USB-C helps connect everything from your laptop and phone to monitors and storage devices. For years, USB-A was the standard, but now USB-C is the connector you see everywhere.

Introduced in 2014, USB-C was designed to replace all previous USB ports with one smaller, reversible, and more powerful standard. It supports charging, data, video, and more all through one port. But here’s the common frustration: You plug in your monitor, the cable charges your laptop—but the screen stays black.

Here’s the catch: not all USB-C ports are the same. Some charge your laptop. Some send video to a monitor. Some only transfer files. And unless you check your device specs carefully, you might end up with a USB-C port that can’t do what you need.

So, what do you need to know about the USB-C connector? This article will help you explore and answer the following key questions and topics:

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USB-C is a universal port that handles power, data, and sometimes video all through one cable. It replaced older standards like USB-A and Micro-USB by offering a smaller, reversible design with more capabilities. USB-C is now standard on most modern laptops, including all MacBook models but not all USB-C ports support the same features. Some only charge. Some transfer files. Some send video. That’s why it is important to understand what your device’s USB-C port actually supports. This single port can support data, charging, video output, and even audio—depending on the device.

Here’s what USB-C can potentially support—depending on the device:

Of the four USB-C features, only reversibility is guaranteed across all ports. Support for video output, charging, and audio depends on how each manufacturer designs their hardware. That’s why checking device specs—or testing in real use—is so important.

Not every USB-C device supports all of these. That’s why it’s important to check your device’s specs or test it in real use.

No—and this is where most people get confused. Just because a device has a USB-C port doesn’t mean it can charge your laptop or connect to a monitor. Some USB-C ports are data-only, while others support video output (via DP Alt Mode) or Power Delivery (PD) for charging. Always check your device’s official specs to confirm what the port supports. Of the four USB-C features, only reversibility is guaranteed across all ports. Support for video output, charging, and audio depends on how each manufacturer designs their hardware. That’s why checking device specs—or testing in real use—is so important.

DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP Alt Mode) is one of USB-C’s most powerful and most misunderstood features. It enables certain USB-C ports to send video signals to external monitors using the DisplayPort protocol, all through a single cable.

But not all USB-C ports support DP Alt Mode, and many brands don’t clearly label whether they do. That’s why some users find their device charges just fine over USB-C, but fails to show any picture on a monitor.

Standard USB-C

(No Thunderbolt)

Thunderbolt 1&2

Thunderbolt 3&4

(USB-C connector)

* While Thunderbolt 3 and 4 look identical, they differ in minimum requirements and capabilities. Use the table above to compare what each supports.

There’s no universal label for DP Alt Mode on USB-C ports, and some brands don’t mark them clearly even if supported. The most reliable way is to check your device’s official tech specs.

• Most MacBooks (M1/M2/M3/M4) support video output over USB-C
• Many Windows laptops support it, but not all—especially entry-level models
• On tablets and phones, DP Alt Mode is much less common

You can also test it directly: use a USB-C monitor that supports DP Alt Mode and a full-featured USB-C cable (not a charge-only cable). If nothing shows up, try switching ports or cables.

USB Type-C in the Real World (Laptop)

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*Not all laptops and mobile phones with USB-C ports support full USB-C function—so always check for terms like “DP Alt Mode,” “PD,” or “Thunderbolt” on your device and cable.

**Laptops and mobile phones have different combinations of USB-C functions.

Due to the various specifications and compatibility of the Type-C connector, BenQ InstaShow Wireless Presentation System presents the ultimate solution with its smart self-detecting technology, which can automatically show whether your laptop or mobile device with Type-C port supports Alt Mode output and therefore provide better intuition within your user experience.

If you want to connect your laptop to a monitor using just one USB-C cable—for both display and charging—your monitor must support USB-C Power Delivery (PD).

But how do you check for that? Here’s what to look for:

Example: MacBook Air^® + USB-C Monitor

If you're using a MacBook Air (M1, M2, M3, M4), it can be charged via USB-C with as little as 30W to 45W of power. That means: 

• A monitor that supports USB-C PD at 60W or above can easily power your laptop while delivering video over the same cable.

Some BenQ monitors go even further in delivering power and flexibility.

• The BenQ MA Series offers 90W USB-C Power Delivery, plus an additional 15W USB-C port—perfect for charging your iPhone^® or iPad^® at the same time.
• For advanced users, the PD2730S and PD3226G feature Thunderbolt 4 with 90W Power Delivery, along with a 15W Thunderbolt 4 port for high-speed peripherals. These models are a great match for most MacBook Pro^® users, offering stable power and bandwidth for daily creative workflows. For devices that require 96W, the 90W output may charge slightly slower, but is fully compatible.

These models eliminate cable clutter—providing 90W charging for your MacBook, seamless 4K or 5K display output, and additional power for your peripherals, all through a single cable.

Yes—but compatibility depends on what you're trying to do.

USB-C and Thunderbolt ports use the same connector, so they’re physically compatible. You can plug a USB-C device into a Thunderbolt port, and vice versa—but that doesn’t guarantee full functionality.

For example, a USB-C monitor will usually work with a Thunderbolt port for display and charging, as long as it supports DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. But not all USB-C ports support Thunderbolt-level speed, daisy chaining, or PCIe accessories.

USB 3.1 Gen 2, Thunderbolt 3, and Thunderbolt 4 may look alike, but their performance and feature sets are quite different. The table below compares the key differences at a glance.

Learn more about what sets Thunderbolt apart from USB-C and earlier versions?

• Does charging through a monitor hurt my MacBook’s battery?

No. Charging your MacBook via a USB-C monitor is completely safe, as long asif the monitor supports Power Delivery (PD) and delivers sufficient wattage. macOS^® manages power input intelligently, so your battery is protected from overcharging or overheating. 

In this case, the monitor’s USB-C functionality has been tested by an Authorized USB-IF Test Lab to verify safe power delivery and MacBook compatibility—ensuring it charges your device reliably without compromising battery health.

• Why isn’t my MacBook charging from my USB-C monitor?

This could be due to one of four reasons:

1. The monitor doesn't support USB-C Power Delivery, or the output wattage is lower than what your MacBook requires.

2. The monitor is off or in a power-saving mode.

3. You're using a charge-only or low-wattage USB-C cable

4. Your MacBook is connected to the wrong port. 

Try using a certified USB-C PD cable and double-check the monitor’s specifications for power output

• My USB-C monitor charges my Mac^®—but there’s no picture?

Your monitor might only support charging, not video. To display content, both the MacBook and the monitor must support DP Alt Mode. Also ensure your cable supports both video and power, and the monitor is set to the correct input source.

• I’m charging my MacBook from a USB-C monitor. Can I plug in my iPad^® too?

Yes—if the monitor offers an additional USB-C or USB-A port with Power Delivery. For example, BenQ’s MA Series includes a secondary 15W USB-C port ideal for charging an iPad or iPhone while your MacBook stays connected. 

• Can I just buy any USB-C cable and expect it to work?

No. USB-C only refers to the shape of the connector—not what it can do. Some cables only charge. Others support video, data, or high-wattage power. Always check for labels like “4K,” “PD,” or “Thunderbolt Certified.”

• Do I need a special cable to connect my MacBook to a USB-C monitor?

Yes. Use a full-featured USB-C cable that supports both video and charging. Avoid USB-C cables designed only for power or data transfer. Look for specs like “4K video,” or “PD” when buying.

• What if my Mac is not detecting the monitor?

Try the following:

1. Use the correct input source on your monitor (USB-C)

2. Restart your Mac with the monitor plugged in

3. Use a different USB-C port or cable

4. Go to System Settings > Displays and click Detect Displays

• How do I know if my USB-C supports DP Alt Mode?

To confirm if your MacBook supports DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C:

1. Check Apple’s official specs: Most MacBook Air and Pro models with M1, M2, M3, or M4 chips support video output via USB-C. Look for “Display Support” or “Thunderbolt / USB 4” in the technical specs.

2. Use a USB-C monitor and a known good cable: If your monitor doesn't display anything, make sure the cable supports both power and video (DP Alt Mode), and that you're using the correct USB-C port on your MacBook (some hubs have data-only ports).

3. Avoid charge-only cables: These won’t transmit video, even if the devices support it.

If your MacBook is from 2020 or later, it's very likely to support DP Alt Mode via USB-C. The most common issue is using a cable that only charges but doesn’t support video transmission. All MacBooks with Thunderbolt 3 / 4 or USB 4 ports support DisplayPort Alt Mode.

• Do I need a Thunderbolt monitor for my MacBook?

Unless you have specific high-performance needs.

Most MacBooks support DisplayPort over USB-C, so a regular USB-C monitor with DP Alt Mode works perfectly for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, or even photo editing.

Choose a Thunderbolt monitor only if you need daisy-chaining, external SSDs, or rely on a Thunderbolt dock for accessories.

*MacBook^®, MacBook Pro^®, MacBook Air^®, macOS^®, Mac^®, iPhone^®, and iPad^® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.