In this guide
Micro HDMI (Type D) is the smallest HDMI connector at 6.4 mm × 2.8 mm, carrying the same uncompressed HD video and audio as a full-size HDMI cable — just in a much tinier package designed for action cameras, older smartphones, and compact tablets.
- Your device has a Micro HDMI (Type D) port
- You use a cable or adapter that matches the HDMI version you need
- The connector seats fully without bending the fragile pins
- You plug a Mini HDMI or standard HDMI cable into a Micro HDMI port
- You need power delivery — Micro HDMI carries no power
- The port or pins are damaged from repeated plugging
What Micro HDMI Actually Is
Micro HDMI is the Type D connector defined in the official HDMI specification. It carries all 19 pins found on a standard full-size HDMI connector, just compressed into a port roughly the size of a Micro USB plug. That means it transmits uncompressed video, multi-channel audio, and control signals — no quality loss compared to full-size HDMI.
You’ll find it most often on GoPro action cameras, older Android smartphones, and compact field monitors where a standard HDMI port simply won’t fit.
Micro HDMI vs. Mini HDMI vs. Standard HDMI
| Type | Size | Common Devices | Works? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Type A) | 13.9 × 4.5 mm | TVs, monitors, laptops | Yes, most common |
| Mini (Type C) | 10.42 × 2.42 mm | DSLR cameras, older tablets | Yes, with correct cable |
| Micro (Type D) | 6.4 × 2.8 mm | Action cams, smartphones | Yes, with correct cable |
These connectors are not interchangeable. If your device has a Micro HDMI port, you need a Micro HDMI to Standard HDMI cable — or a dedicated adapter. Forcing the wrong connector can bend pins permanently.
Resolution and Version Support
Micro HDMI supports whatever HDMI version the device implements. Most devices using it support HDMI 1.4, which covers 1080p and 4K at 30 Hz. Later implementations can support higher refresh rates, but that depends entirely on the host device — not the connector shape itself.
Key Limitations to Know
- No power delivery: Unlike USB-C, Micro HDMI only carries audio and video signals. If you need a port that also charges your device, look into USB-C to HDMI options instead.
- Fragile build: The tiny pins inside a Micro HDMI port are easy to bend or break, especially with repeated use or angled cables.
- Declining availability: Most modern smartphones have moved to USB-C for video output. Micro HDMI cables and adapters are still available but less common in retail stores.
- Adapter chains add risk: Running Micro HDMI → adapter → full-size HDMI adds connection points where signal or physical issues can occur.
When You Might Still Need One
If you shoot with a GoPro Hero series or similar action camera and want to output footage to a monitor or capture card on set, a Micro HDMI to Standard HDMI cable is still the right tool. Just handle it carefully and keep a spare — the cables are inexpensive but easy to damage. If your newer device uses USB-C, check whether it supports video output over USB-C before buying a Micro HDMI cable you don’t need.
Bottom line: Micro HDMI delivers full HDMI signal quality in the smallest connector form factor, but it’s only useful if your device actually has a Type D port. Check your device specs before buying, handle the port gently, and consider whether a USB-C video solution might be a better long-term fit for your setup.