USB connector ports come in various colors, such as blue, black, or yellow. These hues are more than mere aesthetic selections made by your computer’s maker; they frequently denote particular features or functionalities of the USB port. This is applicable solely to USB Type-A ports, as USB Type-C does not utilize color coding for USB specifications.
For instance, a blue USB port signifies USB 3.0, capable of transferring data at rates of up to 5 gigabits per second (Gbps). Conversely, a standard black USB port generally indicates USB 2.0, with a peak speed of 480 megabits per second (Mbps).
So, what does a yellow USB port signify? This shade is customarily used to indicate that the USB port offers always-on charging. This implies that the USB port provides power even when your computer is in sleep mode or powered off, ideal for recharging your phone or other devices without requiring the laptop to be fully active.
While these color indicators are not enforced universally, they are commonly adopted among leading manufacturers following guidance from the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), the organization responsible for upholding USB standards.