USB On-The-Go (OTG) Requirement Explained

What is USB On-The-Go?

USB On-The-Go (also known as USB OTG or OTG) allows devices, like a smartphone or tablet, to act as a USB host.  USB OTG allows your smartphone or tablet to detect and use attached USB devices such as mice, keyboards, and USB Flash drives.

Why does ThePhotoStick Mobile require a USB On-The-Go capable device?

In order for ThePhotoStick Mobile to work properly on your smartphone or tablet, your smartphone or tablet must be able to detect and use an external USB flash drive.  USB OTG is what allows your smartphone or tablet to do this.  If your smartphone or tablet does not have USB OTG capability, then your ThePhotoStick Mobile USB drive will not be detected by your smartphone or tablet and thus the ThePhotoStick Mobile app will not be able to save your photos and videos to it.

Does my phone have USB On-The-Go functionality?

USB OTG is a feature that the manufacturer of your smartphone or tablet has to enable.  Almost all new mobile devices have USB OTG functionality, but if in doubt, you can check the manufacturer of your smartphone or tablet.   Also, when running ThePhotoStick Mobile App, you will be prompted if your smartphone or tablet does not have USB OTG functionality.

Is there a way to enable USB On-The-Go on devices that do not have this functionality enabled?

There are several possible ways to try and enable OTG functionality on smartphones and tablets that do not have it enabled. 

The easiest way is to check with your smartphone or tablet manufacturer and see if they offer a way to enable USB OTG support on your device.

Another method is by rooting your smartphone or tablet.  As caution should be used when rooting a device, it is beyond the scope of this article and is not something we help or support doing.  There are many resources you can find by Googling on the subject and often you can find the steps for your specific device.