What Is USB OTG? Here are 7 Ways To Use It

by Dani Levine | May 22nd, 2023

USB OTG (On-The-Go) is a versatile feature that allows devices to act as both hosts and a peripheral. This enables them to send and receive data via a USB port. Initially developed for mobile devices, USB OTG has become increasingly popular due to its ability to expand the functionality of various devices. We will explore USB OTG and delve into seven different ways to use it.

What You'll Need To Use USB OTG

USB OTG is a standard that allows smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices to connect and interact with USB peripherals. Traditional USB connections involve a host device computer and a peripheral device, such as a USB-C drive. USB OTG, on the other hand, allows devices to switch roles and function as either the host or the peripheral.

Expand Device Functionality with USB OTG: Connect and Interact

It typically has a micro USB or USB-C connector on one end and a standard USB connector on the other. This acts as an adapter and enables your device to connect to various USB peripherals. Now that we know what USB OTG is, let's explore seven different ways to use it.

Use 1: Connect USB Drives and SD Cards

One of the most common uses of USB OTG is to connect flash drives or SD cards to your mobile device. This allows you to transfer photos, videos, and documents directly between your device and the USB drive or SD card without needing a computer as an intermediary. This can be especially useful when you need to transfer large files quickly or when you want to access files from a USB drive or SD card on your mobile device.

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Use 2: Connect External Hard Drives

Effortless Data Transfer with an External Hard Drive

USB OTG also allows you to connect external hard drives to your mobile device, giving you the ability to access and transfer large amounts of data on the go. This can be handy when you need to back up important files from your mobile device or when you want to carry a large amount of multimedia content, such as movies or music, with you.

Use 3: Use USB Keyboards and Mice

Another useful application of USB OTG is the ability to connect a USB keyboard or mouse to your mobile device. This can be particularly helpful when you need to type a lot of text, such as when writing emails or working on documents, and you find the on-screen keyboard on your device cumbersome. Connecting a USB keyboard and mouse allows you to work more efficiently and comfortably, just like you would on a computer.

Use 4: Connect Game Controllers

Gamers can also benefit from USB OTG by connecting game controllers to their mobile devices. Many game controllers designed for consoles or PCs come with USB connectors, and with USB OTG, you can use them to play games on your mobile device. This can provide a more immersive gaming experience, especially for games that are optimized for game controllers.

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Use 5: Connect MIDI Devices

Musicians and music producers can use this to connect MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) devices to their mobile devices. This lets you use your mobile device as a digital audio workstation (DAW) and control MIDI devices directly from your mobile device. Those devices could be keyboards, synthesizers, and drum machines, and more. This can be particularly useful for on-the-go music production or live performances.

Use 6: Print Documents

USB OTG can also be used to print documents directly from your mobile device. By connecting a USB printer to your device, you can print documents, photos, and other files without needing to transfer them to a computer first. This can be convenient when you need to print something quickly, such as a boarding pass or an important document.

Use 7: Connect Cameras

USB OTG also allows you to connect digital cameras to your mobile device. This can benefit professional photographers or hobbyists who want to transfer photos directly from their cameras to their mobile devices. You can connect your camera to your mobile device and share high-resolution images without a computer or separate card reader. This will save you the time and hassle of carrying around extra objects.

Final Thoughts

From transferring files and connecting external storage devices to connecting game controllers, USB On-The-Go offers numerous ways to expand the functionality of your mobile device. If you want to enhance your mobile device's capabilities, USB OTG can be a valuable tool to explore.