Gemini is charging powerbank?!

[stfn]

I just bought a new USB C 3.1 cable.

I connected it to my Gemini and a iMuto X5TC powerbank. I immediately noticed there was no charging symbol on android. The screen on the powerbank was flashing, so activity is happening. After a few minutes the battery level from my powerbank changed from 88% to 89%.

So my Gemini is charging my powerbank instead of the other way around?

I connected my Gemini with my Linux desktop, it is not detected nor charging.

I connected my Wileyfox Swift with the powerbank, and it is charging.

Is this a problem with the powerbank, cable or Gemini? I think the Gemini. Any suggestions?

[gidds]

Which socket on the Gemini did you use?  They behave differently.

USB is directional.  I don't know all the details, but my rough impression is that the Gemini's left-hand socket acts as a ‘slave’, to connect to things chargers and computers; while the right-hand one acts as ‘master’ to connect to storage devices and screens.

So if you were connected to the RHS one, I'd try the LHS one.

[gemini_user_j]

As the other comment mentions, you should use the left usb port to charge your gemini.

If you already do that, I think the real question is, which port did you use on the power bank?

I have a battery from Anker, and I can charge either depending on which port I use on the battery pack.

let us know what you figure out.

[Beiriannydd]

The Gemini may have USB C ports, but the chipset it uses predates Power Delivery so it cannot charge from a USB C port which provides PowerDelivery (most of them).

I do wish that Gemini could produce a dongle which converts the signaling used by Gemini (Mediatek PumpExpress+ 1.0)  to PowerDelivery.  It would also be great if that dongle could continue to deliver 5V power to connected USB devices so that you could charge and use the device at the same time.  This would be a great upgrade for their multiport adapter which currently cannot be plugged in during charging.

Until that point, you'll have to use a USB Full/High speed A port and a USB A to C cable to charge and unless you have a charger which offers PumpExpress+ 1.0 signalling (most do the competing QuickCharge 2.0/3.0 standard) then the best you will get is a slow charge.

[stfn]

I'm aware that the Gemini can only be charged from the left side.

The only thing left for me is to buy a decent USB A to C cable.