How to turn it on OTG Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide with compatibility check

Function OTG (On-The-Go on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones allows you to connect external devices – flash drives, keyboards, gamepads or even hard drives – directly through USB-Despite its apparent simplicity, many users face problems: the phone does not see the drive, gives an error "Device is not supported" or no option at all. OTG In this article, we will discuss all the ways of activation. OTG, Check the compatibility of your Redmi model and solve typical problems.

It is important to understand that support OTG It's not just software-based, but hardware-based, like Redmi's budget models. 9A or Redmi 10A may not support the connection of hard disks due to insufficient current in USB-port, while the flagship Redmi K50 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Before you buy an adapter or external drive, make sure that your smartphone is technically capable of working with the device. OTG.

What is it? OTG Why do you need it on Xiaomi Redmi?

Technology USB OTG (USB On-The-Go turns your smartphone into a full-fledged host device that can control the periphery:

• 📁 Reading/write files from flash drives and external HDD (feedingly).
• 🎮 Connecting gamepads (such as Xbox or DualShock) for gaming.
• ⌨️ Use of the USB-keyboards/mouse for work or presentations.
• 📷 Import photos from cameras or recorders without a computer.
• 🔊 Connecting external sound cards to improve audio.

At Xiaomi Redmi. OTG It works through a standard connector USB Type-C (newer models) or Micro-USB (older ones, such as Redmi) 4X). However, not all devices support out-of-the-box functionality, such as some budget models (Redmi). 8A, Redmi 9C) may require additional externally powered adapters to work with HDD.

Backward compatibility is also worth mentioning: if your Redmi supports OTG, You can connect it as a drive to another device (like a TV or laptop), but this will require you to turn on File Transfer mode (MTP) notice-curtain.

How to check if your Xiaomi Redmi feature supports OTG

Before trying to turn on OTG, Make sure your Redmi model supports this feature.There are several ways to check:

1. Official specs. Go to Xiaomi's website, find your model, and check out the Characteristics section. OTG or USB Host.
2. Annex USB OTG Checker. download it from Google Play — it will show if your smartphone supports the feature, and even test the connected device.
3. Visual inspection: There may be an icon on the box or in the documentation for a smartphone OTG lettering USB Host support.

If your model does not support OTG hardware (e.g. Redmi) 6A or Redmi 7A), There's no way you can adjust, so you can use wireless alternatives like Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, or buy an externally powered adapter.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi can’t see the connected device, it doesn’t always mean there’s no support. OTG. Perhaps the problem is a faulty cable, incompatible file system (NTFS not maintained without root or malnutrition (HDD requires 500 m. and more).

Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on OTG Xiaomi Redmi

If your model supports you OTG, You can activate the function in two ways: through system settings or by using the notification curtain.

Method 1: Through settings (for MIUI 12–14)

This method is suitable for most modern Redmi models based on the MIUI 12 and newer:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Connection and Sharing (or Additional) → OTG older versions).
3. Activate the switch. USB OTG (If there is no option, your model does not support the function).
4. Connect. OTG-adapter to the smartphone, and then - external device (flash drive, keyboard, etc.).

After connecting in the notification curtain, a message will appear USB-It's connected. Click on it to open the file manager and work with the data.

Method 2: Through the notification curtain (fast access)

On some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or Redmi) K40) option OTG Available directly in the Quick Settings Panel:

1. Swipe your finger down to open the notification curtain.
2. Scroll down and find the icon. OTG (may be called USB OTG or connection USB).
3. Click on it – the function is activated automatically.
4. Connect the adapter and external device.

If the badge OTG No curtain, it can be added manually:

1. Click on the pencil (Edit) in the upper right corner of the curtain.
2. Find it on the list. OTG and drag it to the active area.

Method 3: For older models (MIUI 10–11)

On smartphones with MIUI 10 or MIUI 11 (e.g. Redmi Note 7, Redmi 8) path to settings OTG differ:

1. Open the Settings. → Additionally.
2. Select Mode. USB or USB OTG.
3. Activate the function and connect the device.

If you don’t have an option, try updating your firmware through Settings. → The phone. → Update system: In some cases support OTG appears after the update.

⚠️ Note: On models with Micro-USB (e.g. Redmi 5, Redmi 6) use only high-quality adapters with support OTG Cheap Chinese adapters can burn down the port due to unstable stress.

What adapters and cables are needed for OTG Xiaomi Redmi

To connect external devices to Redmi will be necessary OTG-Adapter. It depends on the connector of your smartphone:

• 🔌 USB Type-C → USB-A (For the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi K50 newer).
• 🔌 Micro-USB → USB-A (for Redmi 7/8/9 old models).
• 🔌 USB Type-C → Lightning (if you need to connect iPhone accessories).
• 🔌 OTG externally powered (to be connected) HDD, require additional USB-charger).

We recommend buying adapters from proven brands: Anker, Baseus, UGREEN Xiaomi's original accessories, cheap no-name adapters that can not only fail, but also damage the port.

For connecting hard drives (HDD/SSD) need:

• Adapter with additional power (for example, UGREEN USB 3.0 OTG charger).
• Formatting the disk in FAT32 exFAT (NTFS not supported without root).
• The charge of the smartphone is not less than 50%, because HDD consumes.

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If OTG-The adapter doesn't work, so try plugging it in through an externally powered hub, which will solve the problem of power shortage. HDD or multiple devices simultaneously.

Typical problems with OTG Xiaomi Redmi and its solutions

Even if OTG It's enabled, users often encounter errors:

1.The phone does not see the flash drive or external drive

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Not enough power. Connect the charging or use an externally powered hub.
• 🗃️ Inappropriate file system. Format the flash drive into FAT32 exFAT.
• 🔌 Adapter problems. Try another one. OTG-Check the cable or check it on another device.
• 📱 Failure in MIUI. Reboot your smartphone or reset your settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings.

2. "Device not supported" error

This error occurs if:

• 🖥️ The connected device requires additional drivers (e.g., some gamepads).
• 🔌 The adapter is not compatible with your Redmi model (e.g., Type-C). OTG on a micro-USB smartphone).
• 📵 The external device consumes too much energy (e.g., the energy used by the external device, HDD feeding).

Solution: Check the device’s compatibility with Android on the manufacturer’s website or use an alternative adapter.

3. OTG It is unstable (switches off, slows down)

This is most often related to:

• 🔋 Low battery power, connect your smartphone to charge.
• 📉 Overheat. Let the device cool down or use it in a cool place.
• 🗑️ Filled with memory, free up space on the internal drive.

⚠️ Note: If you are connected OTG The smartphone starts to heat up or discharge in 10-15 minutes, immediately turn off the device! USB short-circuit.

How to connect external devices to Xiaomi Redmi via OTG

OTG It opens up a lot of possibilities for extending the functionality of Redmi.

1. Flash drives and external drives

To read the data from the drive:

1. Connect. OTG-smartphone adapter.
2. Insert the flash drive into the adapter (or plug in). HDD powered).
3. In the notification curtain, press USB-plug-in.
4. Select Open and the File Manager (Files or Explorer) will open.

For file recording:

1. Open the File Manager and go to the section USB-accumulator.
2. Click Add (badge «+») and select the files to copy.
3. Confirm the transfer.

2. Keyboards and mice

Connecting peripherals to work:

1. Activate. OTG customized.
2. Connect the keyboard or mouse through the adapter.
3. Wait for the notification to appear. USB-keyboard.

For gamepads (Xbox, DualShock, Flydigi):

• 🎮 Connect the gamepad through OTG.
• 📱 In most games (such as Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG) Gamepad support is included in the control settings.
• ⚙️ Use Octopus or Mantis Gamepad to customize buttons.

3. Cameras and recorders

To transfer the photo/video from the camera:

1. Connect the camera to Redmi via OTG (Use a USB-MiniHDMI or USB-Type-C cable, depending on the camera model).
2. Put the camera on mode. PC Connection or Mass Storage.
3. On your smartphone, select File Transfer (MTP) notice-curtain.
4. Open the File Manager and copy the files.

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To connect professional cameras (Canon, Sony, Nikon) may require special software, for example, DSLR Controller or qDslrDashboard. These apps let you control your camera directly from your smartphone.

Alternatives OTG: What to do if the function is not working

If your Redmi does not support your OTG or the function is unstable, consider alternative ways to connect external devices:

• 📶 Wi-Fi Direct: Transfer files between devices without internet (e.g. from camera to smartphone).
• 🔵 Bluetooth. Connect keyboards, mice or gamepads (for example, 8BitDo, SteelSeries).
• ☁️ Cloud services. Upload your flash drive files to Google Drive or Mi Cloud, and then download them to Redmi.
• 🔌 External powered adapters, UGREEN USB 3.0 Hub with an additional charging connector.
• 🖥️ Connect to a PC. Transfer files from a flash drive to a computer, and then sync them with Redmi via Mi PC Suite.

For gamers who need a gamepad, but OTG It's not working:

• 🎮 Bluetooth gamepads (e.g. Xbox Wireless Controller, Razer Kishi).
• 📱 Emulation of touch buttons through apps like Octopus.

If you need to connect an external drive, but OTG Not supported, use network storage (NAS) router USB-For example, Xiaomi Mi Router. 4A Gigabit allows you to connect a flash drive and distribute files over a local network.

FAQ: Frequent questions on OTG Xiaomi Redmi