Database Users

[Q] Just a quick question (USB OTG).

Hello, my wife is getting me a Nexus 7 for Christmas. I know it has no SD slot but I know you can use USB OTG. My main question is I am wanting to use FPse on the Nexus 7 and I was wondering if you can play a ISO file from the USB OTG without rooting it ? Thank you P.S, Sorry if I posted in the wrong section

you do need root for the otg cable to work properly

metalwraith said:
you do need root for the otg cable to work properly
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Click to collapse
Damn

metalwraith said:
you do need root for the otg cable to work properly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine works perfectly fine using an OTG cable. If you want to put files on it and back on the PC it may be a problem and believe you need root for that, but putting files off a PC and plugging in the N7 works fine, just need Nexus Media Importer off the play store. Its 4.99 IIRC, but well worth it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

JesseMT4G said:
Mine works perfectly fine using an OTG cable. If you want to put files on it and back on the PC it may be a problem and believe you need root for that, but putting files off a PC and plugging in the N7 works fine, just need Nexus Media Importer off the play store. Its 4.99 IIRC, but well worth it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
I have had a play around on the one she got me, just to spend the £15 Google Play credit that it came with. But what I'm asking is, can I play a direct file from the USB rather than using the internal memory?

Hodge92 said:
I have had a play around on the one she got me, just to spend the £15 Google Play credit that it came with. But what I'm asking is, can I play a direct file from the USB rather than using the internal memory?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can play media (view pics, video, play music) directly from an attached usb device (sdcard, thumbdrive, etc.) without being rooted by using the Nexus Media Importer as stated above. If rooted and using the free Stickmount, you can do all that plus copy files to the attached usb device.

yes it is possible
Groid said:
Yes you can play media (view pics, video, play music) directly from an attached usb device (sdcard, thumbdrive, etc.) without being rooted by using the Nexus Media Importer as stated above. If rooted and using the free Stickmount, you can do all that plus copy files to the attached usb device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm playing with mame and my set of roms Is on my USB flashdisk. When rooted with stickmount installed, USB is mounted as a sdcard then it's possible to install datas the same way.
Sorry for my english.

[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...
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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
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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
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Click to collapse
then it's a deal breaker for me :crying:

guest_2011 said:
then it's a deal breaker for me :crying:
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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
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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.

[Q] USB Host/OTG not working at all on my N7?

For some reason my Nexus 7 won't recognize any USB device I connect through an USB OTG cable.
I tried several USB-sticks and mice (which should work even without root) without success.
After reading through all related topics I found that most people fixed their problems by buying a different adapter so I went ahead and bought:
1. Micro USB HOST OTG cable adapter on the go for Google Nexus 7 - 7" Tablet ( 330805061387 ),
2. USB OTG On The Go HOST CABLE for Samsung ET-R205U i9100 Galaxy S2 Galaxy Note
and
3. another one that has no cable but the male micro USB plug attached directly to the female type A plug.
None of them work!
I am running PA 2.54 (obviously rooted), tried different kernels. I also did a full wipe and installed other roms that people reported working USB-OTG with, nothing.
I upgraded my bootloader (which has nothing to with it I think, but did it anyways) and tried CWM and now TWRP recovery.
TWRP has native USB-OTG support, but even at recovery level none of the cables/adapters work.
I even cut off some of the plastic coating on of the micro USB plugs as some people claimed they got their cable to work that way...
On my Galaxy Nexus all (!) adapters work flawlessly with all USB-Sticks and mice I tried. In Android and in TWRP recovery (same version as on my N7)
I just ordered another OTG adapter but I honestly don't expect that one to work either.
Now I am beginning to suspect that my N7 is not capable of USB Host mode or OTG at all. Is that even possible?
Charging and connection to my PC works fine though btw.
Has anyone had the same experience?
Any solutions?
I'm thankful for any tips!

You haven't mentioned using Stickmount or a similar app to mount your peripherals. Have you overlooked that step?
I'm not the lowest of the low, but I am the slowest of the slow. 49.6 mpg avg for 38k miles in non-hybrid Scion xB

+1 you need to use stockpiling thought mine was broken till I got that app and now works
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Yes, I have stickmount installed. And all other USB otg related apps on play store... No device found.
But as I said, it is not even working in twrp recovery so I suppose it is not android related but something is wrong with the hardware.
I mean it is possible I just got three incompatible otg cables but how can those be the wrong cables anyways? As they all work on my gnexus, they're not broken and USB otg just has pin 4 and 5 connected, so there is nothing special in them either...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

I have the same problem except it's with my Galaxy S3, the OTG cable works fine on my Nexus with stickmount pro, but even though my galaxy S3 recognises the external HD I cannot view any of my files
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

At least your s3 recognizes the hd. My Nexus doesn't recognize any device I plug in. They don't even power up (optical mouse not blinking etc)
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Try a custom Rom if you're not already running one, on stock I couldn't even get WiFi Tethering to work never mind external HDD but since flashing liquid smooth ROM its been fine, pity wont work with my Galaxy S3
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Using Raspbean Jelly ROM and for me it will recognize my NTFS usb stick but it says it is empty which it is not.

Reeonimus said:
Using Raspbean Jelly ROM and for me it will recognize my NTFS usb stick but it says it is empty which it is not.
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Click to collapse
Are you using stickmount pro and did you download the ntfs files to /sdcard ?

How to put ntfs files to /sdcard?
i have the same problem with not mounting anyhting via ota cable. I have root and latest android 4.2.1, I tried all free android app for mounting and still cant mount anything.
I would love to keep stock rom if possible.
And is it possible to mount usb internet stick (huawei e3131a) with otg? That`s only thing I need.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

It's not the Nexus 7's problem . You have to be rooted, have an app like Stickmount to mount the peripherals, have the data in a recognized (EXT, FAT) format, use a compatible USB-OTG cable, and know where Stickmount et al mounts the peripheral.
If you do all that, you'll have full r/w access to your peripherals. I've downloaded photos from my camera's SD card to my N7 using a 4 way card reader, r/w data to/from a USB flash drive, connected to my PC, & attached a wireless keyboard's USB dongle.
I'm not the lowest of the low, but I am the slowest of the slow (49.6 mpg over 38k miles in Scion xB)

I recommend fat32 over fat. If you need support for files over 4Gb you will have to allow for ntfs support with a custom kernel unless Chainfire is getting support built into Stickmount.

I just bought another cable off Amazon which was labeled to work with the N7 and got 100% positive reviews from buyers.
Of course it doesn't work on my device. (works fine on my Galaxy Nexus again...)
Just tried to connect a USB mouse this time.
I installed SmoothRom and ParanoidAndroid on my Nexus 7 and it doesn't work on either. Stock Kernel, franco, bicked - nothing.
Giving up here.
I guess my Nexus just doesn't have OTG support for some reason.
Still thankful for any advice though

bumping the thread again
Hey bastlwastl,
just bumping this thread to ask you if you got any advances with your problem. I have the same problem too- the OTG cable i have works with my friends' Nexus 7, another's Xperia Z, and another's Xperia ** (forgot the model number). they instantly recognize the pendrives AND hard drives (they light up). All three of them aren't rooted or unlocked or anything - i tried it within fews days they made the purchases. So I also suspect this is a fault with MY nexus 7. Did you find anything regarding this?

OTG cable issue

Hello
I have the following issue. I bought an otg cable and it was able to mount my flash and mouse the first two times. Since then, it only gives a kick start and both my mouse and flash drive are powered down after 3 seconds. I tried them separately. To summarise the problem my nexus 7 does not give enough power to its microusb to be efficiently running an external device or the software recognizes it improperly and shuts it down.The cable works, since its been tried on 2 other devices. Now I wasn't able to find a proper solution to the problem so I'm asking if someone's dealt with such an issue. Running a rooted stock android 4.2.1
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

You didn't mention which app you are using to be able to mount external storage. It requires Nexus Media Importer (paid app, read/stream only) or the free Stickmount (requires root, provides read/write/streaming). A mouse or keyboard will work without root or either app, but mounting storage requires an external app or a custom kernel with built-in support.

I am using stickmount, and I'm sure it would do its job if I get the devices power for more than 3 seconds
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Any new ideas, perhaps a custom kernel ? Any recommendations

Have you tried to see what the app "USB Host Diagnostics" tells you when you try to mount?
It's from the same maker as stickymount, maybe that will give you some better insight at what's happening.
I would include a link but since I'm new on this forum it won't let me yet.

rockhopperpenguin said:
Have you tried to see what the app "USB Host Diagnostics" tells you when you try to mount?
It's from the same maker as stickymount, maybe that will give you some better insight at what's happening.
I would include a link but since I'm new on this forum it won't let me yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello there, yes I have tried it several times, but it could not discover any attached devices, since, as mentioned, the power to the external devices is cut off 3 seconds after the physical insertion. Said devices aren't powered, that's what bugs me. If somehow electricity reaches them, I would be somewhat relieved since the problem would apparently be from the os or software. Right now I cannot get power to the devices, that's why I cannot do any diagnostics. Any ideas on why that might be ?

I would try another OTG-usb cable. Perhaps yours is just enough out of spec it worked at first, but now fails, or it may have been damaged after the first uses. Maybe static shock or it got bent or something. I got one through Amazon delivered to me from Hong Kong for 65 cents (including shipping). It took 17 days to receive, but it works great. I don't know how they can make any money like that, but I'm happy.

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
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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?
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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.
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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: