant information.
- If your application is approved, you will be refunded directly through PayPal.
For customers in India and China:
- Take the cable or adapter you wish to return to the nearest OnePlus repair center.
- You will be refunded upon returning the item.
We will be providing this service up until December 31, 2015.
In the meantime, our team has already begun developing improved Type-C cables and adapters with 56kΩ resistors. We’ll keep you posted when they’re ready for release. It’s important to note that there is always some potential to damage any device if you use a third-party charger, cable or adapter from an unreliable brand.
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