What is a Dongle? Find Out If You Need One and Why

Hard drive. Memory stick. Keyboard. Monitor. Those are all pretty straightforward and well-known computer terms. And then there’s the dongle . Yes, dongle. It must be the strangest name since the “scuzzy” port/connector from days past, which derived from “SCSI” (Small Computer System Interface). The word dongle has been around for a long time, but its meaning has transformed over time. As Wall Street tech-review journalist Johanna Stern wrote in a November 2016 article , dongles are “those tiny, dumb, easy-to-misplace plastic adapters that are suddenly accumulating in your life right now.” But that doesn’t explain what a dongle does. That’s what this guide is for. A dongle is simply an adapter that plugs into an open slot (port) on your computer. The adapter itself has one or more ports of its own built into it, allowing you to plug more devices into your computer at the same time. Yes, a dongle is something like an extension cord for your computer. After plugging it into your laptop you can plug other devices simultaneously into your laptop via the dongle. But wait a minute: Aren’t there a few openings on computers to choose from? The answer is yes, but not the kind you need. And that’s why dongles are suddenly in the news and why leading accessory makers (Belkin and others) are raking in plenty of extra dollars selling dongles. Today, and probably for the foreseeable future, dongles refer to the device that plugs into an iMac or PC’s new USB-C ports — that is, if they have one. What are USB-C ports and why are they causing such a stir? We’ll get to that. There are two major benefits to using a dongle: getting devices to work with USB-C ports and streamlining your device use. Compatibility with USB-C Ports When you plug-in a mouse or keyboard, it almost always uses a USB port. USB is the universal connector that’s been around for decades. (It’s the one you typically have to first plug in upside down, then flip over.) The USB-C connection is newer and better, and not just because you can never plug it in wrong (it’s reversible!). The USB-C connector delivers a much faster data transmission. Over the next few years, the USB-C jack will likely replace all others. But all of us have the standard USB connectors (and others) for our mice, keyboards, and cameras that we still use and need. And many device manufacturers haven’t switched to the USB-C plug, as it will take time for them to convert, if they ever do. Streamlined Device Use Apple has started to streamline some of its devices by eliminating a lot of the “extra” jacks and ports on a few devices. Their latest models come with two or three Thunderbolt ports, which are compatible with USB-C. Here’s why Apple, in their own words, took away all your port options and condensed it down to just a few: “As long as we were including a port for charging your MacBook, we wanted to make sure it was the most advanced and versatile one available. The USB-C port puts just about everything you need in a port all in one place. This amazing port provides charging, speedy USB 3 data transfer, and video output in a reversible design that’s one-third the size of a USB 3 port, giving you the flexibility to easily connect your favorite devices.” They left out the part about needing USB dongles. (That’s not a word Apple would use anyway.) Lucky for you, Apple does sell the adapters you need in order to plug in an HDMI, USB and other connectors. It comes down to this: To make everything more streamlined and less complicated, companies are striving to reduce the number of holes/jacks on laptops, tablets and smartphones. The European Union (EU) got tired of consumers having to have all kinds of different chargers and adapters for their smartphones, so it outlawed them . Starting in 2024, all smartphones must use the USB-C port for their chargers — including Apple iPhones. It’s a good step in the right direction, but it probably won’t make dongles obsolete any time soon. A Wi-Fi dongle is a small modem that gives you access to 3G, 4G, or 5G data when you plug it into your device. It allows you to have internet access whenever you’re in a Wi-Fi-free zone. Wi-Fi dongles, also referred to as Wi-Fi sticks and USB network adapters, are also ideal for use in places where the Wi-Fi is less reliable or can’t be trusted (airports, coffee shops, or even on trains and in taxis). Many mobile phone providers offer dongles that are loaded with a data plan, so you purchase both the stick and the data when you buy one. It keeps a charge with your device’s battery, so as long as you’re using it you don’t have to worry about charging it up again. Most data plans that come with Wi-Fi dongles are also pay-as-you-go, making them good for a temporary mobile internet solution when you’re traveling or if you’ve just moved into a new home and don’t have Wi-Fi yet. Wi-Fi dongles can be ultra-convenient, but they do have a few disadvantages: A MiFI dongle is a wireless, battery-powered device that uses 3G, 4G, and 5G networks to make a mini broadband hotspot. One MiFi dongle can be shared by multiple users with multiple devices as long as they are within the limits of the dongle’s range. Most MiFi dongles have microSD cards that you can use to store data as well. Creating a portable Wi-Fi hotspot with a MiFi dongle has several advantages: MiFi dongles are pretty easy to use, but they do come with a few downsides to bear in mind: A Bluetooth dongle, also known as a Bluetooth adapter, is a small device that transmits and receives Bluetooth signals. It usually plugs into a USB port on your device and powers things like wireless keyboards, mice, or headphones. They’re useful if your computer doesn’t already have Bluetooth capabilities but you still want a wireless mouse or keyboard. Connecting your devices and computer accessories with Bluetooth can have several advantages: Generally, it’s better to use the built-in Bluetooth connection on your device — if you have it — rather than a dongle because there are a few disadvantages: A USB dongle is any sort of small device that fits into a USB port. Since USB has become the universal standard for connecting devices, a USB dongle can have a wide range of functions. One of the most common is as a storage device, but it can also serve several other purposes: When you talk about dongles, you’re almost always referring to a USB dongle, as it’s the most common type of port on computers, laptops, and other devices. You can buy a dongle just about anywhere that sells tech equipment. If you’re looking for a USB dongle that simply stores data, you can even get them at most grocery stores, too. If you want to purchase a specific type of dongle, like a MiFi dongle or Wi-Fi dongle, then you’ll have to narrow your search as only certain providers manufacture these devices. Also keep in mind that hackers and cybercriminals take advantage of the universality of USB dongles and ports. What does that mean? It means never insert an unknown USB dongle into your device — ever . It could be loaded with a virus or ransomware that installs on your device as soon as you plug it in. Be wary of gadgets you order online that recharge via USB cable as well. If you need to charge something like this, get a USB adapter that plugs into a power outlet to charge it, don’t charge it with your computer or laptop. As long as computer companies seek to streamline their devices and other tech companies develop new accessories, dongles will remain vital parts of our lives. The more gadgets and devices you have, the more likely you are to need adapters and dongles to keep them working. One piece of advice tech advisors offer: Treasure your dongle . Translation? Don’t lose them (they’re small and easy to misplace), and they’re often not cheap.