Our fingers taking charge of all things on our smartphone or tablet is not the best way to go about things. Texting and browsing, most times, is not an issue, but for drawing, editing, and engaging in other activities that need precise accuracy, making use of your fingers is tedious.
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Even if young smartphone owners are simply going with the flow as regards our generation of touchpads, there are still lots of people that prefer the reliable keyboard and mouse combination. And why should they not prefer it? The mouse offers you a certain degree of control that touchpads have failed to provide thus far.
As an Android owner, your mouse can be used with your phone. Listed below are the ways to make that happen.
Troubles With Direct Connectivity
Why can’t you make use of a mouse by simply plugging it into your Android device? The reason for this is simple – incompatibility.
Smartphones and tabs possess micro-USB ports, but your regular mouse has a full-sized or standard USB connector that is compatible with several laptops and PCs.
Adapters
A USB OTG adapter can be useful. OTG means On-the-Go and it is great for those that travel a lot and keep very important data on their smartphones.
Because it functions as a connection between 2 devices, it will have double ends. One of the ends gets into your Android phone’s micro-USB port, the other features a female USB connector end. Plug in your mouse or keyboard here.
But sadly, not every device supports this hardware. Before any purchase of it, Google your device model and be sure if it aids the connection.
Peripherals Supported By Some Android Devices
When you connect a mouse via OTG, you can make use of the cursor to replace your fingers and navigate the Android interface by clicking and not tapping. You do not get to experience any waiting period for the drivers to install, and you also do not have to do anything in the root directory.
The process is the same with connecting a keyboard to your device via the adapter. It is very handy if you fancy working as you move on the road but do not like moving around with a hefty laptop. A small keyboard can enhance your work per minute speed.
What is intriguing is that as soon as you connect a mouse or a keyboard to n Android phone, it is still possible to make use of your fingers and the touchpad if you wish. Also, some gamepads and controllers can help you to navigate an Android interface, even without the assistance of game applications.
How You Can Establish A Connection
This is simple. Do this:
- Connect the OTG to your Android phone.
- Have your mouse/keyboard/controller plugged in.
- Hold on for the “new hardware detected” prompt.
- Begin to use the device.
You will realize the mouse is ready to roll if a pointer pops up on the screen. As per keyboards and controllers, you will need to press some buttons to be sure all is okay with your connection.
Apps
If your phone does not support a direct connection via a USB OTG adapter, all hope is not lost.
Apps like DeskDock, that can be found on the Play Store, can be used. There are free and paid versions for DeskDock so you will decide on what you think is best for you. If you plan to rock DeskDock without paying a dime, making use of a keyboard alongside a mouse will not be possible.
However this application will not do the precise job of an OTG connection. It will just let you use your PC and its peripherals to control several applications and interfaces on your Android phone. Meaning, it cannot be used when you travel.
The DeskDock app needs you to have a comprehensive understanding of its configuration tutorial plus it has a restricted use. Fortunately though, it needs no root access.
