Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, which, despite its modest price, supports many modern features. OTG (On-The-Go, which allows you to connect external devices to your phone via port USB Type-C, but what does that mean in practice? OTG How do you power another gadget, connect a hard drive or a game controller? In this article, we'll go through everything from basic principles to hidden features that are not written in the official instructions.
If youโve ever run into a shortage of memory on your smartphone or wanted to transfer files without a computer, OTG But not all Redmi 9 users know how to use this feature correctly, like why some flash drives don't work and others don't work, or how to get a smartphone to recognize a keyboard.
What is it? OTG Why do you need it in a smartphone?
OTG (USB On-The-Go is a standard that allows port devices to be used. USB Type-C or Micro-USB acts as a host (control device). Simply put, your Xiaomi Redmi 9 can "turn" into a mini-computer and connect to itself:
- ๐ Flash drives and external hard drives (for file transfer)
- ๐ฎ Gamepads and keyboards (for games or work)
- ๐ท Cameras (for direct transmission of photos)
- ๐ Other smartphones (for charging or sharing data)
- ๐จ๏ธ Printers (for printing documents without PC)
Main advantage OTG โ You don't need a computer to copy a flash drive to a phone or print a document. OTG-adapter (cost from 100 rubles) and compatible device, while Redmi 9 supports OTG "Out of the box โ no additional settings or root rights are required.
However, there are nuances: for example, not all external drives will work: the smartphone may not โseeโ the hard drive due to lack of power (especially if it is 3.5 format without a separate power supply). USB-Devices require special drivers that are not sewn into the firmware MIUI.
How to check if your Redmi 9 is supported OTG
All versions of Xiaomi Redmi 9 (including Redmi) 9A, 9C, 9T) supported OTG But to make sure that you're 100 percent, you can do the following:
- Connect. OTG-port-adapter USB-C phone.
- Insert any adapter in the adapter. USB-A flash drive (preferably formatted in a FAT32 exFAT).
- Open the File Manager app on your smartphone.
- Check the section USB-storage device.
If the flash drive shows up โ OTG If it doesn't, try it:
- ๐ Reboot your phone with a connected device.
- ๐ Use the other OTG-Adapter (not all cheap models work well).
- ๐ฑ Update firmware MIUI Up to the latest version (old versions had bugs with the OTG).
โ ๏ธ If your Redmi 9 is not recognized OTG-Even after all the manipulations, check the port. USB-C Often the problem is a contaminated connector or damaged contacts.
What devices can be connected to Redmi 9 OTG
The list of compatible devices is wider than it seems. Here's what will work:
| Type of device | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flash drives and SSD | SanDisk Ultra, Kingston DataTraveler, Samsung T7 | Format FAT32/exFAT mandatory. NTFS not supported without root. |
| Keyboards and mice | Logitech K380, Razer DeathAdder | It works without drivers. It might require an app for gaming mice. USB OTG Helper. |
| gamepads | Xbox One Controller, DualShock 4 | Supported natively in games with a controller (for example, Call of Duty Mobile). |
| Cameras. | Canon EOS, Sony Alpha | Regime required PTP (how USB-accumulator). |
| 3G/4G-modems | Huawei E3372, ZTE MF823 | Drivers are required (installed via HiLink or PdaNet). |
Hereโs what wonโt work without additional tricks:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ External graphics cards (even through Thunderbolt adapters).
- ๐ง Sound cards (require root or custom software).
- ๐จ๏ธ Older printers without Mopria Print Service support.
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If you connect a hard drive, use a Y-cable. OTG with additional food (from the second) USB-This will solve the problem of power shortage for 2.5" and 3.5" HDD.
Step-by-step instructions: how to use OTG Redmi 9
Letโs take a look at the most popular scenario โ connection. USB-You're gonna need flash drives:
- OTG-adapter (e.g, USB-C โ USB-A).
- USB-USB drive (up to 256 GB โ more Redmi 9 may not see).
โ๏ธ Connecting a flash drive through OTG
If the flash drive is not displayed:
- Check the format: format it in FAT32 computer.
- Reboot your phone with a flash drive connected.
- Try another file application (like Solid Explorer).
To connect the keyboard or mouse:
- Connect the device to OTG-adapter.
- Wait for the notification to appear "USB-plug-in".
- The keyboard will work in any text field, the mouse - as a pointer (with the right button).
โ ๏ธ Note: Some keyboards with backlit or extra keys may not be correctly identified, in which case the External Keyboard Helper app from Google Play will help.
Common problems with OTG and their decisions
Even if everything is connected correctly, there can be errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Device not defined | Faulty. OTG-adapter | Try another adapter (preferably the original Xiaomi). |
| The flash drive can't read. | Inappropriate File System (NTFS) | Format in FAT32 exFAT. |
| Hard drive won't start. | Lack of nutrition | Use a Y-cable with external power. |
| The keyboard prints the wrong symbols | Wrong layout | Install External Keyboard Helper and set up the layout. |
If the Redmi 9 doesnโt respond at all OTG-devices, check:
- ๐ Battery charge (at a level below 15% OTG may be off).
- ๐ฑ Version MIUI (There were bugs in the old firmware OTG).
- ๐ง Developer Settings: Enable Debugging by USB (Settings โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI โ 7 times to tap).
What to do if OTG It stopped working after the update. MIUI?
Hidden opportunities OTG Xiaomi Redmi 9
Few people know, but OTG Redmi 9 can be used for more than just file transfers:
- ๐ต Connection MIDI-Keyboards for music (through applications such as FL Studio Mobile).
- ๐ก Distribution of the Internet from 4G-modem (if the phone does not catch the network).
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Controlling the phone from the keyboard (comfortable for people with disabilities).
- ๐ง Firmware of other devices (for example, routers through TFTP).
For advanced users: with the help of OTG Termux applications can even connect to Linux servers SSH Or run Python scripts from an external drive:
pkg install python
wget https://example.com/script.py
python script.pyAnother life hack: if you have USB-The microphone can be connected to the Redmi 9 via the OTG And you can use it for streaming or YouTube, but you need to do that:
- Install the application USB Audio Player PRO.
- Turn on the sound settings USB-audio.
- Set up the microphone as an input device in the recording application.
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OTG Redmi 9 supports simultaneous connection of several devices through the hub. + mouse + flash drive at the same time (provided that sufficient food is supplied).
Safety: Risks of use OTG
Despite the convenience, OTG It can be a problem if you do not take precautions:
- ๐ฆ Viruses on flash drives: Connecting other people's drives, you risk infecting your phone. Always check files with antivirus (for example, Dr.Web or Kaspersky).
- โก Port Overheating: Long-term Use OTG with powerful devices (for example, HDD) may cause overheating USB-C port.
- ๐ Battery discharge: OTG-The devices consume the power of the phone. When used actively, the charge can fall on the phone. 20-30% hourly.
To minimize the risks:
- Use only verified OTG-Adapters (preferably with certification) USB-IF).
- Do not connect devices with unknown files (especially.exe or.apk).
- Watch the temperature of the phone: if the case becomes hot, turn off OTG-device.
โ ๏ธ Please note: Never connect to Redmi 9 via OTG higher-voltage 5V (For example, some external batteries or homemade gadgets, this can incapacitate the controller. USB-C.