You might have noticed that the USB ports on your device, whether it’s a laptop, motherboard, or docking station, aren’t all the same color – some USB ports are yellow, some are red, and others are a different color. You might also be surprised to find out that these colors aren’t there for aesthetic purposes but rather a color coding system indicating the specific capabilities of each port. The colors are designed to help you distinguish between a USB 2.0 port and a USB 3.0 port.
If you’ve noticed a red USB port before, it’s likely a USB 3.1 Gen 2 port. This high-speed USB standard supports data transfer speeds of up to 20 Gbps. Often, they function as “always-on” charging ports that are also enabled to keep devices charged even when the computer is off.
However, it’s necessary to note that there’s no universal standardization for these colors. The USB Implementers Forum designates the colors, but that’s just it. They are defined, but they aren’t requirements for manufacturers to follow, so a red port on one device might be completely different on another device.
How to check what your red USB port does
If you’re trying to figure out what your red USB port is good for, the first step to finding out is always found within the device manual. Manufacturers write out features on spec sheets rather than colors, so make sure you search for “connectivity”, “ports”, or “connectivity”, and you’ll find a breakdown of what each port can do. You can also head over to the manufacturer’s support page, type in your model number, and look at the specifications, where you’ll find detailed information on the USB ports.
You can also try to figure out what your USB port does by testing it yourself. Try charging your iPhone or Android phone while the device is off, or move a large file onto a USB drive and see how quickly it transfers. Once you determine what the red port is designed for, you’ll have a better understanding of how to utilize it to your own advantage. Gamers benefit from the quicker response times of the red USB ports, while creatives benefit from the faster speeds of USB 3.1 Gen 2.
