# USB 2 Micro-B connector > the class of the most compact legacy USB 2 connectors (those which carry only USB 1–2 and power) at the peripheral device ends of cables, replaced by the USB 2 Type‑C connectors **Wikidata**: [Q102144025](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102144025) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usb-2-micro-b-connector ## Summary The USB 2 Micro-B connector is the most compact legacy USB 2 connector used on peripheral devices, supporting only USB 1–2 data transfer rates and power delivery. It was widely adopted in older mobile and portable electronics before being phased out in favor of the more versatile USB Type-C standard. ## Key Facts - Official name: **USB 2.0 Micro-B connector** (per USB Implementers Forum documentation) - Replaced the **USB Mini-B connector** as the smallest form factor for USB 2.0 applications - Superseded by **USB Type-C connectors**, which offer higher speed and reversible design - Belongs to two parent classes: **USB 2 Micro connector** and **USB 2 Type-B connector** - Used primarily at the **device end of cables**, such as charging cords for smartphones and tablets - Aliases include: *Micro-USB 2.0*, *USB Hi-Speed Micro-B*, *USB 1.1 Micro-B* - Different from: **USB 2 Micro-A plug**, **USB 2 Micro-AB receptacle**, **USB 3 Micro-B connector** - Standards body: **USB Implementers Forum** - Image reference: [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/USB_connector_illustration,_to_scale,_grouping,_legacy,_USB_2_Micro-B.svg) ## FAQs ### Q: What devices use USB 2 Micro-B connectors? A: USB 2 Micro-B connectors were commonly found on older smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, GPS units, and other portable electronics requiring low-to-medium-speed data transfer and charging capabilities. ### Q: Is USB 2 Micro-B still supported today? A: While still functional, USB 2 Micro-B has been largely replaced by USB Type-C due to better performance, reversibility, and industry-wide adoption. Newer devices no longer feature this port. ### Q: Can I connect a USB 2 Micro-B cable to a USB-C port? A: No, direct physical connection is not possible because they have incompatible shapes. However, adapters exist that allow a USB 2 Micro-B plug to connect to a USB-C receptacle with limited functionality. ## Why It Matters The USB 2 Micro-B connector played a pivotal role in standardizing connectivity for small electronic devices during the early smartphone and tablet era. As the smallest USB 2.0 connector, it enabled slimmer device designs while maintaining compatibility with widespread computing systems. Its widespread deployment helped unify mobile charging and data syncing across manufacturers until newer technologies like USB Type-C rendered it obsolete. Though now considered legacy, understanding its role remains relevant for users managing older hardware or working within embedded systems where backward compatibility may be required. ## Notable For - Most compact **USB 2-only connector** used in consumer electronics - First standardized micro-sized interface to achieve broad cross-manufacturer support - Defined under multiple naming conventions including **Micro-USB 2.0**, **Hi-Speed Micro-B**, and **USB 1.1 Micro-B** - Physically distinct from both **Micro-A** and **Micro-AB** variants, ensuring correct orientation and usage - Marked the transition point between bulkier **Mini-B** connectors and modern **Type-C** designs ## Body ### Classification & Design The USB 2 Micro-B connector belongs to two broader categories: - **USB 2 Micro connector**: A class of micro-form-factor connectors carrying only USB 1–2 signals and power - **USB 2 Type-B connector**: The general category of USB 2 connectors located on the peripheral side of cables This classification reflects its role as a dedicated downstream port typically found on devices rather than hosts. ### Physical Characteristics - Plug/receptacle pair designed specifically for **peripheral device ends** - Non-reversible design; requires proper orientation for insertion - Smaller than preceding **Mini-B** and **Standard-B** connectors - Supports maximum theoretical speeds up to **480 Mbps** (USB 2.0 High-Speed) ### Historical Context - Introduced as part of the evolution toward smaller, more portable interfaces - Replaced the larger **USB Mini-B** connector in many mobile applications - Widely adopted in consumer electronics throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s - Officially deprecated in favor of **USB Type-C**, which began gaining traction around 2014 onward ### Technical Specifications According to documents published by the **USB Implementers Forum**, including: - *[USB 3.1 Legacy Cable and Connector Revision 1.0]* - *[Universal Serial Bus 3.1 Legacy Connectors and Cable Assemblies Compliance Document]* - *[USB 3.2 Revision 1.1]* These define the **USB 2.0 Micro-B connector** as compliant with earlier USB 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0 signaling standards but explicitly exclude support for SuperSpeed or later protocols introduced in USB 3.x. ### Legacy Status - Fully replaced by **USB Type-C** in new product development - Still present in existing installed base of devices manufactured prior to ~2018 - Adapters available for bridging legacy peripherals to modern systems - Recognized in Wikimedia Commons under category: **USB 2 Micro-B connectors** Despite its obsolescence, the USB 2 Micro-B remains historically significant as a transitional technology that shaped how consumers interacted with personal computing accessories for over a decade. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.usb.org/document-library/usb-31-legacy-cable-and-connector-revision-10) 2. [Source](https://www.usb.org/document-library/universal-serial-bus-31-legacy-connectors-and-cable-assemblies-compliance-document) 3. [Source](https://www.usb.org/document-library/usb-32-revision-11-june-2022) 4. [Source](https://www.usb.org/document-library/usb-type-cr-connectors-and-cable-assemblies-compliance-document-rev-21b) 5. [Source](https://www.usb.org/document-library/usb-type-cr-cable-and-connector-specification-release-24)