Unable to connect an external device to my HUAWEI phone/tablet via OTG

Correct connection procedure

1. Connect the external device (such as a USB flash drive, NM card, or removable hard disk) to an OTG cable or card reader. (The following figure shows an OTG cable.)

   

2. Connect the OTG cable or card reader to your phone/tablet.

3. Access and transfer data on the device.

If the preceding steps are performed correctly but the external device still cannot be identified, troubleshoot the issue based on the following scenarios:

Troubleshooting

1. ES File Explorer is installed

Cause: If you have downloaded ES File Explorer and enabled USB plug-in message, the external device may not be identified.

Operation: Go to ES File Explorer > Settings > Display settings, disable USB plug-in message, and try again.

2. The adapter or transfer cable is faulty

Cause: The adapter or transfer cable may be faulty.

Operation: Replace the adapter or transfer cable and reconnect it for comparison and verification. (If the issue is resolved after the replacement, the original adapter is faulty.)

Note: If the device has a USB-C port (for connecting to a USB flash drive, keyboard, USB key, headset, or mouse), it is recommended that you purchase a dedicated USB-C adapter from a HUAWEI official channel.

3. The external device is faulty or incompatible

Connect the external device (such as a USB flash drive, portable hard disk, mouse, or keyboard) to another phone/tablet/computer for comparison and verification.

• If not, the external device may be damaged. In this case, use another external device and try again.
• If the external device can be identified by another phone/tablet/computer, connect your phone/tablet to another storage device for comparison and verification.
  1. If your phone/tablet can identify other storage devices, it indicates that the issue is caused by incompatibility between your phone/tablet and the previous storage device. In this case, replace the storage device or contact the vendor to check whether the storage device is compatible with HUAWEI phones/tablets.

4. Compatibility with special devices

There are various external device models and types, and the compatibility varies. Actual adaptation shall prevail.

• Connect to an OTG network adapter:

  Cause: Some OTG network adapters may have compatibility issues.

  Operation: Before purchasing the product, check whether it is compatible with HUAWEI phones.

• Connect to a portable hard disk:

  Cause: Some portable hard disks that have strict requirements on the supply voltage may fail to be identified when the voltage is insufficient.

  Operation: Replace the portable hard disk with another portable hard disk. If a connection can be established, this might be due to the limitations of the portable hard disk itself.

5. If the issue persists

If the issue remains unresolved or you encounter any difficulties while performing these steps, back up your data and take your proof of purchase, phone/tablet, external device (microphone, mouse, USB flash drive, etc.), and OTG cable to an authorized Huawei Customer Service Center for assistance.