Damaged Type-C Connector on Dell Laptops and Docks and How to Prevent It
Summary: The following article provides information about the proper way to insert and remove the USB Type-C connector on Dell laptops and devices. (For example: Docking Stations and Monitors.)
This article applies to
This article does not apply to
This article is not tied to any specific product.
Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Instructions
The Proper handling of the USB Type-C connector and port
Table of contents:
What can happen?
Dell laptops and devices may exhibit loose USB Type-C ports and the ports may present with limited or no functionality. (For example: Docking stations, monitors, and other peripheral devices.) The USB Type-C connector can also have movement inside the device.
This can result in the following behavior:
- The laptop does not detect the USB Type-C devices when they connect to the laptop.
- USB Type-C devices display partial or intermittent functionality when they connect to the laptop.
- The network adapter (Ethernet) port on a docking station may not work.
- A Dock or Monitors video port fails to work or is only partially working.
- USB Type-C devices that connect through the Dock fail to work correctly.
- Any movement of the USB Type-C cable impacts the functionality of the port.
- The USB Type-C plug or USB Type-C port shows visible damage.
Affected Products
| WD19 | WD19S | WD19DC |
|---|---|---|
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| WD19DCS | WD19TB | WD19TBS |
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| WD22TB4 | UD22 | HD22Q |
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| P-Series Monitors (from 2025) | U-Series Monitors (from 2024) | U-Series Monitors (from 2025) |
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| Precision Mobile Workstation | Latitude Laptop | XPS Laptop |
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| Vostro Laptop | Inspiron Laptop | G-Series Gaming Laptop |
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Recommended Handling
Plugging or unplugging the USB Type-C connector to and from the laptop in the wrong manner can cause several different types of damage. Always remember to unplug any cables from the laptop before moving it away from the desk.
A loose USB Type-C port indicates that exerting external forces on the port results in physical damage. We consider the person using it to be the cause. The standard warranty terms and conditions do not cover physical damage to the port. (For example: Where the damage is visible, or physically moving the connected USB cable affects the ports behavior.)
Note: We do not cover physical damage by default under our standard warranty entitlements. We can still offer a repair, but it is charged at the cost of the repair. However, we cover the repair costs if you have added
accidental damage warranty cover to your device.
- Plugging the USB Type-C connector in:
- Plug the USB Type-C connector into the port horizontally.
Warning: Avoid inserting the connector at an angle with any force.
Warning: Avoid leaving no slack in the cable when inserting the connector. The other issues that we describe here are more likely to occur with a USB Type-C cable connected with no slack.
- Unplugging the USB Type-C connector in:
- Unplug the USB Type-C connector into the port horizontally.
Warning: Avoid removing the connector at an angle with any force.
The Proper and improper way to plug the USB Type-C connector.
| The Correct Way | |
|---|---|
| Insert |  |
| Remove |  |
| Correct amount of Slack in Cable |  |
| The Incorrect Way | |
| Insert |  |
| Remove |  |
| Cable too tight to Device |  |
Damage Due to Improper Use
Note: Using the improper way to plug or unplug the USB Type-C connector to and from the port on the laptop can cause different types of damage. Always remember to unplug any cables from the laptop before moving it away from the desk.
Examples of damage caused when improperly plugging or unplugging the USB Type-C connector to the USB Type-C port:
| Damage to USB Type-C Cables | Damage to USB Type-C Ports |
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Note: You can find out more about troubleshooting the USB Type-C connector/port and the proper handling of a Dell Laptop on the following links:
Affected Products
G Series, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Mobile Workstations, Dell Dual Charge Dock HD22Q, Dell Universal Dock UD22, Dell Dock WD19, Dell Performance Dock - WD19DC, Dell Performance Dock – WD19DCS, Dell Dock – WD19S, Dell Thunderbolt Dock - WD19TB
, Dell Thunderbolt Dock – WD19TBS, Dell P2225H, Dell P2425, Dell P2425E, Dell P2425HE, Dell P2725H, Dell U2424H, Dell U2424HE, Dell U2724D, Dell U3425WE, Dell U4924DW, Dell Thunderbolt Dock – WD22TB4
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Article Properties
Article Number: 000198334
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 16 Apr 2025
Version: 16
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