Compatible Android OTG Devices | Enginoor

Compatible Android OTG Devices

Android has a little known feature that provides built-in support for USB hardware devices.  Provided you have the right adapter, you can plug in a keyboard, mouse, gaming controller, or USB drive and it will just work.  This is due to a USB specification called USB On-The-Go (OTG) and it’s an amazing piece of functionality.

My Frankenstein tablet project generated a lot of interest for OTG with Android and I wanted to explore the idea further.  I couldn’t find an official  list of hardware that would work with Android via OTG beyond some details on the InputDevice class so I figured I should make my own list.

After rummaging through my box of computer hardware and with a little bit of testing I have generated the following list of USB devices compatible with Android.

Tests performed with a Nexus 9 and a Micro USB adapter.

Stay tuned, I’ll update this list with new devices! I would like to test more output devices including a USB monitor.

Overall it seems like most mass storage devices, cameras, and game controllers are compatible. I was surprised at the extent of native support and the prevalence of apps offering third party support.

Android has a ton of functionality when you consider the full list of both Bluetooth and USB devices.  Some of the tested USB devices have some questionable usability when there’s a Bluetooth alternative but I’m still amazed that there’s any USB support available.

I thought about my own historical use of my Nexus tablet and I do extend it with external devices quite frequently.  My top use cases are as follows:

1. Flash drive – I have a USB drive filled with movies and TV shows that makes the tablet perfect for travel.  Nothing like having a full 128 GB media library for long flights or hotel stays.  I highly recommend MX Player, it has better codec support than VLC.
2. Bluetooth mouse – I hate the mobile version of most websites but my fat fingers can’t click the tiny links when I request the desktop version.  Having a mouse input provides so much more precision when web browsing, it’s like night and day.  Perfect for web surfing while watching football or a movie.
3. N64 controller – 99% of my tablet gaming is through the Mega N64 emulator.  I’m still amazed at the performance, playing these games on a tablet really makes me feel like we’re living in the future.  Nothing like a quick round of Super Smash for some fun!