# USB 2 plug > the USB plugs, both Type‑C and legacy (pre–Type‑C), carrying only USB 1–2 and power, as opposed to the Full‑Featured Type‑C, with exhaustive capabilities, and the legacy USB 3 plugs, supporting a subset of USB 1–3 and power **Wikidata**: [Q134472148](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134472148) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usb-2-plug ## Summary The USB 2 plug is a type of USB connector that supports data transfer speeds up to USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) and power delivery, available in both legacy (e.g., Standard-A, Micro-B) and Type-C configurations. Unlike Full-Featured Type-C plugs, which support advanced features like USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt, USB 2 plugs are limited to USB 1–2 and power, making them less versatile but widely compatible with older devices. ## Key Facts - **Subclass of**: USB 2 connector and USB plug. - **Aliases**: USB 2.0 plug, USB 1.1 plug, USB 1.0 plug, USB 1 plug. - **Different from**: USB Full-Featured Type-C plug, USB Type-C Power-Only plug, and USB 3 plug. - **Legacy variants**: Includes Standard-A, Standard-B, Micro-A, Micro-B, Mini-A, and Mini-B plugs. - **Type-C variant**: USB 2 Type-C plug, which replaced legacy plugs. - **Official name**: USB 2.0 plug (as per USB.org specifications). - **Commons category**: USB 2 plugs. - **Described at**: USB.org documentation on USB 2.0, Type-C, and legacy connectors. ## FAQs ### Q: What is the difference between USB 2 and USB 3 plugs? A: USB 2 plugs support data transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps and power, while USB 3 plugs support speeds up to 5 Gbps. USB 2 plugs are also less versatile, lacking advanced features like DisplayPort Alt Mode. ### Q: Can a USB 2 plug be used with USB 3 devices? A: Yes, but only at USB 2 speeds. USB 3 devices will not function at their full potential with a USB 2 plug. ### Q: What are the most common USB 2 plug types? A: Common types include Standard-A, Micro-B, and Mini-B plugs, with Type-C being the modern replacement for legacy designs. ### Q: Is USB 2 still relevant today? A: Yes, USB 2 remains widely used for power delivery and compatibility with older devices, though it is being phased out in favor of USB 3 and Type-C. ### Q: How does USB 2 differ from Full-Featured Type-C? A: Full-Featured Type-C supports USB 3.2, Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort Alt Mode, while USB 2 Type-C is limited to USB 2 speeds and power. ## Why It Matters The USB 2 plug was a foundational component in the evolution of USB technology, enabling high-speed data transfer and power delivery for devices like printers, external drives, and peripherals. Its legacy variants, such as Micro-B and Mini-B, became ubiquitous in smartphones and tablets before being replaced by the more versatile Type-C design. While USB 2 is now considered outdated, its widespread adoption ensured backward compatibility, making it a critical standard for decades. The introduction of USB 2 Type-C marked a shift toward smaller, more efficient connectors while maintaining power and data capabilities, though it lacked the advanced features of Full-Featured Type-C. USB 2 plugs remain relevant for maintaining compatibility with older systems and devices that do not support newer standards. ## Notable For - **Widely adopted**: Used in devices from the late 1990s to the early 2010s, ensuring broad compatibility. - **Legacy support**: Enabled data transfer and power delivery for older peripherals. - **Type-C transition**: USB 2 Type-C served as an intermediate step before Full-Featured Type-C. - **Standardized by USB.org**: Officially named USB 2.0 plug in USB specifications. - **Commons documentation**: Illustrated in a scalable SVG file for reference. ## Body ### Overview The USB 2 plug is a connector designed for USB 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0 standards, supporting data transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps and power delivery. It exists in both legacy and Type-C configurations, with legacy variants including Standard-A, Standard-B, Micro-A, Micro-B, Mini-A, and Mini-B. The USB 2 Type-C plug was introduced as a replacement for these legacy designs, offering a smaller form factor while maintaining USB 2 capabilities. ### Technical Specifications - **Data transfer**: Up to 480 Mbps (USB 2.0). - **Power delivery**: 5V, 900mA (USB 2.0). - **Legacy variants**: Standard-A, Standard-B, Micro-A, Micro-B, Mini-A, Mini-B. - **Type-C variant**: USB 2 Type-C, replacing legacy plugs. ### Historical Context - **Introduction**: USB 2.0 was standardized in April 2000. - **Legacy dominance**: Micro-B and Mini-B plugs were common in smartphones and tablets. - **Type-C transition**: USB 2 Type-C was introduced to replace legacy plugs while maintaining USB 2 speeds. ### Compatibility - **Backward compatible**: USB 2 plugs work with USB 1.x devices but do not support USB 3 features. - **Power-only mode**: Some USB 2 plugs support power delivery without data transfer. ### Documentation - **USB.org references**: Specifications for USB 2.0, Type-C, and legacy connectors. - **Commons illustration**: SVG file grouping USB 2 plugs for reference. ### Replacement - **Full-Featured Type-C**: Supports USB 3.2, Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort Alt Mode. - **USB 3 plugs**: Support USB 3 speeds but lack advanced features of Full-Featured Type-C. ## 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)