USB OTG Port; Different Ways Of Using It

USB OTG Port, what is it? A USB On The Go Port is basically a specification that allows Smartphones to do two things;-

1. Present itself as Mass Storage when connected to a computer. (Very common)
2. Act as a Host and therefore allow USB devices to be connected to it. (What you are reading about)

I’m sure you already know how to connect your smartphone to a computer and copy songs or videos to it. But it the second function that inspired this post because there are a lot of things you can do with your smartphone USB OTG port.

Click here to know if your phone supports OTG

To benefit from your USB OTG port on your smartphone, you first of all need an OTG enabled device or an OTG cable.

The best example of an OTG enabled device is Pad TV and its the first function on my list below.

What is an OTG USB Cable

An OTG cable is simply a short cable with a male micro USB port on one side a female (normal) USB port on the other side. To use it you insert the micro USB end on your smartphone and the other side you insert…………….

Its the next big accessory to land in Kenya and if you are a trader then its time to stock up. Things will be getting interesting as you read

OTG Functions

These are the awesome OTG functions that your smartphone can do if it’s OTG enabled.  If your Android device was released recently then be sure that it supports OTG function.  By now you already know of number 1

1. Watch Free Digital TV channels on your android device. Watch DVBT2 TV Channels On Your Android Device (No Data Required)
2. Charge another device (sambaza charge). Yes you can charge another smartphone, camera or Bluetooth speaker. In fact I used this method in my Tecno Bluetooth speaker video.
3. Read USB Flash Disk for watching movies and series.  You can also copy files from phone to USB drive and vice versa.
4. Read USB External Hard Disks. I tried a 1TB Transcend drive on the Tecno Boom J8  and it worked. But be careful not to format the HDD on the first initial setup. Have a back up if you will try an external HDD on your phone.
5. Connect a Mouse. Its interesting to see a mouse pointer pop out on your Android device.  It works with a wired as well as a  wireless mouse.
6. Connect a Keyboard. Again whether wireless or wired,  it will work.  OTG can change a tablet into a laptop simply by connecting a combo wireless mouse and keyboard.
7. Connect gaming pads for playing games.
8. Connect a DSLR camera. If you own a Digital SLR camera then with the right app you can connect it to your tablet or phone and use it as a preview screen as well as control the various functions.
9. Connect USB light and use it as a Torch.
10. Connect USB Fan to cool yourself in a hot environment. Check Kaymu.co.ke for that.
11. Connect an Ethernet cable and browse the internet even in Flight mode. But this works with a special adapter.

Th USB OTG cable goes for around Ksh150. Make sure you test it before you buy it because my first cable didn’t work, I had to buy another one. Some phones  come with the OTG cable already in the package like the Cubot Note S.

Enjoy OTG