If you are using a wired USB-C Inner Balance sensor on an Android device and the app isn’t recognizing the hardware, you likely need to enable the USB-OTG (On-The-Go) feature in your phone’s settings.
Overview
USB On-The-Go (OTG) is a feature that allows your Android smartphone to act as a “host,” providing power and data communication to external hardware like the Inner Balance USB-C sensor. While many modern phones have this enabled by default, several manufacturers (including OnePlus, Oppo, and Vivo) require you to manually toggle this setting for the sensor to work.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Method 1: Via System Settings
-
Launch the Settings app on your Android device.
-
Scroll down and tap System (on some phones, this may be under Additional Settings).
-
Tap Advanced.
-
Locate OTG Storage or USB OTG and toggle the switch to the ON position.
Method 2: Via Connected Devices
-
Launch the Settings app.
-
Tap on Connected Devices or Bluetooth & Device Connection.
-
Find the OTG toggle and switch it to ON.
Important Technical Notes
-
Automatic Timeout: For security and battery saving, many Android devices will automatically disable the OTG setting if no device is connected for 10 minutes. If you haven’t used your sensor in a while, you may need to re-enable this setting.
-
Power Requirement: Your phone must provide a small amount of power to the sensor module. If your phone’s battery is in “Ultra Power Saving Mode,” OTG may be disabled automatically and cannot be turned on until the mode is deactivated.
-
Hardware Compatibility: If you do not see an OTG option in your settings even after searching, your specific phone model may not support USB-OTG. In this case, we recommend using the Inner Balance Bluetooth Sensor.
Troubleshooting
If you have enabled OTG and the sensor still does not work:
-
Ensure the USB-C connection is firm and free of lint or debris.
-
Restart your phone with the sensor already plugged in.
-
Test the sensor on another compatible Android device to rule out a hardware issue.