Which USB-C cable and adapter you need for your EP
A USB-C data cable — not a charge-only cable. Here is how to tell the difference before you buy one.
Almost every connection problem with Best Friend is a cable problem. The EP-133 K.O. II, EP-40 Riddim, and EP-1320 Medieval all connect the same way, so this applies whichever one you own.
You need a USB-C data cable
A USB-C to USB-C cable that carries data, not just power. Many USB-C cables are wired for charging only. They physically fit and they will charge the EP, which is exactly why they are so confusing: the hardware lights up, so the cable looks fine, but no data ever crosses and Best Friend never sees the device.
How to tell:
- Check the packaging or product listing. A data cable advertises a transfer speed — “USB 2.0”, “480 Mbps”, “USB 3.2”, “10 Gbps”. A charge-only cable advertises wattage and says nothing about speed.
- Test it. Connect a phone to a computer with the cable. If the computer offers to browse the phone’s files, the cable carries data.
- Prefer the cable that came with a phone, laptop, or drive. Those are data cables.
Any data rate is enough. Best Friend does not need a fast cable, it needs a real one.
USB-C device to USB-C EP
Plug it straight in. Nothing else required.
Lightning iPhone or iPad
You need two things:
- An MFi-certified Lightning to USB adapter (Apple’s Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter is the reliable one).
- A USB-IF certified USB-A to USB-C cable between the adapter and the EP.
Uncertified adapters are the most common failure point here. If yours is working intermittently, that is usually why.
Mac
A USB-C to USB-C data cable into any port. Best Friend on the Mac requires Apple silicon (M1 or later).
Android
A USB-C to USB-C data cable, plus USB OTG support on your Android device. OTG lets your phone act as the host rather than the peripheral — without it the connection is power only. Most Android devices from the last several years support it.
Hubs and docks
A powered USB-C hub generally works, but it is one more thing that can be at fault. If you are diagnosing a problem, take the hub out of the chain first.
