What is it - OTG phone: how far you can extend the functionality of the gadget

OTG function on the phone - what it is and how it works

Many do not know what it is - OTG phone, and suggest that it is just such a cable. But it is a bit wrong. OTG - it extends the specification for USB-devices, which includes a number of protocols and rules that must have compatible gadgets and cables. It stands as an abbreviation for On-The-Go, which can be translated as "on the go".

The basis is the ability to connect to mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets and other devices via the USB OTG-adapter. What does it mean? The fact that the original mobile gadgets USB protocol allows the smartphone to be either an external drive or a device with a battery needs to be charged. Ie, tablet or smartphone always acts as a secondary device when connected via USB. OTG has changed this approach, enabling mobile gadgets becomes USB-host itself, which is the main, that is, it will have to connect peripheral devices. Of course, this gadget itself has to support, that is able to work in this mode, and connect to peripherals via a special adapter. The fact that it is - Supports USB Host OTG, and which have this gadget, we'll continue.

Which smartphones support technology

For some reason, although the technology has been developed for a long time, very few devices support it. And as such OTG mode, gadgets, in fact, no, it only shows that support either exists or it does not. Even more strange is the fact that it is not always a function of the device is indicated in the specifications, although in the hardware has the ability to connect. In general, all the gadgets can be divided into three groups:

• support. Those devices, which clearly stated, though not always, too, that there is a OTG or USB-host;
• the ability to support is, however, a staff software connection is not feasible. That is, you need to install custom firmware or custom applications;
• Not supported.

Here is a short list of smartphones new products, which have the support OTG:

• Vivo S8, 6, Y81;
• BQ 5512 Strike Forward;
• Oukitel K7;
• Doogee BL9000;
• Xiaomi Mi6X, Redmi 5;
• Alcatel 3L 5034D;
• LG Q Stylus +;
• Nokia 6.1;
• Asus ZenFone 3 Max;
• ZTE Blade V9;
• Samsung Galaxy S9 +;
• Huawei P smart, Honor 9 Lite.

What to do if your phone does not support OTG? Unfortunately, nothing do not work if the hardware is not provided by the manufacturer. Alternatively, you can use wireless interfaces for connecting other devices.

How do I know whether a particular phone supports OTG

First of all you need to become familiar with the specification of the smartphone. This can be done either on the manufacturer's website or in the user's manual. However, there it may not be indicated. As such functions include OTG on Android not connected peripherals either defined or not.

You can also install special software to determine, on Android, which are abundant there in Google Play. Well, the most reliable way - check the gadget in place with the cable OTG, which can be bought almost anywhere and any peripheral device.

OTG cable - what it is and how to connect to the phone

USB OTG cable, which can now be easily bought anywhere, is an adapter which at one end has a microUSB connector for your smartphone and the other an ordinary USB - periphery. Those that to the periphery, are a type of "mother". By the way, it may not only be in the standard form factor of USB Type A. There is a type B, as well as micro and mini versions. By the way, more to learn in detail about what it is - OTG, cable specifications, and devices can be on the official website USB.

What devices and how to connect to the phone

All peripherals having USB-port, in theory, can be connected to the smartphone. It may be a mouse, keyboard, flash drive, external HDs, joysticks, Modems, cameras and more.

Hard drive and flash drive

Despite the fact that in many gadgets USB flash drive can be read from a special slot for the same procedure via a USB OTG requires. And if the flash drives virtually no problems, it is not so simple with hard disks. The disk may not have enough power and will have to use a cable with external power supply, which is also commercially available.

According to the investigations of a number of authoritative journals in the premium smartphone easy to connect hard drives not only USB, but the 2.5-inch format without additional power supply, up to 1 TB. In general, OTG can be used for storage, but it does not mean that all hard drives support this format. More often still require additional power output.

Mouse and keyboard

These two peripheral devices are more relevant for tablets with larger diagonals, which inconvenient to work with one hand typing text. However, to connect their smartphones, too, can.

Connect via OTG mouse and keyboard can be individually via cable or together, but it will have to implement in the USB-hub scheme. In general, this technology has serious competitors in this regard - a wireless keyboard and mouse that connect via Bluetooth and have their own power supplies. Maybe that's why OTG technology is not so popular?

Game joystick and a printer

Joystick - a necessary solution for both a tablet and a smartphone. It is not always convenient to play the game basic set, which, in essence, is a software button on the screen. External joystick is especially important when using different emulators consoles on devices - Dandy, Sega and others.

The printer also can be connected as a whole in the same way as a PC. It is natural that it should have its own power supply. In addition, you may need special software installed on the phone by the manufacturer.

3G and 4G modem and camera

Despite the built-in support for these standards, almost all more or less modern smartphones, it may be necessary to connect an external modem. It can be an alternative solution for tablets, in which there is no slot for a SIM card. True, this will have to download and install specialized software.

How to make your own hands OTG cable

You can build a simple cable for home use out of old gadgets and adapters.

What are the materials and tools needed for the job

We will need any microUSB connector type "Dad", the USB Type A "Mama" and a soldering iron. MicroUSB you can take the old battery or the cable from the smartphone. USB «Mother» from USB-extension. A soldering iron can be replaced with the glue gun.

Step by step instructions on making OTG cable for your phone

The first thing to do - cut off the USB-extension cable to the desired size. MicroUSB connector will have to be disassembled to get access to the terminals.

Then it is necessary to solder the wires from the USB-extension as follows:

there is a simple arrangement of cable contacts, and on the bottom on the upper part of the circuit - OTG. The only difference is that the two contact microUSB GND Sense and should be closed to each other, then the device will recognize the cable. After soldering or gluing the plug should look like this:

Usually the USB cable is positioned so the color: red - 5 + B, Black - GND, white - data "-" green - data "+".

In fact, everything. In addition, newly-OTG-cable to your smartphone, you can securely attach the top tape and it's ready to use. If you know of interesting ways to manufacture OTG-cable, you can offer your solutions in the comments.