So I have a Samsung Note8 that came with a USB cable that I can plug into the Note8 and other end into my laptop and transfer photos and videos to my laptop with no problem.

I also bought an ELOOP 13000mah that cam with an exact same looking cable, but when I use this cable to try transfer photos from Note8 to the laptop, it does not work, it only show 'charging"

So it appears to exact same looking cables to not have the same functionality

Issue is this ... the cable that came with the Note8 has now gone wonky and no longer works to transfer or charge the Note8

So questions is this ... when buying a new cable how will I know if the cable will have the functionality to transfer from Note8 to laptop?

Is there some wording or info on packaging I should be looking for?

Thanks in advance

Lost LL

Yes, there are two kinds of Micro USB cables. They do look similar.

One for charging only or one for data and charging.

You'll often see the following terms used for a cable used to transfer data:

Data Cable

Data Sync Cable

Data Transfer Cable

5 pin Micro USB cable

Manufacturer can save money if the charging cable doesn't need the two Data wires.

So, as BB points out, look for the word 'Data' on the package. Though, I have yet to run into a charge-only usb cable.

Also, wires do break. I've thrown away many a usb cable, even a new one, because they needed to be twisted this way or that to work. Too much hassle.