How to Fix USB OTG Not Working on Android Devices

USB On-The-Go (OTG) is a popular feature on Android devices that enables users to connect external USB devices to their smartphones or tablets, including keyboards, mice, gamepads, and even storage devices. Thanks to this functionality, users can now modify their Android smartphones’ capabilities beyond what was previously possible.

Nevertheless, some Android users have encountered problems with USB OTG not functioning on their smartphones. If you’re one of the individuals who is experiencing this issue, don’t panic; there are numerous fixes that you can try. This article will guide you through some troubleshooting steps to help you resolve USB OTG issues on your Android device. So, let’s get going!

Reason Why USB OTG Not Working on Android Devices

Identifying the root cause of the issue is crucial in finding the right solution to fix the problem. There could be several reasons why USB OTG is not working on an Android device. Here are some common reasons why this issue might occur:

1. Unsupported Device: Not all Android devices support USB OTG. Your device might not be compatible with USB OTG, which means it does not support this feature.
2. Damaged USB Port: The USB cable or connector you are using might be damaged, broken, or not suitable for the device you are trying to connect.
3. Faulty USB OTG Cable: If the USB OTG cable you’re using has a flaw or is damaged, it may prevent a correct connection from being made between your device and the external USB device.
4. Outdated Software: Using USB OTG may not work properly if your software is outdated.
5. Insufficient Power Supply: Your Android device is unable to supply enough power for all USB devices. To power the USB device in certain circumstances, you might need to use an external power source.
6. Third-party Apps: Certain third-party apps that you have installed on your device might interfere with the USB OTG functionality.

Steps to Fix USB OTG Not Working Issue

If you’re facing issues with your Android device’s USB OTG functionality, there are several troubleshooting steps that you can take to try and resolve the problem. Here are ten possible solutions:

Fix 1: Checking USB OTG Compatibility

The first thing to look for, if USB OTG isn’t functioning properly on your Android device is whether or not your device is USB OTG compatible. This feature is not supported by all Android devices, and it’s conceivable that your smartphone lacks the essential hardware to support it.

To check if your device is compatible with USB OTG, follow these steps:

1. Check the technical specs of your device online or in the user guide to verify if USB OTG is listed as a supported feature.
2. Use the Google Play Store to download and set up the USB OTG checker app. With the help of this app, you can determine whether your smartphone is USB OTG compatible and get more details.
3. Try connecting your device to a USB OTG cable and a USB accessory, such as a mouse or flash drive. Your device is USB OTG compliant if it can be detected and you can access its files.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to solve the problem if your device doesn’t support USB OTG, regrettably. However, if your device is compatible and you’re still having problems, move on to the next potential solution.

Fix 2: Check USB Cables and Connectors

The next step is to check the USB cables and connectors you’re using if your device supports USB OTG, but you’re still experiencing problems. What you can do is:

1. Examine the USB cable you’re using to connect your Android device to the external device. Check to see whether the cable is not frayed, broken, or damaged. The cable should be replaced if there is any damage.
2. Verify your Android device’s USB port. Make sure that everything is spotless and free of damage or clutter. Use a gentle, dry cloth to clean it if it’s soiled.
3. The external device you’re attempting to connect to should have a USB port. Make that everything is spotless and free of damage or clutter. Use a gentle, dry cloth to clean any visible clutter.
4. Use a different USB cable or adapter to connect the external device to your Android device. Sometimes, cables or adapters can be faulty, so trying a different one can help you identify whether the problem is with the cable/adapter or your Android device.

Fix 3: Restart the Android Phone

If you’re still having issues with USB OTG after checking the compatibility and cables/connectors, the next step is to try restarting your Android device. Sometimes, a simple restart can fix software glitches or issues that may be preventing USB OTG from working properly. Here’s how to do it:

1. On your Android device, hold down the Power button and release it once you see the Power Off menu.
2. Depending on the options available on your device, tap Restart or Reboot. You may even need to slide to restart your device.
3. Once your device has rebooted, try using the USB OTG again.

Fix 4: Check for Software Update

If restarting your device didn’t work, the next step is to check if there’s an available software update for your Android device. Sometimes, USB OTG not working can be caused by software bugs or issues that have been fixed in the latest software update. Installing the latest software update may help resolve the issue.

1. On your Android device, go to Settings.
2. Tap System.
3. Now, tap on System Update or Software Update.
4. Tap Download and install if an update is available.
5. When the update is finished, try again using USB OTG, and the issue should be resolved.
6. If no updates are available or updating the software didn’t fix the issue, try the next fix.

Fix 5: Enabling USB Debugging in Developer Options

Enabling USB debugging in Developer Options can sometimes help resolve issues with USB OTG not working on Android devices. Here’s how to enable USB debugging:

1. Go to Settings on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on About phone or About device.
3. Look for the Build number and tap on it seven times. You should see a message saying that you’ve unlocked Developer Options.
4. Go back to Settings and tap on System > Developer options.
5. Scroll down and look for USB debugging. Toggle the switch to turn it on.
6. Connect your external device to your Android device using the USB OTG cable.
7. When prompted, allow USB debugging.
8. If enabling USB debugging didn’t resolve the issue, move on to the next fix.

Fix 6: Using Third-party OTG Apps

If none of the previous fixes worked, you could try using a third-party OTG app to see if it can help you connect your external device to your Android device. Here are the steps:

1. Go to the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Search for OTG checker or OTG connector apps.
3. Choose a reputable app and download it.
4. Use a USB OTG cable to connect your Android mobile to an external device.
5. Launch the downloaded app and adhere to the on-screen instructions to check if your external device is detected.

Remember that not all third-party OTG apps will function with your particular Android device, so you may need to check out a few to find one that does. Try the following solution if using a third-party app doesn’t work.

Fix 7: Trying a Different USB OTG Cable or Adapter

If USB OTG is still not functioning on your Android handset, then the USB OTG cable or adapter may be the source of the issue. Trying a different one is as simple as this:

1. From your Android handset, unplug the current USB OTG cable or adapter.
2. Alternate USB OTG cables or adapters may work better.
3. Connect your external device to your Android device using the new alternate cable or adapter.
4. See if your Android device recognizes your external device.

USB OTG cables or adapters can sometimes be faulty, so trying a different one may solve the issue. If trying a different cable or adapter didn’t work, try the next fix.

Fix 8: Testing with Other USB Devices

If none of the above-suggested fixes worked, you could try using the USB OTG cable to connect different USB devices to your Android device to determine whether the problem lies with the external device or with your Android device. Here’s how to go about it:

1. From your Android device, unplug the current external device.
2. Using the USB OTG cable, connect another USB device, such as a USB drive or a keyboard, to your Android device.
3. See if your Android device recognizes the new USB device.

The problem can be with your original external device if your Android device recognizes the new USB device. Your Android phone or tablet may be having trouble if it doesn’t recognize the new USB device.

Fix 9: Factory Reset (Optional)

If you’ve tried all the previous fixes and USB OTG is still not working on your Android device, a factory reset is an optional solution to try. Please be aware that performing a factory reset on your Android device may remove all of its data, so save any vital information before implementing this patch. To perform a factory reset, follow these steps:

1. Back up your important data to an external storage device or the cloud.
2. Go to Settings on your Android device.
3. Scroll down and tap on System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).
4. Tap on Reset phone or Reset device (depending on your device).
5. Enter your PIN, password, or pattern if prompted.
6. Tap on “Erase everything” to confirm the factory reset.
7. Wait for your device to reset and restart.
8. Set up your device as new and see if USB OTG is working.

Fix 10: Visit a Service Center

If none of the previous fixes worked, and USB OTG is still not working on your Android device, it may be time to visit a service center.

Look up the authorized service centers for your Android device’s manufacturer. If the issue is covered under warranty, the service center will repair or replace your Android device free of charge. If the issue is not covered under warranty, you may need to pay for the repairs.

Visiting a service center may be the last resort, but it’s often the most reliable way to fix your Android device.

Conclusion

So that’s how you fix USB OTG issues on your Android devices. If you’ve tried all of these fixes and the problem persists, it’s likely that there’s a hardware issue with your Android device, and visiting a service center may be the best course of action. Let us know in the comments section below if you have any further questions.