What is the USB port on my monitor for?

Modern monitors offer a wide range of features that go well beyond simply showing an image on screen. One of the most underrated of them is the built-in USB ports. Used properly, those ports are genuinely useful tools. In this article we look at how to get the most out of the USB ports some monitors come with.

Why do monitors have USB ports?

Before going into how to use your monitor's USB ports, it is worth understanding why they are there. Monitor manufacturers include USB ports to offer a convenient connectivity solution. It lets you plug in peripherals, flash drives, phones and other devices without hunting for a USB port on the back of the computer.

First, the detail almost nobody mentions: your monitor's USB ports do not work on their own. The monitor has to be connected to the computer with a USB-B upstream cable — the square connector — in addition to the video cable. If you only have HDMI or DisplayPort plugged in, the monitor's USB ports will be dead. This is by far the number one cause of "my monitor's USB doesn't work".

1. Connecting peripherals

One of the most common uses for a monitor's USB ports is connecting peripherals such as keyboards, mice and webcams. This is especially handy if you have a laptop with limited USB ports. Plug your devices straight into the monitor for convenience.

2. Charging mobile devices

If your monitor has USB ports with charging capability, you can use them to charge phones and tablets. Useful when you need to charge a device while working at your computer without taking up a wall socket.

3. Transferring data

The monitor's USB ports can also be a quick and convenient way to transfer data. If you have files on a USB flash drive or an external hard drive, just plug them into the monitor and you can reach your files straight from the computer.

4. Built-in USB hub

Some monitors have a built-in USB hub that increases the number of available USB ports. This is particularly useful if you have several USB devices to connect. You can use the monitor as a USB hub and keep everything plugged into one place.

5. Connecting headphones or speakers

If your monitor has audio ports, you can plug headphones or speakers directly into it. That means better sound without running audio cables to the back of the computer.

6. Using a KVM keyboard and mouse

Some monitors with multiple USB ports support a KVM switch (keyboard, video and mouse), letting you control several machines — a work computer and a personal one, say — with a single keyboard and mouse. Especially useful if you switch between machines often.

Tips and precautions for getting the most out of your monitor's USB ports

• Check your monitor's specifications to know what the USB ports can do. Some offer higher charging power or faster data transfer than others.
• Make sure your monitor's drivers are up to date so the USB ports work properly.
• Label the cables you plug into the monitor's USB ports so you know which device is on which port.
• Do not overload your monitor's USB ports, as that can cause performance problems. If you need to connect many devices, consider a powered external USB hub.