iOS and Android phones and tablets generally have one primary data port that is used for charging and for connecting to accessories. This data port may be one of several types, depending on whether your device runs on iOS or Android and what model it is.

The specific type of data port your phone or tablet uses determines whether you need to use an adapter to connect to Echo Meter Touch modules of various types.

The simplest way to identify the type of data port your phone or tablet uses is to look at the end of the charging cable that plugs into the device. The type of plug on the charging cable directly corresponds to the device's data port type.

USB-C

Found on:

• Newer Android devices
• Newer iOS devices

If the end of your phone or tablet's charging cable looks like the plug shown in the picture below, it means your device has a USB-C port.

This type of port is common on newer Android devices. Android device manufacturers began a gradual switch from Micro-USB to USB-C in 2015.

This type of port is also found on new iOS devices. The 2018 iPad Pro was the first iPad to feature a USB-C port, and the 2023 iPhone 15 set (including the 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max) were the first iPhones to use a USB-C port.

Micro-USB

Found on:

• Older Android devices

If the end of your phone or tablet's charging cable looks like the plug shown in the picture below, it means your device has a Micro-USB port.

This type of port is most common on older Android devices. Android device manufacturers began a gradual switch from Micro-USB to USB-C in 2015.

Micro-USB ports and plugs have a trapezoidal profile when viewed head-on.

Lightning

Found on:

• Older iOS devices

If the end of your phone or tablet's charging cable looks like the plug shown in the picture below, it means your device has a Lightning port.

This type of port is found on iPhones released between 2012 and 2023 and iPads released before 2018. Apple transitioned new iPads from Lightning to USB-C between 2018 and 2022.

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