How to enable OTG on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro: full instruction with compatibility check

The OTG (On-The-Go) feature on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro allows you to connect flash drives, keyboards, mice and even game controllers to your smartphone via a USB Type-C port. However, many users find that the device does not recognize the connected periphery - despite the support of the technology in the model specifications, the reason most often lies in disabled settings, outdated firmware or incompatible cable.

In this article you will find a step-by-step activation instruction. OTG, Checking the compatibility of accessories and solving typical errors (for example, when the smartphone does not see the flash drive or gives a notification «USB-We'll also look at which cables and adapters are suitable for the Redmi 9 Pro, and why it's cheap. OTG-The adapters may not work. OTG For file transfer or peripheral connection – read more.

What is OTG and why you need it on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro

USB On-The-Go (USB OTG) technology turns your smartphone into a host device capable of managing the connected peripherals. For Redmi 9 Pro, this means:

• 📁 Connection USB-flash drives and external hard drives (powered by a separate source) for transferring files without a computer.
• 🎮 Using game controllers (such as Xbox or DualShock) for comfortable gaming.
• ⌨️ Working with keyboards and mice – convenient for editing documents or remote work.
• 📷 Import photos from cameras or card readers (if they support the OTG-regime).

It is important to understand that Redmi 9 Pro supports OTG hardware, but the function can be software-disabled by default. Also, not all accessories are compatible: for example, NTFS hard drives require additional drivers, and some flash drives may not be recognized due to the exFAT file system.

Check OTG support on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro

Before you set up an OTG, make sure your Redmi 9 Pro physically supports this feature.

1. Model specifications: On the official Xiaomi website, the Redmi 9 Pro specs indicate that the device is equipped with a USB Type-C port with support for OTG. If you bought a smartphone informally (for example, on AliExpress), check the box or documentation.
2. Test cable: Connect the knowingly working OTG-Adapter (such as the original from Xiaomi) to the smartphone «USB-The device is connected – the function is working.
3. Analyzer App: Install the USB OTG Checker utility from Google Play. It will show if your device supports OTG at the hardware level.

If the app shows that OTG is not supported, there are two possible reasons:

• 🔧 Port port USB damaged (check for contaminants or mechanical defects).
• 📱 The firmware is modified (for example, a custom version is installed). MIUI, where OTG switched off at core level).

Step-by-step: how to turn on OTG on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro

If hardware support is confirmed but OTG is not working, follow this instruction:

1. Activation of OTG in MIUI settings

In most cases, the function is enabled by default, but sometimes manual activation is required:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → OTG.
2. Transfer the slider to the "On" position.
3. Confirm the action if there is a request for access to files.

Note: In some versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 12.5 and later), the OTG option may be in Settings → Additional → Developer Features. If it is not, move on to the next step.

Verification of the data transmission mode

The Redmi 9 Pro can be used by default. USB-Charging port only to allow data transmission:

1. Connect. OTG-smartphone adapter.
2. Swipe down the notification panel and tap on the Charge message via USB.
3. Select File Transfer (MTP) or USB-Modem (if you connect the keyboard/mouse).

3. Firmware update

If the OTG does not work even after activation, update the MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and install the latest version.
3. After the update, restart the device.

Table: Compatibility of devices with OTG on Redmi 9 Pro

Not all accessories will work with the Redmi 9 Pro via OTG. Below is the compatibility table of popular devices:

If you plug in an external hard drive, use it. USB-externally powered hub – otherwise Redmi 9 Pro may not have enough power to promote it.

Typical OTG errors on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro and their solutions

Even after setting up the OTG correctly, there can be failures.

1. «USB-device is not supported»

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Faulty cable: Try another one OTG-Adapter (preferably original).
• 📁 Incompatible file system: Format the flash drive into FAT32 computer.
• 🔋 Lack of power: Connect the externally powered hub for HDD.

2.The smartphone doesn't see the flash drive

If the flash drive is not displayed in the file manager:

1. Reconnect the adapter.
2. Check the flash drive on another device (computer).
3. Install the USB OTG Helper app from Google Play for forced mounting.

3. OTG is not operating stable (turns off)

This may be due to:

• 🔌 Bad contact: Clean up the port USB-C compressed.
• 📵 Energy Saving: Turn off Battery Mode → Energy conservation.
• 🔄 Application Conflict: Close background programs (especially file managers).

💡

If the OTG stopped working after the MIUI update, try resetting to factory settings (but back up the data first!).

Additional settings for experienced users

If standard methods don’t work, you can try manual activation of OTG via an engineering menu or ADB.

Method 1: Engineering menu (for advanced)

Attention! Incorrect actions in the engineering menu can lead to system failures.

1. Open the Phone app and type ##4636##.
2. Go to Phone Information → Test menu.
3. Select the USB OTG Test and follow the instructions.

Method 2: ADB teams

If you have access to ADB (for example, via a computer), do:

adb shell settings put global usb_otg_enabled 1

Then restart the smartphone.

💡

Use the engineering menu and ADB only if you are confident in your actions. Wrong commands can lead to a reset or lock the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about OTG on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro

💡

If the OTG doesn’t work after all the manipulations, check the integrity of the USB-C port – often the problem lies in mechanical damage to the contacts.