What is OTG in a smartphone: how to use it? Which devices support OTG cable.

Included with numerous smartphones or tablets based on Android you can find an accessory called an OTG cable, but many users cannot figure out what it is and how to use an OTG cable, as well as what additional features it gives your device. In fact, it can be extremely useful, especially if you want to use your device in combination with additional equipment. It is necessary to understand why this adapter is useful and how it can be used.

Purpose of the OTG adapter

So what is OTG cable USB is special cable(adapter), at one end of which there is a full-type USB port, and at the other - mini or micro USB. A full USB port is used to connect to peripheral devices, such as computer mouse, keyboard, flash drive and other devices. The second end is connected to a smartphone or tablet running Android OS. After connecting to all devices, a message appears on the display of the Android device stating that the peripheral equipment is ready for use (provided that you have connected everything correctly, and the tablet or smartphone supports working with the adapter at the software and hardware level). All devices connected to a mobile gadget receive power from it, except when they are connected directly to the electrical network.

If you have special devices, tools and skills, you can make an OTG cable with your own hands. The essence of this process is the closure of two last contacts, which are contained inside the connector.

What can you connect via OTG USB cable?

How to use OTG on a tablet or smartphone - there are quite a lot of possibilities for its operation, it is necessary to note the most common among them:

1. Connection hard drive or external storage (flash).
2. Connection peripheral devices like a mouse or keyboard.
3. Connection to mobile device printer.
4. Fast file transfer.
5. Demonstration of media files from a smartphone or tablet to big screen.

When you connect an external drive for storing data to the gadget, the message “Preparing a USB drive” appears on the device display. After the device is ready for use, you can view all the files stored on the drive or disk using the usual file manager. Remember to use the safe eject feature before disconnecting the drive. It provides an opportunity to avoid damage to files stored on the drive and other troubles (the same function is available on a desktop PC or laptop).

Using the mouse on an Android tablet is very simple: one click selects objects, two clicks launch programs and applications. A computer mouse greatly simplifies the control of a mobile gadget. If we talk about the keyboard, it provides the ability to quickly type text, thereby turning the tablet device into a kind of netbook. Thanks to the OTG cable, you don't need to search alternative ways connecting all this peripheral equipment. The same goes for webcams and other devices. Before connecting a printer to your device, be prepared for the fact that OTG USB cable technology is only available for the newest and most common equipment. In addition to the cable, you will need to download and install from Google Play special application, which will help you connect the printer and also simplify its operation. If all steps are completed correctly, you will be able to print photos or text documents straight from your phone.

To appreciate the fast file transfer using an adapter, imagine that you need to transfer data from a tablet to a flash drive (ordinary USB flash drive). The traditional method involves transferring files from the gadget to the computer, and then from the computer to a flash drive. Thanks to OTG, you can quickly transfer from Android directly to a flash drive, it only takes a few minutes.

Watching videos, films, photos is much more convenient and enjoyable on a big screen, for example, a TV. If you have a modern TV model at your disposal, then you can organize a demonstration of media files from a tablet or smartphone on the TV screen, and connecting an OTG cable will help you with this. To do this, just connect these two devices using a cable. The TV in this case will play the role of a projector.

Which devices support OTG cable?

It is believed that any equipment that is equipped with a USB port can work with an OTG cable, but in reality the situation is a little more complicated. The easiest way is to connect an ordinary flash drive with a capacity of up to 32 GB to your Android device. More difficult to use hard drive, which will receive power from the device because it lacks power. If the drive is powered from the mains, no problems will arise.

Also, difficulties do not arise when connecting the following devices:

• mice;
• keyboards;
• game joystick;
• steering wheel;
• cameras;
• computer speakers
• card reader.

Moreover, you can connect several peripheral devices to a smartphone or tablet at the same time, but to do this you will have to acquire a USB hub (splitter) equipped with several ports. The more equipment connected, the faster the battery drains.

Smartphones and tablets that support OTG, as a rule, belong to the mid-price segment or flagship devices. Many developers do not provide this feature to users to save on installing the appropriate software or to reduce battery consumption.

Conclusion

Now you know how to use a USB OTG cable, what it is intended for, and what difficulties may arise when trying to connect a particular device to your Android smartphone/tablet. This adapter can be a truly useful assistant in work, learning and entertainment. Even if OTG is not included in the package, but the gadget supports it, you can purchase a cable at any store.

For USB usage OTG, your Android device, of course, must support it. The easiest way to find out is to look at the instructions or go to the manufacturer's official website. For the lazy, there is another option: free application USB OTG Checker, which can be downloaded from Google Play.

Of course, we will also need a special cable. Some manufacturers include it in the kit, but not all. Fortunately, it is worth it and is sold on every corner. If you wish (and know how to use a soldering iron), you can even make an OTG cable yourself.

So, we checked the compatibility of the device and got hold of a cable. What can you do with all this stuff?

Adam Radosavljevic/shutterstock.com

Agree, this is the first thing that comes to mind for a person with an OTG cable and an Android smartphone. With ordinary flash drives everything is simple: they work without any problems, but with external hard drives, it’s always a lottery, especially with portable ones that are powered by a USB port. Large drives with their own power supply will work in 99% of cases.

The file system is another point that you need to pay attention to. FAT32 is always supported, while problems may arise with NTFS. To properly eject discs, the StickMount application is useful. However, it requires root access for it to work.

Christian Bertrand /shutterstock.com

This is the second most popular use case for OTG. Most of us have a game console at home or just a PC gamepad that we’re itching to connect to our Android smartphone or tablet.

Xbox 360 owners are luckier: their gamepads work out of the box, without any additional manipulations. PS3 controllers can only be connected to rooted devices. With PC joysticks, everything is individual, you need to try it. And, of course, don’t forget that it must also have support for gamepads, otherwise you won’t be able to play.

Nata-Lia/shutterstock.com

The openness of Android allows you to use the keyboard and mouse as controls. You can easily turn your tablet into a laptop and write articles on it or surf the Internet comfortably. Most keyboards and mice (both wired and wireless) work great with Android devices.

It is more convenient to use keyboard + mouse sets that have a common receiver. IN otherwise you'll have to look for a working USB hub to connect two devices at the same time, and this can be a real problem.

leungchopan/shutterstock.com

Like keyboards, printers are plug-and-play peripherals and work with Android devices right out of the box. You can print a document on any, even an old printer without a Wi-Fi module, without using a computer.

Depending on your printer model, you will have to switch the device to camera or storage mode to print photos. The PrintHand app should also help.

Elsa Hoffmann/shutterstock.com

An idea that seems absurd at first glance is quite justified for those who decided to save money and bought themselves a tablet without a cellular module. It’s not easy, but it’s possible: with superuser rights and a special utility, or rather a widget, the “whistle” can be made to work. Not the most trivial task, which, however, can be solved with due persistence and some experience.

pavelk/shutterstock.com

Gotta like this. With an Android device, you can control the camera using its screen as a viewfinder. This is especially true for phablets and tablets.

To add this functionality you need to download from Google Play app DSLR Controller. Ideally you need a Canon camera. Nikon and Sony are also supported, but not all models. Since the application is paid, we recommend that you check all the details regarding camera support on the developer’s official website.

Do you use OTG on your Android devices? If yes, then share your experience: tell us in the comments what exactly you connect to them and how well it all works.

USB drives are very convenient, aren't they? But you can't connect them to your phone. Unless, of course, you don't know what is USB OTG.

USB On-The-Go (OTG) technology is a standardized specification for USB connections that allows a device to read data over USB without the need for a desktop computer. In fact, the device turns into a “USB host”. But not all gadgets have this capability.

What applications can be found for this? The most diverse! We will look at them in more detail below. For example, if you want to connect a USB drive to your phone or an old Xbox 360 controller to your Android tablet, USB OTG will do it.

USB OTG is not exclusive Android feature, but most often used with this operating system, so we’ll stop there. Some printers already support this technology. Microsoft is going to integrate USB OTG into Windows Phone 10, but Apple remains silent for now. Another reason to buy a phone on Android based instead of an iPhone.

The simplest and reliable way check whether your phone or tablet supports USB OTG - inspect the box in which the device was packaged or go to the manufacturer’s website. You will see a logo like in the picture above, or you will find mention of USB OTG in the device specifications.

If you can't find this information, try searching for your device on GSMArena.com. Scroll down the list of features until you find the "USB" section. If the phrase “USB host” is there, then everything is fine.

Another method is to download USB utilities OTG Checker from Play store Store. This is a free application that will give you a quick answer whether it supports Android given function.

Not every device is suitable Android control USB OTG compatible. The manufacturer must enable support for this technology. This option is located in the core of the phone or tablet, which serves as an intermediary between the hardware, operating system and applications. If USB OTG Checker says you can't use USB OTG, it might be time to change yours. Android firmware to a third party that supports USB OTG for your device.

Your Android device is equipped with a standard micro-USB port. However, most USB devices A full USB port is required. How to solve this problem? Using a micro-USB-to-USB adapter, of course.

You need to find a cable with a micro-USB output and a large USB input. Let's hope that in the future, when the standard USB Type C will become widespread enough that it will be possible to ignore it. In the meantime, many such adapters can be found on Amazon, for example, the popular UGreen OTG Adapter.

In addition, flash drives with both micro USB and standard USB are now available for sale. USB port. For example, Kingston Micro Duo. Such flash drives are no more expensive than regular USB drives, so they will be a useful acquisition.

What can you do with via USB OTG

After preparing USB OTG for Android, a sea of ​​possibilities opens up before you. There's an entire thread on Reddit dedicated to ways to USB applications OTG. In this article we will list only the most popular of them.

Of course, external data storage is at the top of our list. Just plug them in and go. The easiest way to do this is with USB drives, while with external hard drives things are not so rosy. Portable drives powered by Android will not always work, but with external drives, equipped with their own power sources, you will not have any problems.

These drives must be formatted in file system FAT32, since NTFS does not always work perfectly. To quickly connect and disconnect flash drives, download the StickMount app from the Play Store.

If you still have any questions, check out Christian's full tutorial on the extension Android memory using flash drives.

The Xbox 360 controller works perfectly with Android devices via USB OTG. You just need to plug it in and start the game. Of course, this will require games that support controller controls, such as Asphalt 8: Airborne or Modern Combat 5. The latter is classified as a paid game, but that won't stop you from getting it without paying a penny.

if you have full access to your Android device, you can also connect a PlayStation 3 controller.

One Reddit user even suggested plugging in an old PS2 controller and turning his Android into a retro gaming console!

The openness of Android allows you to connect almost anything to this system. If you want to use your tablet as a laptop, you will definitely need a keyboard and mouse. Luckily, Android works great with most wired and wireless keyboards and mice.

I would recommend purchasing a set of wireless keyboard and mice with a single receiver, because you will only have one USB connection. I haven't encountered it yet USB hubs, capable of working via USB OTG. But make sure you buy standard equipment.

This means you should choose a standard wireless set that is compatible with all platforms. Don't buy things that require additional installation software, such as the Logitech T400, which requires the SetPoint utility.

As Erez notes, the system's standard layout is QWERTY. If you use other layouts, you will need special utility called External Keyboard Helper Pro (119.99 rubles).

Like keyboards, printers equipped with standard USB ports, work great with Android devices. So you don't have to transfer files to your computer or create wireless connection to start printing.

Oddly enough, the “Storage Devices” mode did not work for me, but things may be different for you. If you want to print photos and documents, switch your USB connection to PTP mode.

Control your DSLR camera

Photographers will love this feature. The Android device can be connected to a DSLR camera and turned into a giant screen capable of taking pictures, as well as the ability to adjust settings like speed, shake control, focus, and so on. This is one of the most creative uses for an Android tablet.

You'll need the DSLR Controller app and, ideally, a Canon camera. The utility also works with some Nikon and Sony cameras, but they are not officially supported. In addition, the utility costs a whopping 243 rubles, so read the instructions on the official website before purchasing it.

Does your phone support USB OTG?

Do you have a phone with USB support OTG? Tell us about your device model and how you used it USB capabilities OTG!

As you probably already know, the USB OTG or USB On-The-Go function or technology is one of the important inventions that expands the benefits of the old USB specification. This technology can be used by ourselves different ways. In this article, I will tell you 12 of the most interesting secrets on how to use the OTG function on Android.

USB On-the-Go (USB OTG) allows smartphones with a USB interface to act as a host for USB devices connected to it. This allows you to expand the functionality of any mobile gadget with OTG support. The most famous extension is two-way data exchange with an external drive such as a flash drive or portable HDD. Someone will reasonably remember another application - connecting to a TV. But I will tell you about the cable in a separate article.

1. Charge another device from a smartphone that supports USB Host OTG

Everyone will appreciate this feature Android user. After all, it allows you to charge your smartphone from another smartphone with the OTG function, which plays the role of a USB host. Great technology, which allows you to charge your mobile device in emergency situations.

2. Connect a portable hard drive

You can connect a portable device to an OTG-enabled smartphone via a standard OTG cable. HDD or any other external storage. To do this, simply connect them together. It's extremely easy to access your external data storage and copy files to it.

3. Connect the game controller to your smartphone with OTG function

If you think that playing shooters on Android devices is boring and inconvenient, then connecting an external game controller can radically change the situation. Use an OTG cable to connect. Currently a large number of mobile games for Android supports external gamepads and anyone can connect them to a smartphone via OTG.

4. Connect the USB lamp

Tell me, would you like it if your phone could be replaced in an emergency? LED lamp? I think yes! Now it really is possible. The OTG function on Android allows you to connect to USB interface LED light via the same OTG cable. You can even use this backlight for photography at night if the energy of the built-in flash is not enough to illuminate the scene.

5. Connect the LAN cable

Or maybe you need to connect to broadband Internet directly, through network cable? Then buy a LAN to USB adapter and connect it to the OTG-enabled USB interface of your smartphone. If for some reason you cannot use wireless Internet access (no connection to WiFi or 3G network), this solution will save you. All you need is to buy a USB OTG port and an adapter for network Ethernet interface.

6. Transfer Contacts and Messages lists to another phone

Using Samsung's SmartSwitch app or similar software, you can transfer all messages, call logs and contact lists from your phone to another. To do this, just connect both devices using an OTG cable. In addition to convenience and high data transfer speed, this method will save battery power. I note that the device is possible only in one case - if both gadgets support OTG technology.

7. Attach a keyboard or mouse

You're not used to standard way interface navigation Android devices? You work very often WhatsApp messengers and Facebook? Then it will be more convenient for you to work with external device input such as a keyboard or mouse. And here the OTG function on Android will also come in handy. It will not be difficult for you to connect a mouse or keyboard to the USB interface. A standard OTG cable will do for this. Moreover, you can connect in this way and wireless devices input, just insert the radio module into the OTG port.

8. Connect an external webcam

If you are a fan of digital photography, then the ability to connect an external camera to the OTG port of your Android device will greatly please you. Now you don't need to connect the camera to desktop computer. Just take advantage of the built-in OTG feature.

9. Print documents directly from your Android phone

The PrintShare application will automatically download the necessary drivers to connect to the printer’s USB port. Next, simply connect via OTG cable and print the required document directly from your smartphone.

10. Is it hot? Connect USB fan

As you know, a USB fan works great when paired with a traditional charger. On the contrary, you may have observed that laptop cooling pads are often connected to the USB port of the device to power the fans. For Android devices this is also possible - just connect the USB fan via an O TG cable.

11. Create music on Android

Today, any musician will confirm that most modern musical instruments (synthesizers, guitars) can be connected to a computer via a MIDI interface. So, with the advent of the USB OTG standard, it became possible to connect them to your Android smartphone.

12. Record audio using an external microphone

This feature will be useful to many, especially Youtube video creators. Any smartphone with OTG support allows you to use external microphone for voice recording. Just connect the microphone to Android via a special OTG cable and increase the quality of the audio track significantly.

As you can see, there are many ways to use the OTG function on Android that will expand the capabilities of your mobile device. If I missed something, please write. Let's expand the list of interface applications with OTG together!

Modern smartphones cannot fully replace desktop computers because they are not capable of performing all the functions of a PC. For example, you cannot connect a mouse or flash drive to them, unless the gadget supports OTG in the phone. What kind of technology this is, why it is needed and how it works is described in this article.

What is this?

USB OTG (On-The-Go) technology is designed to connect peripheral devices to each other without using a computer as an intermediary. With its help, you can connect a flash drive, computer mouse, printer or other peripherals to your Android smartphone. A special OTG cable is used for this.

Important! When connecting peripherals via an OTG cable, it is powered by the smartphone, so its battery will drain faster.

Why is it necessary?

USB OTG technology is designed to expand the functions of a smartphone. With its help, you can move files from a mobile gadget to a flash drive without using a computer, enter text, or connect to the Internet.

Supported Models

Theoretically, OTG is supported by smartphones with Android version 2.3 and higher, but in practice this is not the case. Manufacturers, in order to save the gadget’s battery power and also reduce its cost, do not install software for the technology to operate. In most cases, this applies to devices in the entry-level price segment. Mid-range smartphones and tablets high level support OTG without any problems.

Important! Standard USB cable differs from OTG in the wiring. Therefore, it is not suitable for connection.

If this technology is important to you, before purchasing a new smartphone, ask a consultant about its availability or read the description of the gadget on the manufacturer’s website.

Usage

When connecting peripherals, a message appears on the smartphone screen stating that the device has recognized USB and is ready to work with it. There are several categories of external media with which a mobile gadget that supports OTG technology interacts.

Removable flash drive

The most common way to use OTG technology. Once connected, the contents of the flash drive are displayed on the screen of the Android device. The user can work with files without transferring them to a smartphone. But if necessary, they can be downloaded.

Good to know! If the gadget does not “see” the flash drive, try opening it third party application such as ES File Explorer.

Used for entering large texts. The smartphone recognizes entered characters and combinations Ctrl+A, Ctrl+X.

The technology supports wired and wireless mice. Once connected, a cursor appears on the smartphone screen that can be used to control the device.

Used to simultaneously connect several devices (mouse, keyboard, flash drive). But this mode affects the battery life of the device.

External hard drive

The main disadvantage of these devices is power via a USB cable. But it is unlikely that the power of an Android device will be enough for this. Therefore, for this configuration you need an external HDD with a separate power supply.

Gamepad

Not all smartphone models support this option. In addition, the game must be adapted to recognize the joystick.

The function is useful for users who work with photos and videos. For example, photographers. Using a card reader connected via OTG, you can quickly download the pictures you take to a tablet or smartphone and show it to the client.

DSLR camera

Connecting via an OTG cable allows you to use your smartphone as a camera shutter or for other purposes. To do this, additional software is installed on the device.

Ethernet connection

An OTG cable is used to connect a USB-to-Ethernet adapter if it is impossible to connect a mobile gadget to a Wi-Fi network, but you have access to a wired Internet.