1. What is USB OTG?
USB On-The-Go (OTG) is a connectivity type that allows smartphone and tablet devices to connect with peripherals such as mice, keyboards, USB flash drives, card readers, and even external hard drives, USB 3G, and gaming controllers (though specific devices like USB 3G or gaming controllers may require driver installation).
The USB standard requires one side to act as the host and the other as the guest to establish a connection. Traditionally, devices like smartphones and tablets played the role of the guest when connected to a computer via a USB port. However, now these devices can be the host and control connected devices through the USB port using an OTG cable. Therefore, choosing a tablet with OTG support brings great convenience to your usage.


2. Expand Memory Freely with USB Flash Drive and External Hard Drive
Flash drives are typically easy to connect, but some external hard drives may or may not function. Portable hard drives draw power from the phone, not always working, while external drives with their power source perform well.
With just one driver installation and an OTG cable, you can comfortably connect to external hard drives, USB drives, and card readers. This helps you expand storage capacity as much as you want:
- Connect to an external hard drive
- Connect to a USB flash drive as external memory
- Connect to a memory card slot
You will need these drives in FAT32 format, as NTFS does not work correctly with Android.




4. Connect with Gaming Controllers
Are you a gaming enthusiast who loves conquering action-packed games? With just a simple driver installation and an OTG cable connection, you can fully immerse yourself in the world of your favorite games.
Your tablet and newer operating systems support Xbox One controllers. However, even the older Xbox 360 controllers work with tablets through a USB OTG connection. Of course, you'll need to play games that are compatible with the controller.
If you've rooted your tablet device, you can also connect PlayStation controllers. With this, you can connect a PS2 controller and transform your tablet into a gaming hub.


5. Connect to the Internet via USB 3G
Typically, we connect to the internet via WiFi or wired LAN. But in cases where you urgently need internet and there's no network around, you can still use the internet by sharing it with your tablet.
If your tablet doesn't support 3G connectivity but supports OTG, rest assured that you can still go online anywhere without depending on WiFi signals. Just with an OTG cable and a simple USB 3G driver installation, you can start surfing the web, reading news, or using Facebook from virtually anywhere.
With just a few simple steps, your tablet becomes more convenient than ever. Business trips or vacations are no longer a worry when you go to places without WiFi.


6. Print Directly from the Tablet
Your tablet device typically comes equipped with a micro-USB or standard USB-C port. However, most USB devices require a compatible USB port. You can address that with an adapter.
Similar to a keyboard, printers with standard USB plugs work seamlessly with tablets. This connection allows you to start printing without the need for wireless connections or transferring anything to a PC first.
Tablets often support USB mass storage modes. So, if you want to print photos and documents, you'll need to use PTP or MTP modes for your USB connection. Printing directly from the tablet to the printer through a smartphone connection is even easier if your printer supports wifi.


7. Watch Movies, Access Data Directly on External Devices
Most USB ports (including standard-sized USB, mini USB, and micro USB) on devices like music players and phones typically operate as clients. However, recently, USB ports on tablets have been enhanced to function as USB OTG host devices.
With USB OTG, you can watch movies or access data directly from a USB drive or external hard drive.
It's incredibly convenient – just plug in your USB or external drive and start watching movies, listening to music, or accessing data without having to copy anything to the tablet. You can store a vast library of movies on your USB or portable hard drive and simply plug it in whenever you want to relax with vivid, captivating films.


8. Charge for Mobile Devices with Lower Battery Capacity
Charging a phone when it's running out of power is a top concern for many, not only because mobile phones are becoming indispensable to many but also because if not charged on time, even a high-end smartphone runs the risk of becoming a useless brick, unable to make calls, communicate, connect to information, or meet the entertainment needs of users...
However, nowadays, when your phone signals a low battery, and you can't open your laptop to charge via USB or find a power source for your phone, with just a USB OTG cable, you can turn your tablet into a power source and easily and quickly charge your phone. With its large battery capacity advantage, tablets can charge most types of phones on the market today.


9. Control Your DSLR Camera
Tired of the hassle of transferring photos from your camera to your phone via cable and computer? Or want to capture full-fledged group shots with your camera but unsure how? Don't worry, USB OTG allows you to connect, transfer files from your camera to your phone, and capture photos swiftly. You can connect your tablet to your DSLR camera and turn it into a giant live view monitor, complete with the ability to capture, focus, control shutter speed, and more.
You'll need a DSLR control app on your tablet, and the ideal one is the Canon Camera app. This app works with some Nikon and Sony cameras and is officially supported.
You'll have to pay $8 for this app, but it's quite handy for DSLR camera owners.


