What is USB OTG? 5 useful uses of USB OTG on smartphones

Smartphones today are improved and integrated with a USB OTG port. So what is USB OTG? 5 useful uses of USB OTG on smartphones. Read the article below to get the answer!

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What is USB OTG?

USB On-The-Go , abbreviated USB OTG or simply OTG is an improved form of USB port integrated device.

Most USB ports (including standard full-size USB, mini USB, and micro USB) on devices such as music players and phones are generally guest only. But recently, the USB port on smartphones has been improved to add the function of acting as a host device, it is called USB OTG.

USB OTG has been around for a long time, but it was not until recently that it was integrated into smartphones. The first period can be mentioned O2 XDA Flame, then Nokia products such as N8, C6-01, C7, Oro, E6, E7, X7, 603, 701 and 808 Pureview.

The Android 3.1 operating system and above already support USB OTG, but only high-end smartphones and some mid-range models support USB OTG.

How to know if a smartphone supports USB OTG?

The easiest way to check if your phone or tablet supports USB OTG is to look at the device’s box or manufacturer’s website. You may see a logo like the one above (part 1) or the USB OTG spec listed in the specs.

Another easy method is to use a USB OTG test app . There are many such free apps on Google Play Store, among which Easy OTG Checker is a reliable app for this. Download and run the app, and you will know if your phone supports USB OTG or not.

What do you need to use USB OTG?

Your Android device is usually equipped with a standard micro-USB or USB-C port . However, most USB devices require a compatible USB port. You can solve that with an adapter.

Look for a micro-USB or USB-C (depending on what your phone uses) that carries a full-size USB adapter. Many such adapters are now sold on online sites, you can refer to the popular Anker USB-C to USB adapter.

Or alternatively, you can choose to buy a flash drive with both standard micro-USB and USB ports, like the Kingston Micro Duo . This type of USB doesn’t cost much more than a regular USB drive.

The uses of USB OTG

1. Connect flash drive and external hard drive

Flash drives are inherently easy to connect, however some external hard drives may or may not work. Portable hard drives that draw power from the phone don’t always work, but external drives that have their own power source should work fine.

You will need these drives in FAT32 format, because NTFS doesn’t work properly with Android.

2. Play games with a video game controller

Android Pie and later operating generations support Xbox One controllers . But older Xbox 360 controllers also work with Android devices via USB OTG. Of course, you need to play games that are compatible with the controller.

If you have rooted your Android device, you can also connect a PlayStation controller . With this you can connect a PS2 controller and turn your Android device into a gaming hub.

3. Control Android with keyboard and mouse

Android works well with most wireless and wired keyboards and mice . It is recommended to set up a wireless keyboard and mouse with a unified receiver , since you only have one USB connection available.

It is recommended that you purchase a standard plug-and-play wireless kit that is compatible with all platforms. However, make sure you don’t buy devices that require bundled software, as some Logitech devices require SetPoint software .

4. Print directly from the printer

Like the keyboard, the printer has a standard plug and play USB that works well with Android devices. This connection allows you to start printing without requiring a wireless connection or having to transfer anything to your PC first.

Android generally supports mass USB storage mode. Therefore, if you want to print photos and documents, you will need to use PTP or MTP modes for your USB connection.

Printing directly from the printer via a smart phone connection is even easier if your printer supports wifi.

5. Control your DSLR camera

You can connect your Android device to your DSLR and turn it into a giant live display, complete with the ability to capture, focus, control shutter speed, and more.

You will need a DSLR control app on your Android device and ideally Canon Camera. This app works with some Nikon and Sony cameras and is officially supported.

It will cost you $8 for this app, but it’s quite useful for DSLR owners.

Above is an article explaining what is USB OTG? 5 useful uses of USB OTG on smartphones. Hopefully the article gives useful information for you to use this type of USB on your Android device more effectively!