Using a smartphone in conjunction with a technical endoscope turns a regular gadget into a powerful diagnostic tool. Xiaomi device owners often wonder how to organize such a connection to avoid compatibility problems. Modern phones are equipped with USB-C ports that support video transmission, but require the correct configuration of the software.
The main challenge is not the physical connection, but the software support for the OTG (On-The-Go) protocol. Without activating this mode or in the absence of the necessary drivers, the phone simply will not see the external camera. In this article, we will discuss in detail the configuration process, the choice of the appropriate software and methods for solving common errors.
The right configuration allows not only displaying the image on the screen, but also recording videos, taking pictures and using additional backlighting functions, which is especially true for auto mechanics, plumbers and home craftsmen who appreciate the mobility and high resolution of the Mi and Redmi displays.
Verification of technical compatibility of the device
Before you buy an accessory, you need to make sure that your smartphone is physically able to transmit a video stream through the phone. USB-Not all models, even from Xiaomi, have full support for video.-OTG at the hardware level, although charging external devices can provide.
The key is that the processor and power controller have host mode support. Usually, the flagship and mid-budget models of recent years (starting with the Xiaomi Mi 9, Redmi Note 8 and later) are fully compatible with endoscopes.
- 📱 Check the specification of your model on the official website or in the About phone app.
- 🔌 Make sure the port is USB-C It is not contaminated or has no mechanical damage.
- ⚡ Note the Android version: most endoscopes require a version at least 6.0.
There is a simple way to initial check: try connecting the usual one. USB-plug-in OTG. If the file manager automatically opens the contents of the drive, then the host mode is active and the probability of successful connection of the endoscope is extremely high.
⚠️ Attention: Using substandard adapters may result in short circuit. OTG Has the correct contact sealing and certification.
Required OTG cables and adapters
The quality of the physical connection directly affects the stability of the video stream. Cheap cables often do not withstand voltage or have no shielding, which leads to interference in the image or complete absence of a signal.
You will need a USB OTG adapter to connect. Since most endoscopes have a USB-A connector (standard large), and Xiaomi smartphones have a USB-C port, you need an appropriate adapter. It is important to choose accessories that support data transfer, not just charging.
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When buying an OTG adapter, choose models with a short cable or a compact form factor to reduce the load on the socket of the smartphone when working in hard-to-reach places.
If your endoscope has a Micro-USB or Lightning connector, you will need an additional adapter, which increases the length of the chain and the risk of contact loss.It is best to use monolithic USB-C to USB-A cables or specialized endoscopes with a native USB-C connector.
Selection and installation of specialized software
The endoscope itself is a simple camera with no built-in memory and operating system. To process the video stream requires a special application that acts as a driver and control interface. USB-camera.
Google Play Market has a lot of apps, but not all of them work equally well with the chips used in endoscopes, and the most popular and stable programs are those that support AV To USB, UVC and AndroScope chipsets.
It is recommended to install one of the following annexes:
- 📷 USB Camera - a universal application with wide resolution and frame settings.
- 🔧 Depstech or AndroEndoscope – often come bundled with specific models, but work with analogues.
- 🎥 OTG View – a simple interface for basic diagnostics.
Once you install the app, be sure to give it all the permissions you want, especially access to the camera, microphone, and file system, and without those permissions, it won’t be able to run a video stream or save a record.
Step-by-step connection instruction
The process of connecting equipment to the phone requires a certain sequence of actions, and a disorder can lead to the fact that the device is not identified the first time.
☑️ The algorithm for connecting the endoscope
First, plug in the adapter. OTG to the charging port of the smartphone. USB-endoscope plug to the adapter port, at which point the system notification of the connection may appear on the screen. USB-Devices – can be ignored or allowed access, depending on the version MIUI.
Start a pre-installed application. In the main menu, select the USB Camera signal source or similar item. If the image does not appear, try pressing the update or source switch button in the program interface.
| Step. | Action. | Expected output |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | OTG connection | The light indicator on the adapter (if any) lights up |
| 2 | Launch of the application | The program interface is loaded without errors |
| 3 | Request for permits | A window is opened to allow access to USB-device?" |
| 4 | Image output | On the screen broadcasts video from the endoscope camera |
In some cases, you need to manually select the resolution of the video stream in the application settings. The best option to start with is 1280x720 at 30 frames per second, which provides a balance between quality and smoothness.
Set up image and recording parameters
Once the image is successfully displayed, you need to adjust the settings for comfortable operation. Standard settings may not be optimal for diagnosing specific nodes, requiring manual adjustments to exposure and white balance.
In the application interface, find the settings section (often indicated by a gear) where you can change the resolution to the maximum available, such as 1920x1080, if the phone's performance and cable quality allow. High resolution is important for dealing with small cracks or defects.
The Secret of Clear Image
Also worth paying attention to frame rate settings (FPS). 15-20 FPS is enough for static diagnosis, which will save battery power. To monitor moving mechanisms, it is better to set 30 FPS or higher to remove jerks.
⚠️ Note: Recording video in high resolution (4K full HD) Use a memory card or regularly clean the app cache.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting
Even if all instructions are followed, technical problems can occur, most often due to power shortages, software conflicts, or cable damage.
If the app says “No device found” or shows a black screen, try the following:
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone with an already connected endoscope.
- 🔌 Check the density of the attachment of contacts in the connector USB-C.
- 📱 Turn off debugging mode by USB In the developer settings, it can conflict with the video stream.
A common problem on the MIUI shell is aggressive energy saving, which can kill the video transfer process. Go to Settings → Apps → Your endoscope app → Battery and select No Limits mode.
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If the endoscope is working in jerks, reduce the resolution in the application to 640x480 – this often solves the problem of the lack of bandwidth of the USB bus.
If your phone overheats (which is normal for long-term video and charging), take a break, and check if the bright backlight on the end of the camera is turned on, which in a confined space can cause the endoscope camera to heat up.