A method, a set-top box, and non-transitory computer readable medium are disclosed for detecting incompatible cables for devices. The method includes: setting, on an electronic device, a high speed data-transfer mode; sending, from the electronic device, data to a device at the high speed data-transfer mode over a cable under test; determining, on the electronic device, a number of authentication attempts by the device; and determining, by the electronic device, that the number of authentication attempts by the device is less a predetermined number that the cable under test is compatible with the high speed data-transfer mode.