9 Cool Ways To Use USB OTG On Android

9 Cool Ways to Use USB OTG on Android 

USB drives are convenient, but not for phones. Unless you own an Android phone and understand USB OTG.

It allows a device to read data from a USB device without a PC. It basically becomes a USB host, which not every device can do. An OTG cable or connector is required.

This allows you to connect a USB flash drive to your phone or use a game controller with an Android device.

USB OTG isn't unique to Android. Due to its popularity, we'll concentrate on using it with Android.

Verify Android USB OTG Support

To find out if your phone or tablet supports USB OTG, check the box or the manufacturer's website. You'll see a logo like this or USB OTG in the specs.

Use a USB OTG checker app. There are many such free apps on Google Play, but some are ad-filled. USB OTG Checker is a good app. Run it to see if your phone supports USB OTG.

Manufacturers must enable USB OTG on their Android devices. If you use USB OTG Checker and your phone isn't compatible, this won't work.

Samsung and other smartphones come with OTG built-in. Other manufacturers may require you to manually enable it under Additional Settings > OTG.

How to Use USB OTG

USB-C port on your Android device (see our guide to USB cables). But many USB devices need a full-size USB port. A converter/adapter can help.

Look for a micro-USB or USB-C male to full-size USB female adapter—-the male and female designations are critical. A popular Anker USB-C to USB adapter is available on Amazon.

You can also get flash drives with micro-USB and standard USB ports, like the Kingston Micro Duo. It's also cheaper than a regular USB drive, making it a good buy.

A world of possibilities opens up once your Android device supports USB OTG. Here are some popular uses.

1. Control Android With Keyboard and Mouse

Android's openness makes it simple to connect. A keyboard and mouse are required if you want to use your tablet as a laptop. Android is compatible with most wireless and wired keyboards and mice.

Because you only have one USB port, we recommend a wireless keyboard and mouse set with a unified receiver. I haven't seen a working USB OTG hub.

Invest in a universal plug-and-play wireless set that works on all platforms. However, avoid buying items that require additional software, such as some Logitech devices that require SetPoint.

A QWERTY keyboard is required to connect a USB keyboard to Android devices. Colemak and DVORAK layouts require a special keyboard app.

2. Play With Video Game Controllers

Microsoft's Xbox One controller is natively supported on Android P and up. It also works with Android devices via USB OTG. Playing with a controller is as easy as plugging it in. Sure, you need games that work with a controller.

If your Android device is rooted, you can connect PlayStation controllers. Connect a PS2 controller and your Android device becomes a retro gaming hub!

3. Print Directly From a Printer

A USB printer works well with Android devices, just like keyboards. These allow you to print without a wireless connection or transferring files to a PC.

Recently, Android dropped USB Mass Storage support. So, to print photos or documents, you'll need to use the PTP or MTP USB modes.

It's easier if your printer supports Wi-Fi. If not, it's time to upgrade to one of the best home and small office printers.

4. Record Audio to Phone

Aside from musical instruments, you can use OTG to record audio from a USB mic. USB microphones, like the useful CAD Audio 37, offer better recording capabilities than built-in or external mics connected via a 3.5mm audio jack.

Your Android phone has a basic voice recorder built-in. Apps like USB Audio Recorder Pro allow for stereo playback, custom sample rate and buffer size selection, and even recording format selection.

5. Control Your DSLR Camera

Photographers will adore it. You can use your Android device as a giant live screen for your DSLR camera, capturing, focusing, controlling shutter speed, and more.

You'll also need the DSLR Controller app and a Canon DSLR. It works with some Nikon and Sony cameras, but not all. The app costs $8, but it's well worth it for DSLR enthusiasts.

6. Connect and Play Music Instruments

With USB OTG, you can connect MIDI-compatible musical instruments like keyboards to your Android. With these two tools and a decent music app, you can make music on the go.

The Android phone can power some MIDI keyboards, but others may need an external power source. Check your keyboard's connection type and if it requires an adapter to work with your OTG adapter.

7. Directly Transfer Photos From DSLR to Android Phone

Using OTG, you can transfer photos from your camera to your Android without a laptop or SD card reader. A USB cable connecting your camera to the OTG adapter is required.

Connect your camera to your Android phone and start transferring photos. It's useful for editing photos on the go or sending uncompressed images via email.

8. Reverse Charge Your Phone

A QI-compatible smartphone can be charged by placing it on the glass back of a QI-compatible smartphone. Without this feature, you can use an OTG adapter to reverse charge your device.

To reverse-charge, connect the OTG cable to the power source phone. Then connect your phone to the OTG port with a USB cable. If your primary device runs out of juice and you don't have access to a power source, this should help.

9. Internet Connection via Ethernet Cable

A lesser-known OTG function allows you to connect your Android phone to the internet via Ethernet. This can help reduce ping during online gaming or get faster internet than your Wi-Fi.

This requires an OTG adapter as well as an Ethernet to USB adapter such as the QGeeM USB-C to Ethernet adapter.

Not all smartphones support Ethernet via OTG. Before trying this, make sure your phone supports it.