Those of you who have ever wanted to read files straight from a USB stick, use a keyboard and mouse with your mobile phone or connect a game controller to your tablet will have heard the term ‘OTG adaptor’ in your search for the right accessory. In this guide, we explore what they are, how they work and what to look for when shopping for an OTG adapter UK-wide from retailers like Panther Force.
What is a USB OTG Adaptor?
An OTG adaptor is a small device which essentially allows your smartphone or tablet to act as a ‘host’ for other USB devices.
By using the right OTG connector for phones and tablets, you can access all the benefits of a full-size computer USB port, including;
• Transferring files directly from a USB stick to your phone
• Attaching a USB keyboard or mouse to your tablet or mobile phone for easier typing
• Connecting a game controller to play mobile console-style games
• Reading camera SD cards with your phone without a PC
• Attaching USB microphones, sound cards and external hard drives
A USB OTG adaptor essentially makes your smartphone or tablet into a fully-fledged ‘computer-on-a-stick
The Different Types of OTG Adaptors Available in the UK
When shopping for USB OTG adaptors UK retailers offer, you’ll find there are a few different types of connectors which are available. The most common are listed below
1. Micro USB OTG Connector
Micro USB OTG connectors are ideal for older Android smartphones, tablets and e-readers and have a smaller form factor than USB-C.
2. USB-C OTG Adaptor
USB-C OTG adaptors are rapidly becoming the standard connector for most new smartphones and tablets, including flagship devices from Samsung and Google.
3. Lightning OTG Adaptor
A Lightning-to-USB adaptor allows you to connect an iPhone or iPad to other USB devices.
Why Buy an OTG Adapter in the UK from Panther Force?
As with all electronic peripherals, you get what you pay for when shopping for an OTG adapter UK-wide and cheaply made adaptors can often cause problems like poor data transfer speeds and damage to your device. That is why customers choose Panther Force to buy OTG adaptors UK-wide;
• Quality-tested connectors for longer life
• Fast UK delivery for quick despatch
• USB-C and micro device types
• Great value pricing for budget-conscious buyers
• UK-based customer support
You can shop the full range on Panther Force’s website.
How to Choose the Right OTG Connector for Your Device
When shopping for an OTG connector for your phone or tablet, here are the key things to look out for:
What to Look for in an OTG Connector Buying Guide
• Charging port type – Does your device use micro-USB, USB-C or Lightning?
• OTG compatibility – Most modern smartphones use OTG technology, so check device specifications
• Accessories – Flash drives, keyboards and controllers all require slightly different power
• Connector material – Metal connectors offer better durability than some plastics
• Product description – Always check the fine print to see what your adaptor can and cannot do
Some Common Use Cases for OTG Adaptors Include
• Transferring photos and videos from your mobile phone to a USB stick while on the go
• Using a mouse and keyboard with your tablet to take notes on the go
• Connecting a game controller to your mobile phone to play on the bus or train
• Reading files from a USB stick without a PC or laptop
• Charging two devices at once by using one as a power bank for the other
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my phone support OTG?
Most modern Android smartphones support OTG and you can test this by attempting to connect any USB device or checking your device specification. It is also recommended to double-check your device’s specification sheet.
Can I use a micro-USB OTG connector on a USB-C phone?
No. The type of OTG connector you choose must be compatible with your device’s charging port. A USB-C phone would need a USB-C OTG adaptor rather than a micro-USB connector.
Will an OTG adaptor drain my phone’s battery?
Using an OTG adaptor can potentially drain your smartphone battery faster by using some of its power to run connected accessories. This is especially true for large storage devices such as external hard drives but should not be noticeable when using more mainstream accessories like USB sticks.
Final Thoughts
A USB OTG adaptor is a great investment which can bring a surprising amount of flexibility to your smartphone or tablet. When shopping for a micro USB OTG connector or looking for somewhere to buy OTG adapter UK-wide, Panther Force has a wide selection of affordable products which are durable enough to last you for years.
