Database Users

Using USB OTG (No Rooting)

I have a Nexus 7 16G and right now I have attached a flash drive to the unit. From reading everything, it says I can use Es FileExplorer and get to /sdcard/usbStorage/sda1 - however, I cannot get to this folder. When I click on the /sdcard/ - I get clear history.
I tried using my Bluetooth keyboard to type, but that did not work.
Everything I have read speaking about rooting the device, which I do not want to do. How can I get to this folder?
I did get the Media Importer but that did not seem to work. I think it was because of too many connections. I found an article PSA: Amazon Has A USB OTG Cable For Less Than A Dollar With Free Shipping, So You Should Probably Buy It, which is a lot better that what I have.
But will the Nexus 7 support 64GB or 32GB? I called support and they said they did not know of a memory limitation.
Thank you!

Corey Bryant said:
I have a Nexus 7 16G and right now I have attached a flash drive to the unit. From reading everything, it says I can use Es FileExplorer and get to /sdcard/usbStorage/sda1 - however, I cannot get to this folder. When I click on the /sdcard/ - I get clear history.
I tried using my Bluetooth keyboard to type, but that did not work.
Everything I have read speaking about rooting the device, which I do not want to do. How can I get to this folder?
I did get the Media Importer but that did not seem to work. I think it was because of too many connections. I found an article PSA: Amazon Has A USB OTG Cable For Less Than A Dollar With Free Shipping, So You Should Probably Buy It, which is a lot better that what I have.
But will the Nexus 7 support 64GB or 32GB? I called support and they said they did not know of a memory limitation.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
N7 supports even hub (with external power source if you connect power-hungry devices)!
you can connect keyboards and mouses with no root but you have to root and install stickmount (from the play store) to manage external drives (hdd, flash drives, etc.). With stock kernel fat32 is supported as r/w, ntfs only read. You need to flash a custom kernel to get ntfs r/w support.
With no root, there's no way. Sorry.

Hm, I get different answers.
arkhan11 said:
N7 supports even hub (with external power source if you connect power-hungry devices)!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say hub, can you let me know exactly what you might mean? I think I know, but I would like to be sure. I would like to stop buying things and have them not work.

Example - I connected a non-powered, 4-port Belkin USB hub to the Nexus using the OTG cable. I plugged a thumb drive and a wireless mouse receiver into the hub and was able to simultaneously use both the mouse and the thumb drive (using Nexus Media Importer).
Dave
edit - I am not rooted.

OK, that is what I thought. So I do need that OTG cable and no need to root it.

Some say the OTG cables work with downloading media importer, others say you need to root to play large files.
I will know in a couple days.
Least I didn't waste money as Google play gave me 25 free bucks.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

reply
sorry, I didn't know about Nexus Media Importer.
Anyway the root access allow you to mount the drive as internal memory so you can play with ALL files in the thumb. Through Nexus Media Importer you play via MTP which doesn't allow some kind of files (eg. mkv) which with proper players (eg. mx player) the Nexus can handle. Read the description of that app for further details.
About usb powered hub
basically sth like this. It's needed just if you attach many things or an HDD. it would be good to use it always with more than one peripheral not to load the battery as it's not designed to discharge heavily this way.
About not working things
what did you buy which doesn't work?

[Important] USB OTG / USB2Go - host mode for Nexus 4?

View the last 2 pages for good information, ATM USB OTG DOES NOT WORK, but maybe (or propably) it is a software issue, which can be resolved...
View last pages
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I think the last Nexus devices were able to host USB drives such as usb sticks etc., so do you think that it will be possible with this one?
16gb would be more than enough for me if I only use it for rom, apps, pictures and music but 720p movies won't have enough place (maybe just 1 or 2).
Is USB host mode maybe available for nearly every device (maybe only after another kernel)?
And I read somewhere that it is possible to host usb drives with "Nexus Media Importer", but it is also possible to access them via ES File Explorer for example or maybe even with Play Movies / Play Music?
At the moment I use HTC Desire (smaller movies at ~1gbyte), slowly it's time for an upgrade and this would be a must-have for me otherwise I won't buy it atm...
Maybe with USB OTG I could buy only 8gb, that would be really nice because 50€ (65USD) for 8gb is really expensive :/
Thanks for (hopefully incoming) answers

+1
Planned to ask the same, but you opened a topic already

Also with this if anyone knows. Can you access a OTG source from a recovery like CWM or TWRP? That would make the 16GB meaningless.

Yes the Nexus 4 supports usb OTG (and you probably won't need a custom kernel for this)
Yes you can use ESFile explorer and run everything from your hard drive
I think latest TWRP offer OTG support but I'll probably never use it since you may "brick" your phone if the flash fail and not sure if otg is perfectly stable...

Xmalek said:
Yes the Nexus 4 supports usb OTG (and you probably won't need a custom kernel for this)
Yes you can use ESFile explorer and run everything from your hard drive
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answer :good:
Is the USB drive automatically mounted?
And is the media on it displayed in medi player apps like Music or MX Player or do I have to click on each single file with ES file explorer to play it?

Xmalek said:
Yes the Nexus 4 supports usb OTG (and you probably won't need a custom kernel for this).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where have you got this information?? I can say out the box OTG is not working. Anyone have any ideas yet?

Would it be possible to have a Nexus 4 case with a microSD slot that connected via USB OTG?

For me an attached normal USB Flash Drive (8GB) did not work. Even the light of the flash drive did not a single blink.
I am not sure if the Nexus 4 provides Voltage for usb devices.

Just to confirm, the Nexus 4 does not support USB OTG out of the box. Just tested it myself - works fine on the missus' Galaxy S2, but not on my Nexus 4.

I'm fairly certain that you still need to be rooted for it to work properly, as with the Nexus 7.

There's an app called "nexus media importer" on the play store for otg
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 4G

0.0 said:
There's an app called "nexus media importer" on the play store for otg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is listed as "not compatible with the device"

definitely does not work

i've read/heard somewhere that not all usb otg dongles are the same. some work better than others? i ordered a cheap 5 pin on ebay. don't have n4 or the dongle yet to test.

guest_2011 said:
i've read/heard somewhere that not all usb otg dongles are the same. some work better than others? i ordered a cheap 5 pin on ebay. don't have n4 or the dongle yet to test.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm using an OTG cable and usb stick that work with GNex and N7

n7of9 said:
i'm using an OTG cable and usb stick that work with GNex and N7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then it's a deal breaker for me :crying:

guest_2011 said:
then it's a deal breaker for me :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they'll get it working :fingers-crossed:

Has anyone tried stick mount (needs root)?
Sent from my cm_tenderloin using Tapatalk

jimmyz said:
Has anyone tried stick mount (needs root)?
Sent from my cm_tenderloin using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup - No luck

There's a shread of light that OTG works with the N4 rooted?
Hope it does cause if not...not buying it.

(Question) Nexus 10 + USB flash + OTG converter + StickMount

Hey guys,
I have a 16gb Nexus 10, a 128gb SanDisk USB flash drive, a micoUSB to female USB OTG converter, using StickMount. Running Task650's latest AOKP release.
I had placed two mkv bluray rips on the USB flash drive and with the converter and StickMount, I was able to play both movies using BSPlayer. No lags. No frame rate drops. It was a thing of beauty. Before I got it to work, I had to NTFS format the flash drive.
Anyways, today I added a few avi movies and a bunch of comic books, figured it was going to work the same. Now I'm not even able to play the movies that played. The USB flash folder shows empty when I'd browse to it using Root Explorer.
Superuser permission looks good. I've tried rebooting, clearing cache, combinations of folders and different file types.
I was wondering if anyone uses StickMount or does what I'm trying to do and can recommend a possible fix? Or a different method?
Thanks dudes!
Sent from my Nexus 10 using XDA Premium HD app

Edited: wrong thread

I used my OTG today with a NTFS flash drive to copy some files over (4+ GB) aaaannd it crashed the first time (used CM's file manager), hard reboot, reinserted the flash drive, used ES this time, worked flawlessly. No extra app for mounting here.
What about issuing the mount command yourself on the terminal?
look at kmsg (kernel output) right after you connect your device, it will give you the vold location of the device/partition and then issue the mount command to mount the ntfs partition to some folder you created before.
Also, the usb disk, it has its own power source, right? just checking.
Have you tried another filesystem i.e. ext4?

bk201doesntexist said:
I used my OTG today with a NTFS flash drive to copy some files over (4+ GB) aaaannd it crashed the first time (used CM's file manager), hard reboot, reinserted the flash drive, used ES this time, worked flawlessly. No extra app for mounting here.
What about issuing the mount command yourself on the terminal?
look at kmsg (kernel output) right after you connect your device, it will give you the vold location of the device/partition and then issue the mount command to mount the ntfs partition to some folder you created before.
Also, the usb disk, it has its own power source, right? just checking.
Have you tried another filesystem i.e. ext4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey! Thanks for the reply!
I just flashed the latest ParanoidAndroid (3.6) and going to run a few different tests today. Hopefully I'll see something different.
I don't understand the whole mount command thing. Admitted beyond my scope of Android expertise. Can you elaborate? Perhaps link me?
When I plug in my 128GB SanDisk Cruzer, which doesn't require a power source, StickMount will have something pop up and it will give me a location of where the flash drive populates. I can find the folder, but it'll always show empty.
I can from eFAT32 formatting to NTFS before it worked, only that once. Can you explain a bit more on another file system?

You might try USB ORG Helper app as an alternative. I've had occasion where files could be read in that when they couldn't in Stockmount. Don't ask me why.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD

bruce7373 said:
You might try USB ORG Helper app as an alternative. I've had occasion where files could be read in that when they couldn't in Stockmount. Don't ask me why.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this dude! I'm going to try all this sh** out this weekend. Will report back for posterity.

And I'm assuming you know I meant "USB OTG Helper"...
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD

bruce7373 said:
And I'm assuming you know I meant "USB OTG Helper"...
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha! Yup buddy!

TheShamsMan said:
Hey guys,
I have a 16gb Nexus 10, a 128gb SanDisk USB flash drive, a micoUSB to female USB OTG converter, using StickMount. Running Task650's latest AOKP release.
I had placed two mkv bluray rips on the USB flash drive and with the converter and StickMount, I was able to play both movies using BSPlayer. No lags. No frame rate drops. It was a thing of beauty. Before I got it to work, I had to NTFS format the flash drive.
Anyways, today I added a few avi movies and a bunch of comic books, figured it was going to work the same. Now I'm not even able to play the movies that played. The USB flash folder shows empty when I'd browse to it using Root Explorer.
Superuser permission looks good. I've tried rebooting, clearing cache, combinations of folders and different file types.
I was wondering if anyone uses StickMount or does what I'm trying to do and can recommend a possible fix? Or a different method?
Thanks dudes!
Sent from my Nexus 10 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! This is very strange to me. I've been using stickmount+otg+usb disk for a few months now on rooted Nexus 7 and form recently on XT925 aswell.
Never had any problem. My usb drives are Kingston DataTraveler 64GB Elite 3.0 NTFS and two cheap 4GB noname FAT32.
Tried now your scenario with comics and videos and still works fine.
I'm using Total Commander for browsing. Try it..

bruce7373 said:
You might try USB ORG Helper app as an alternative. I've had occasion where files could be read in that when they couldn't in Stockmount. Don't ask me why.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey! Finally got around to testing everything out this weekend.
So..
The Nexus 10 running Task650's AOKP: StickMount only worked once and never again. OTG Helper didn't work at all.
The Nexus 10 running ParanoidAndroid: StickMount didn't work, but OTG Helper worked like a charm. And not just once. I was able to get it working consistently.
I wasn't able to have it mount without any of the above apps. Even with different file exploring apps.
So, at least for me, USB OTG Helper is the only thing that worked! The Pro version of the app is totally worth it too.

TheShamsMan said:
Hey! Finally got around to testing everything out this weekend.
So..
The Nexus 10 running Task650's AOKP: StickMount only worked once and never again. OTG Helper didn't work at all.
The Nexus 10 running ParanoidAndroid: StickMount didn't work, but OTG Helper worked like a charm. And not just once. I was able to get it working consistently.
I wasn't able to have it mount without any of the above apps. Even with different file exploring apps.
So, at least for me, USB OTG Helper is the only thing that worked! The Pro version of the app is totally worth it too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great. I agree. The only problem I couldn't solve was trying to use a micro sd card. I bought a USB card reader, plugged it into the OTG cable. I couldn't get OTG Helper to even mount it; Stickmount did, but couldn't read the files. I tried NTFS, FAT, FAT32, even xFAT. Plugged the adapter into a USB port on my desktop and the files were available, no problem.
If you have one of these adapters, try to see if you can get it to work. Other people have, so I'm stumped.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD

bruce7373 said:
Great. I agree. The only problem I couldn't solve was trying to use a micro sd card. I bought a USB card reader, plugged it into the OTG cable. I couldn't get OTG Helper to even mount it; Stickmount did, but couldn't read the files. I tried NTFS, FAT, FAT32, even xFAT. Plugged the adapter into a USB port on my desktop and the files were available, no problem.
If you have one of these adapters, try to see if you can get it to work. Other people have, so I'm stumped.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello! Buy this! It's awesome, works and it costs around $10...
http://76.my/Malaysia/[email protected]

I'll check it out, thanks. The one I bought had a regular USB connector (PC type, flat) that I plugged into the OTG cable. I didn't know they made readers with micro USB connectors. Good to know. :thumbup:
Did you buy it online?
Sent from my Vivid 4G using Tapatalk 2

bruce7373 said:
I'll check it out, thanks. The one I bought had a regular USB connector (PC type, flat) that I plugged into the OTG cable. I didn't know they made readers with micro USB connectors. Good to know. :thumbup:
Did you buy it online?
Sent from my Vivid 4G using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep it cheap. Check it.
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=190807960619
Sent from my Nexus 10 using XDA Premium HD app

bruce7373 said:
I'll check it out, thanks. The one I bought had a regular USB connector (PC type, flat) that I plugged into the OTG cable. I didn't know they made readers with micro USB connectors. Good to know. :thumbup:
Did you buy it online?
Sent from my Vivid 4G using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I got it online! I bought this one : http://www.ebay.com/itm/Left-angled...ro-USB-Host-OTG-HUB-CARD-READER-/151014270145
Just buy it! And don't worry. It's awesome and is $8 now!!! :good::good::good:
Read the description on linked page .. it says : ALSO CAN USE FOR ALL MICRO USB OTG DEVICE!!!
I tried some other SD/OTGHUB devices like this (my friends have some) but they only work ond a handful of devices.
I really recommend this!
Cheers:victory:

TheShamsMan said:
Hey! Thanks for the reply!
I just flashed the latest ParanoidAndroid (3.6) and going to run a few different tests today. Hopefully I'll see something different.
I don't understand the whole mount command thing. Admitted beyond my scope of Android expertise. Can you elaborate? Perhaps link me?
When I plug in my 128GB SanDisk Cruzer, which doesn't require a power source, StickMount will have something pop up and it will give me a location of where the flash drive populates. I can find the folder, but it'll always show empty.
I can from eFAT32 formatting to NTFS before it worked, only that once. Can you explain a bit more on another file system?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I have been experiencing a similar issue using stickmount and a 32 GB usb flash drive. I can mount smaller drives using stickmount, but the files on the 32Gb drive don't show up using a file explorer. I don't have this issue using OTG helper. I am running stock JB 4.2.2.

Max amount read?
What (if any) is the maximum amount of GB the Nexus 10 can read using the OTG cable?
Thanks!

drazphreak said:
What (if any) is the maximum amount of GB the Nexus 10 can read using the OTG cable?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about the max amounts, but I have a 128GB SanDisk flash drive and it works like a charm. I just ordered a 1TB WD portable external hard drive. First thing I'll be testing on that thing is OTG capabilities. Will report back fo sho!

drazphreak said:
What (if any) is the maximum amount of GB the Nexus 10 can read using the OTG cable?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I successfully could R/W to NTFS and ext2,3,4 formated 500GB self powered USB drive using an OTG cable and USB OTG Helper with stock rooted 4.2.2.
I think the limit is not OTG specific but file format, so you likely can use a self powered 3TB drive if you so wish.

So,
I recently purchased a 1TB WD My Passport, USB powered external hard drive. I was kind of hoping that I would be able to mount this just like my USB flash drive. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to. From what I hear, it isn't possible because not enough power gets to it from the Nexus. When I plug in the HHD, the light comes on and I can hear it spin on. USBHelper will recognize it and ask you to perform an action, but then it'll say nothing is mounted. Root Explorer will have an extra folder appear, but the contents will be completely empty.
I was wondering if anyone else has tested this on another ROM or configuration? Is it in fact true that not enough power gets to it? If that is true, would plugging the Nexus into a power source help with powering up the external hard drive? Or would the HHD require it's own direct power source?
I was thinking about getting a splitter of some kind to test this out.

OTG - Is it possible? - Yes it is

Well I know its been talked about in the other threads of the possibilities. So now since we have the devices here, are proceeding with unlocking and rooting the devices. Has anyone had luck?
Sadly I do not have a OTG cable yet to test this but at least wanted to start somewhere.
Edit: Yes it is, see post below for link. Device needs to be rooted for it to work!

Says he was able, after root, to mount 2 drives simultaneously.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=43991406&postcount=9

Nburnes said:
Says he was able, after root, to mount 2 drives simultaneously.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=43991406&postcount=9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brilliant! Thanks

Has anyone try this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.homeysoft.nexususb.importer
It doesn't require root so it should be good for stock users.

I can confirm a stock non rooted N7 I threw in a USB flash drive and read files and played a movie real quick earlier just to see if it all worked, didn't try much more then that but can try some more tomorrow. Still busy transferring and reinstalling apps from old N7.

I cannot get Nexus Media Importer to work on stock. It reports all memory sticks as protected.

I have a non rooted stock nexus 7 2013. The media importer doesn't work for me also.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Now rooted using Stickmount, still not working. The drive can be seen but it seems only small files can be viewed, and you can't copy them or do anything with them. Non of my, larger, movie files show up.

I was able to copy a 3GB movie file from a flashdrive to the onboard memory with no issues. Maybe try a powered USB hub? I didn't have to in this case but it might help.
I tried to read an external hard drive and had to use a powered USB hub to even have it mount. Alas, couldn't read anything. Don't know if it's because the hard drive was formatted NTFS or because it was 750GB.

USB OTG Helper works for me. It also supports NTFS drives.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

Can anyone tell if it's possible to to use OTG while wireless charging the device?
Need this for my car dashboard tablet replacement.

I think the problem with that would be that it would drain after than it charges. Qi charging doesn't have great amperage.
Sent from my Nexus 7

J_M_H said:
USB OTG Helper works for me. It also supports NTFS drives.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
works for me as well, I am wondering if there will be a root flash-able mod like the original N7 had to turn OTG on.

Why does Google not allow OTG to be active out of box? Is the lure of trying force people into using the cloud that strong? Clouds drain more battery compared to local content and wifi connections do not have 100% coverage like local does.
The reality is the reason this device is priced at near break-even pricing IS the cloud, so this is why there is no SD slot or full OTG, out of box. Most people do not mod, so most people will be part of their cloud control strategy. I would rather pay $50 more and let Google make a profit on the device, that way I could have a micro sd slot and OTG out of box. Curse Google and their quest for content control and data mining! :silly:

Earlier I said it wasn't working, without knowingly changing anything both Stickmount and Nexus Media Importer now work. I am rooted and perhaps Stickmount is making NMI work.

J_M_H said:
USB OTG Helper works for me. It also supports NTFS drives.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stick Mount works 100% fine for me, just watched a movie from my thumb drive. I am stock+Root. Open file system and on SD card look at the USB Storage folder if you are unfamiliar with Stick Root.

Is otg ok with usb pen drive or 2.5 hard disk without power supply?

sasu85 said:
Is otg ok with usb pen drive or 2.5 hard disk without power supply?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and I also used it with a USB External HD and it worked fine there, too.

I had issues with OTG on my first N7 2013. It was a flaky connection and would go into a connect/disconnect loop and then just stop all together. I returned it and picked up a different. That one seems to work fine.
Stock, not rooted, and using Nexus Media Importer.
Some people may want to try rebooting their N7 as well.... If you look at the NMI app in the Play Store the developer knows there are a few issues with Android 4.3 when first using the app.

Landara said:
Yes and I also used it with a USB External HD and it worked fine there, too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much!! I love OTG features...
This new Nexus 7 has OTG support and also Slim port connection (for hdmi)...SUPER GOOGLE!!:good:

[Q] Nexus Player otg issues cant see usb drive

Hi I have side loaded Kodi and some plugin using a otg cable to a 8gb thumb drive.
It worked well for a week or so and now it seems to stopped access and only see thumb drive but greyed out so I can click on it. All software works well just not being able to see usb drive mounted on Nexus
I am able to see the external drive from my router and access file using es explorer. I also been helping a friend set his up and the same thing happened to his. Maybe the update closed this door?
The device is not rooted, Have tried different drives even mybook 1 tb powered drive.

creatingash said:
Hi I have side loaded Kodi and some plugin using a otg cable to a 8gb thumb drive.
It worked well for a week or so and now it seems to stopped access and only see thumb drive but greyed out so I can click on it. All software works well just not being able to see usb drive mounted on Nexus
I am able to see the external drive from my router and access file using es explorer. I also been helping a friend set his up and the same thing happened to his. Maybe the update closed this door?
The device is not rooted, Have tried different drives even mybook 1 tb powered drive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem.
I thought i need being root to access external drives so i have rooted it today, but still i cant access the external drive on es explorer or kodi.

usb issues
Kaizie said:
I have the same problem.
I thought i need being root to access external drives so i have rooted it today, but still i cant access the external drive on es explorer or kodi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a mynet900 router with usb and Nexus player will access these files.
I wish I could get them to read directly from the micro usb.

No Answers?
creatingash said:
I have a mynet900 router with usb and Nexus player will access these files.
I wish I could get them to read directly from the micro usb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no one has a idea what the issue is ?

Hi there, is there any updates?) Have the same issue. I use ps3 controller, and now it don't work. I think hard reset will help

Usb
sssats said:
Hi there, is there any updates?) Have the same issue. I use ps3 controller, and now it don't work. I think hard reset will help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My issue went away after a week or so and now i can see it again. I have had issues conecting and unplug unit for 30 sec fixes it.