How to turn it on OTG Xiaomi smartphones: a complete guide to solving problems

Function OTG (On-The-Go allows you to connect to the smartphone Xiaomi flash drives, keyboards, mice and even game controllers through the standard USB-Despite the apparent simplicity, many users face problems: the device does not recognize the drive, it emits an error "USB-The device is not supported" or does not respond at all to the connection. OTG on Redmi smartphones, POCO Mi, including hidden settings and solutions for legacy models.

It is important to understand that not all Xiaomi smartphones support OTG It's at the hardware level, even if it's in the firmware. 5A Redmi 6 may not have enough power to power external devices, and we will explain in detail how to check the compatibility of your model and what to do if you want to use the device. OTG Not working after the update MIUI.

The article is relevant for all versions MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS) and covers as modern flagships (Xiaomi) 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+), The same goes for old Android devices. 9-11. If you've tried to connect OTG-cable, but nothing happened - here you will find a solution.

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

Technology USB OTG (USB On-The-Go allows the smartphone to act as a host device, which is to control connected accessories, just like a computer does:

• 📁 Connect flash drives and external hard drives (up to 2 TB) to transfer files without a computer.
• 🎮 Use game controllers (such as Xbox or DualShock) for comfortable gaming.
• ⌨️ Working with keyboards and mice through USB-Adapter (comfortable for office tasks).
• 📷 Import photos from cameras or card readers directly to your phone.
• 🔊 Connect USB-microphones or sound cards for recording podcasts.

On smartphones Xiaomi function OTG It is implemented at the Android kernel level, but its operation depends on three key factors:

1. Hardware support – the chipset must be physically able to supply power to the chipset USB-port (e.g., Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 handles, and Helio handles) G35 — no).
2. Software activation - in firmware MIUI HyperOS must be unlocked with the appropriate option.
3. The quality of the cable is cheap. OTG-Adapters often do not provide a stable connection.

Interesting fact: on some models POCO (for example, POCO F5) OTG It works out of the box without any additional settings, while on Redmi. 10C You may need to manually turn on. We'll go through both scenarios next.

How to check if your Xiaomi supports you OTG

Before you try to turn on the feature, make sure your device supports it. Here are 4 reliable ways to check:

Official list of compatible models

Xiaomi does not publish a full list of devices with OTG, But the user experience can distinguish the following patterns:

2. Verification through the annex USB OTG Checker

Download the free app USB OTG Checker from Google Play:

1. Connect. OTG-cable (even without a flash drive).
2. Launch the app.
3. If you see a message, your device supports OTG" — function.

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If the app shows an error, try using an extra-powered cable (e.g., Y-shaped cable). OTG charger).

Manual check in settings

On some firmware MIUI option OTG It's hidden, to find her:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the option "Configuration" USB by default" if it exists, OTG maintained.

4.A flash drive test

The easiest way is to connect. OTG-flash-plate FAT32 (up to 32 GB) or exFAT (over 32 GB) if:

• 🟢 Notification has emerged "USB-The device is connected, everything works.
• 🟡 The flash drive is determined, but the files are not readable – a problem in the file system (you need to format in the file system). FAT32).
• ❌ No reaction — OTG disabled or not supported.

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If your Xiaomi is not supported OTG hardware, no firmware or configuration will help enable the function, in which case you only have to use wireless alternatives (Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth).

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

If the test shows that your device supports OTG, But the function doesn't work -- follow this instruction.

Method 1: Including through settings (for MIUI 12-14 hyperos)

On modern firmware, the option OTG It is usually activated by default, but it can be manually enabled:

1. Connect. OTG-cable to the smartphone (do not insert the flash drive yet!).
2. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → OTG.
3. Activate the switch "Enable OTG".
4. Now plug in the flash drive - a notification should appear.

Use the original OTG-Xiaomi|Check the battery charge (minimum) 30%)|Format the flash drive into FAT32/exFAT|Disable others USB-device-->

If the paragraph "OTG" No menu, try an alternative route:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Special Opportunities.
2. Find the "Physical buttons" or "Gestural control" section.
3. Turn on the option "USB OTG" (if there is).

Method 2: Activation through Developer Mode

On some models (Redmi Note 11, POCO M4 Pro) OTG hidden in the settings for developers:

1. Activate the developer mode (7 taps according to "Version" MIUI").
2. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option "Configuration" USB by default" and select "File Transfer" or "PTP".
4. Connect. OTG-cable – the device must be automatically determined.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If standard methods do not work, installing special utilities can help:

• 📱 OTG Assistant – automatically activates the function when connecting the device.
• 🔌 USB Host Diagnostics – Testing Compatibility and Offering Solutions.
• 📁 FX File Explorer – has built-in support OTG file-work.

Example of work with OTG Assistant:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Connect. OTG-flash-drive.
3. Launch it. OTG Assistant and press "Enable" OTG".
4. Approval of permission (if requested) ADB).

Method 4: Manually enable via ADB (for advanced users)

If OTG Disabled at the system level, it can be activated through ADB. This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked boot loader:

adb shell settings put global usb_otg_enabled 1


adb shell am broadcast -a android.hardware.usb.action.USB_STATE --es usb_state connected

After completing the commands, restart the smartphone and check the work OTG.

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After the connection OTG Your phone starts to run out quickly, and you use a Y-shaped cable with extra charging power, which will solve the problem of power shortage for external devices.

Common problems with OTG Xiaomi and their solutions

Even if OTG It's on, users often encounter errors.-5 problems and ways of eliminating them.

1. Device not detected (error "USB-device is not supported")

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Insufficient power – use an externally powered cable or connect charging.
• 📱 Incompatible file system – format the flash drive into FAT32 (for storage devices up to 32 GB or exFAT (for large volumes).
• 🔌 A damaged cable – try another one. OTG-Adapter (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 🔄 Conflict with other connected devices – disable all accessories (earphones, charging) and reboot your phone.

2. OTG It works, but the files are not readable.

The most common problem is:

• 📂 Access Rights – Give permission to an application (e.g., Explorer) to access the USB-devices in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
• 🔍 Hidden Files – Enable the Display of Hidden Files in the File Manager Settings.
• 🛠️ Damaged file system – connect the flash drive to your computer and perform error check (chkdsk in Windows).

3. the phone overheats or discharges quickly when used OTG

This is a common problem for budget models (Redmi). 9A, POCO C31). Decisions:

• ⚡ Use the Y-shaped. OTG-charging-wire.
• ❄️ Close all background applications before connecting.
• 🔋 Reduce the brightness of the screen and turn off 5G/Wi-Fi, if they don't need them.

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If you plug in a hard drive HDD (not SSD), It may not be determined by the lack of power, and only an external power source (powered hub) will help).

4. OTG It stopped working after the update. MIUI

Firmware updates sometimes reset settings OTG. What do you do:

1. Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset network settings.
2. Clear the system cache: Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.
3. Reverse the firmware to the previous version (if the problem appeared after the update).

5. specific devices (keyboard, controller) do not work

Not all. USB-Accessories are compatible with Xiaomi by default.Problems and solutions:

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If none of these methods worked, check if they are damaged. USB-The problem is often the mechanical wear of the connector (especially on older models).

OTG on older Xiaomi models (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1 etc.)

Android devices 7-9 (Like Redmi. 4X, Mi A1, Redmi Note 5) often have problems with OTG Because of the outdated drivers, here are the specific solutions for these models:

1. Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI

Even if the official updates stopped, you can install custom firmware based on Android 10+:

• 📲 Xiaomi.eu – Unofficial firmware with support OTG.
• 🔧 LineageOS – Pure Android with Corrected Drivers USB.

Installation instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP Recovery.
3. Sweep through custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu).

2.Use of OTG root-righted

On some older devices OTG It's locked at the core level:

1. Get root access through Magisk.
2. Install the module. USB Host Controller in Magisk Manager.
3. Reboot your phone and check it out. OTG.

3. Alternative ways of connecting

If OTG It doesn’t work, consider alternatives:

• 📶 Wi-Fi Direct – transferring files between devices without the Internet.
• 📤 FTP-server--- run FX File Explorer in Mode FTP And connect to the PC.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage – Upload files to Google Drive or Mi Cloud.

The best. OTG-Cables and accessories for Xiaomi

The quality of the cable directly affects the stability of the OTG. Here's the top.-5 checked-in accessories:

In choosing OTG-Pay attention to the cable:

• 🔌 Type of connector - for modern Xiaomi need USB-C, Redmi 4 - Micro-USB.
• ⚡ Power support – if you plan to connect HDD, take the externally powered cable.
• 📦 Length is optimal. 10-20 (cm) long cables lose stability).

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Cheap. OTG-cables (cost up to 200) ₽) They often don't have protection against surges, and they can cause damage. USB-port of the phone when connecting faulty devices.

Safety in use OTG Xiaomi

Connecting external devices through OTG It's risky. Follow these rules to avoid problems:

⚠️ Warning: Never connect unfamiliar flash drives or USB-They may contain malware that will automatically install when you mount the drive.

The main threats and methods of protection:

• 🦠 Viruses and malware – scan flash drives via Google Play Protect or Malwarebytes before opening files.
• ⚡ Overloading USB-Ports – Do not connect devices that consume >500 mA (for example, some of the HDD).
• 🔥 Overheating – if the phone case gets hot, turn it off immediately OTG and let the device cool down.
• 📵 Data loss – always remove the flash drive through “Safe Retrieval” in notifications.

How to safely extract OTG-device:

1. Open the notification panel.
2. Tap on the notification "USB-device".
3. Press "Disable" or "Extract."
4. Only then do you physically disconnect the cable.

⚠️ Attention: If you are connecting NTFS-It's a storage device, a smartphone can suggest formatting it. Don't agree, it'll delete all the data. Better reformat the flash drive to exFAT on your computer.

FAQ: Frequent questions about OTG Xiaomi