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On many monitors, two USB ports are the downstream sockets of a built-in USB hub: connect accessories such as a keyboard or mouse there, then connect the monitor’s separate USB upstream port to your computer. The exact connector, speed, charging behavior and features depend on the monitor model.
What the two USB ports do
The two sockets are commonly downstream ports—the places where you plug in peripherals. The monitor’s USB hub then connects those devices to a computer through an upstream port, which may be labeled “upstream,” “host,” USB-B or USB-C. LG explains that its monitor hub requires a USB cable between the monitor and PC, and that port and cable types vary by model (LG support, July 9, 2025).
That upstream link is separate from the video connection. HDMI or DisplayPort can carry the picture without connecting the monitor’s USB hub to the computer. For hub data, connect a compatible USB upstream cable as well; ViewSonic’s VG3456C guide describes this setup for HDMI or DisplayPort video (ViewSonic VG3456C connection guide).
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- Identify the upstream port. Check the monitor’s rear-panel diagram or manual for a port labeled upstream, host, USB-B or USB-C. Do not mistake a downstream port for the computer connection.
- Connect the monitor to the computer. Use the cable type specified for that monitor and a compatible computer port. A cable that only carries charging power may not provide data.
- Connect an accessory to a downstream port. For example, plug in a keyboard, mouse receiver or webcam.
- Check detection. If the accessory does not work, try it directly on the computer, confirm the upstream cable is connected, and review the monitor’s USB and power-saving settings. ASUS lists the upstream connection, port roles and standby charging settings among the checks for USB issues (ASUS monitor USB troubleshooting).
Useful ways to use the ports
Connect a keyboard and mouse
Putting a keyboard or mouse receiver in the monitor’s hub can make it easier to reach the computer setup, especially when the computer is farther away. LG and ASUS list these as common uses for monitor USB ports (LG support; ASUS support).
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Attach a webcam or flash drive
A monitor hub may also provide a convenient connection for a webcam or flash drive; Dell lists both among typical accessories (Dell support). For storage devices, check the monitor manual for the USB data speed and any compatibility limits rather than assuming every port has the same capability.
Charge a phone—if the port supports it
Some monitor downstream ports can charge a phone, but available power and whether charging continues while the monitor is in standby vary by model and settings. LG describes phone charging as a possible use, while ASUS and Dell note model- or setting-dependent standby behavior (LG support; ASUS support; Dell support). Do not assume a monitor port offers fast charging.
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Share peripherals between computers with KVM
Some monitors include a KVM feature that routes a shared keyboard and mouse between connected computers. ASUS documents an Auto KVM setup in which USB upstream connections are associated with computer or video sources (ASUS Auto KVM support). Two downstream USB-A sockets alone do not mean a monitor has KVM; look for that feature in the model’s specifications and manual.
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Why the USB ports may not work
- The upstream cable is missing or disconnected. Downstream ports may have no working data connection to the computer until the monitor’s upstream port is linked. ASUS says the upstream connection enables the hub function in its troubleshooting guidance (ASUS support).
- The cable or port is the wrong type. Check the monitor manual for the required upstream connector and cable. Do not assume USB-A sockets on the monitor connect it to the computer; they are commonly downstream ports.
- The device is in the wrong port. If the monitor has multiple USB sockets, confirm the peripheral is plugged into a downstream port, not an upstream connection.
- The video cable is being mistaken for the USB link. HDMI and DisplayPort provide video but do not, by themselves, enable the monitor’s USB hub data path. Add the specified USB upstream cable when needed (ViewSonic VG3456C connection guide).
- Standby or power-saving settings are disabling USB. Depending on the monitor, settings may turn off USB signaling or charging when the display sleeps. Check the on-screen display (OSD) and manual; Dell specifically advises checking whether a downstream port supports standby charging (Dell support).
- A different computer or source is selected. On monitors with multiple upstream links or KVM, the selected video source or computer may determine where USB peripherals connect (ASUS Auto KVM support).
What to verify before choosing a monitor or cable
“Two USB ports” does not specify what they can do. Before buying a cable or relying on the hub for a particular task, check the exact monitor model’s manual for:
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- How many downstream ports it has, where they are, and which connector types they use.
- The upstream connector and the required cable; an upstream USB-B port and a USB-C port need different cable arrangements.
- USB data speed, especially if you plan to connect storage.
- Whether USB-C supports data only or also video and power delivery. ViewSonic describes data, audio, video and power over USB-C for the VG3456C specifically; that capability should not be assumed for other monitors or cables (ViewSonic VG3456C connection guide). ASUS also documents a monitor KVM setup in which a second upstream USB-C port is data-only (ASUS Auto KVM support).
- Charging output and whether charging remains available in standby.
- Whether the monitor has KVM and the number of host connections it supports.
The monitor manual is the deciding reference: connector shape alone does not establish data speed, video support, charging power or KVM capability.
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