How to turn it on OTG Xiaomi Redmi 9: from check to plug in flash drive

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but many users face the problem of connecting external drives through the phone. OTG-cable. Although it's supported hardware, it can be disabled by default or require additional settings. In this article, we'll discuss how to activate it correctly. OTG, What cables are suitable for Redmi 9, and what to do if the smartphone does not see the flash drive.

It's important to understand: OTG (On-The-Go allows the smartphone to act as a host for the USB-It's from flash drives to keyboards, but on Redmi 9. M2003J15SC, M2003J15SS) There are nuances: some firmware MIUI They block the function because of energy savings or safety, and we tested all of them on current versions. MIUI And we put together working solutions.

What is it? OTG Why do you need it on Redmi 9?

Technology USB OTG Turns your smartphone into a full-fledged USB-This means you can connect:

• 🔌 Flash drives (FAT32/exFAT/NTFS) file-transfer
• 🖱️ Mouse and keyboards (useful for working with documents)
• 🎮 Gamepads (such as Xbox or PlayStation)
• 📷 Cameras for direct transmission of photos
• 🔊 USB-sound cards (for musicians)

On Redmi 9. OTG works USB Type-C port, but there are limitations:

• ⚡ Maximum current consumption – 500 mA (not all hard drives will work without external power supply)
• 📥 Data transfer speed — USB 2.0 (up to 480 Mbps)
• 🔋 When used actively OTG battery charge is used for 15-20% faster

Related: Redmi 9 does not support OTG It's charging at the same time as the device you're connected, so if you plug in a flash drive, it won't charge from that same port. It's a hardware limitation that you can't get around.

Verification of support OTG on your Redmi 9

Before you buy a cable, make sure your smartphone supports it. OTG. There are three reliable ways to check:

1. Through settings MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → All the features in the section "USB" should be USB OTG: If it's not, it's disabled at the firmware level.
2. Using the app: Install USB OTG Checker from Google Play.The app will show not only support, but also the maximum current that the port can give off.
3. Physical check: Connect OTG-If you get a notification, you'll get a flash drive cable "USB-Device connected, it works. If not, read the problem-solving section.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 9 is purchased in China M2003J15SC firmware), OTG It can be disabled by the manufacturer, and it requires unlocking the bootloader and installing global firmware.

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

If the test shows support OTG, But the function is not working – follow this instruction:

Check the MIUI version (should be 12 or later)

Buy quality OTG-Cable with chip (not cheap fake)

Format the flash drive into FAT32 (If you plan to use it)

Charge your phone at least 30%

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Method 1: Enable via MIUI settings

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → USB.
2. Activate the switch "USB OTG" (if there is).
3. Connect. OTG-cable with the device, there's a notification coming up.

Method 2: Authorization through the developer (if OTG sightless)

If the switch is not in the settings:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the item "Configuration" USB by default and select File Transfer (MTP).
4. Reboot the phone and reconnect.

Method 3: Resetting settings USB (last resort)

If OTG He had previously worked, but he stopped:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset App Settings.
3. Confirm the reset and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) OTG It might not work because there's no driver, and then you can only go back to the official one. MIUI.

What are they? OTG-Cables and devices are compatible with Redmi 9

Not all cables and flash drives will work with the Redmi 9.

What won't work:

• ❌ 3.5" hard drives (require too much power)
• ❌ USB-hubs
• ❌ Devices with USB 3.0 (incompatible with protocol)
• ❌ Flu-drives NTFS on MIUI below version 12.5

💡

If your hard drive is not detected, try using a Y cable. OTG It's power bank powered by a power bank, and it solves the problem of power shortages for the drive.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even if OTG It's on, it can cause errors. Let's look at the typical cases:

Problem 1: The phone can't see the flash drive

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Lack of food → Use a Y-cable or low-power flash drive.
• 🖥️ Incompatible file system → Format the flash drive into FAT32 PC.
• 🔌 Bad contact. → Check the cable on another device.
• 📱 Failure MIUI → Restart your phone or reset your settings USB (see section above).

Problem 2: OTG It works but slowly copies files.

Data transfer speed on Redmi 9 is limited USB 2.0, but if the copying is too slow:

• 📁 Move files one by one, not folders.
• 🔄 Use the Mi File Manager (built-in) MIUI faster than the outsiders).
• 🚫 Close the background applications that you can use USB-port.

Problem 3: The phone gets overheated when used OTG

This is normal, but if the heating is critical:

• ❄️ Turn it off. OTG-device 20-30 minute.
• 🔋 Don't use it. OTG while charging the phone.
• 📴 Remove the cover for better cooling.

How to use it OTG Redmi 9: Practical Advice

Here are some life hacks for easy work:

1. Automatic mounting of the flash drive

To open the flash drive immediately when connecting:

1. Connect. OTG-flash-drive.
2. In the notice "USB-device" press "Open".
3. Select "Always" for the Mi File Manager app.

2. Connecting the keyboard and mouse

To work with documents or games:

• 🖱️ The mouse will work immediately after the connection (the cursor will appear on the screen).
• ⌨️ Keyboard requires configuration of layout: Settings → Additionally. → Language and input → Physical keyboard.

3.Use of OTG charger

Redmi 9 can give a charge to other gadgets (for example, headphones), but with reservations:

• 🔋 Maximum current - 500 mA (slow charging).
• ⚡ The battery of the phone should be charged at least 50 times%.
• ⚠️ The function is turned off when the charge level is below 15%.

💡

For a stable job. OTG Use original cables and avoid cheap adapters without a controller, which will eliminate 80% of the connection problems.

Alternative ways to connect external drives

If OTG It doesn’t work or you need additional features, consider these options:

1. Wireless file transfer

Use this:

• 📶 Mi Drop (built-in to the MIUI Wi-Fi Direct transmission).
• 🌐 FTP-server (applications such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
• ☁️ Cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).

External power adapters

For hard drives 3.5" or SSD:

• 🔌 USB-Hub with external power supply (e.g. Anker) 7-in-1).
• 💽 Special boxes for HDD feed-in.

3. Connection via computer

If you need to transfer large files:

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC via USB.
2. Select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
3. Copy the data to the phone, and then to the flash drive through OTG.

FAQ: Frequent questions on OTG on the Redmi 9