Android

Generally speaking, Android USB support limited to 4.x.x only- earlier versions may have some basic functions like accessing a USB mass storage device. On Android 4.x.x USB storage devices, hubs, keyboards, mice, active USB extensions, and limited support for USB Ethernet adapters is available only on some devices.  Other devices of the same Android version may not have the same features.

Since Android does not provide a mechanism for users to install drivers, and individual device makers control which specific drivers are loaded on their devices, we cannot predict whether specific Android devices will have support for a given product.

Android devices seem to be particularly sensitive to USB power issues: some users have reported that their tablets reset/rebooted during high power demand activities like large transfers over USB ethernet adapters. One potential solution to these issues is to use a powered USB hub so attached devices don’t have to rely on the Android device’s available USB bus power, but can instead draw power from the hub’s power supply. As a first troubleshooting step in diagnosing issues on Android devices, we recommend connecting via a powered USB hub to eliminate low power issues resulting from inconsistent power availability observed on some Android devices.

Below are Plugable devices which may be compatible with Android 4.x, varying by device:

  • Nexus 7 First Gen (2012) Upgrade to Andriod 5.0 (Lollipop) Breaks USB-Ethernet Support

    Update: The latest Android version update for the Nexus 7 first gen (2012), version 5.1.1, has resolved this issue. If this version is not yet available over-the-air (OTA) for your tablet, you can download and install it manually from Google’s factory image website here. Use the “nakasi” image for regular WiFi devices, and “nagasig” ...

  • Plugable USB Audio Adapter
    Hero

    Features

    • Two 3.5mm premium audio input and output ports
    • Solid State System SSS1629 Chip for widest compatibility
    • Transform your existing 3.5 mm stereo headphones, headset, speakers, or microphone into a USB device
    • Leave ...
  • Plugable USB 2.0 MicroSD Card Reader for Phone, Laptop, and Tablet

    Plugable’s USB2-OTGTF enables using a single MicroSD card on devices with both full-size USB and micro USB connectors. This allows users to swap a single storage device between a wide array of devices like most popular Android phones and tablets– even those lacking MicroSD slots like– as well as traditional notebook ...

  • Plugable USB 2.0 10-Port Hub with 20W Power Adapter

    Features

    • Flexible design with 6 front ports and 4 rear- including two BC 1.2 Standard compliant flip-up charging ports
    • USB 2.0 high-speed interface, 10 downstream ports with data rates up to 480Mbps
    • 20W Power Adapter shared by the 10 ports, assumes a mix of high and low power devices
    • Easy plug-and-play installation (no driver required); works with Windows, Mac, ...
  • Prolific launches Android SDK for USB Serial Devices

    Prolific has just announced the release of their USB serial adapter SDK for Android. We’ve just completed quick testing on an Android 4.1 tablet (Asus Transformer TF300) of the recently released Prolific USB Serial “QuickTest” App, using our Plugable USB Serial Adapter (which uses the Prolific PL2303HXD chipset). More details on the SDK ...

  • Plugable Storage System USB 3.0 Dual 2.5″ SATA Drive DockPlugable Storage System USB 3.0 Dual 2.5" SATA Drive Dock

    Insert 2.5″ SATA hard disk or solid state drives into the interchangeable Plugable Storage System docks and connect with any USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 Computer, or use the standalone disk cloning function of the PSS-DD1. Supports connecting via SuperSpeed USB 3.0 — up to 10x as fast as USB 2.0. Each unit is ...

  • Plugable Storage System USB 3.0 2.5″ SATA Drive Dock with 3-Port USB ChargerPlugable Storage System USB 3.0 2.5" SATA Drive Dock with 3-Port USB Charger

    Insert 2.5″ SATA hard disk or solid state drives into the interchangeable Plugable Storage System docks and connect with any PC with USB 3.0 or USB 2.0, or charge USB devices. Supports connecting via SuperSpeed USB 3.0 — up to 10x as fast as USB 2.0. Each unit is backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1, ...

  • Plugable Storage System USB 3.0 2.5″ SATA Drive Dock with USB 3.0 3-Port HubPlugable Storage System USB 3.0 2.5" SATA Drive Dock with USB 3.0 3-Port Hub

    Insert 2.5″ SATA hard drive or solid state drives into the interchangeable Plugable Storage System docks and connect with any USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 Computer. Supports connecting via SuperSpeed USB 3.0 — up to 10x as fast as USB 2.0. Each unit is backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1, and includes a protective case ...

  • Plugable USB 3.0 Aluminium 6-Slot Memory Card ReaderPlugable USB 3.0 Aluminium 6-Slot Memory Card Reader

    USB 3.0 media card reader offers drastically improved connection speeds compared to older USB 2.0 card readers. Attractive, durable brushed aluminum finish supports most common media card types: CF, SD, SDXC, SDHC, MicroSD, XD, MemoryStick, MMC, M2. Flashing activity LED indicates file transfer in process. USB Bus Powered: no external AC power supply required.

  • Plugable USB 3.0 SATA Lay Flat Hard Drive DockPlugable USB 3.0 SATA Lay Flat Hard Drive Dock

    Universal hard disk or solid state drive docking station supports latest UASP high speed transfer protocol and large “Advanced Format” drives. Minimize time spent waiting for backups and in data recovery scenarios with USB 3.0 SuperSpeed connection to PC- also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 systems. Supports both 2.5″ and 3.5″ drives.

  • Plugable USB Kids KeyboardPlugable USB Kids Keyboard

    Sturdy, bright and easy to use design that works with any system supporting USB keyboards. Just plug in the USB cord and your keyboard is ready to use. Works with any version of Windows, Mac, Linux or other systems supporting USB HID keyboards.

  • Plugable USB 2.0 Flash Memory Card ReaderPlugable USB 2.0 Flash Memory Card Reader

    Portable USB 2.0 Multi-Card reader supports SD, SDHC, mini SD, Micro SD (t-Flash), MS, MS Pro, MS Duo, MS Pro Duo, HS MS, MMC, RS-MMC and supports Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS X, Linux.

  • Plugable USB 2.0 Sharing SwitchPlugable USB 2.0 Sharing Switch

    Want to share USB devices between 2 computers with the press of a button? The Plugable USB 2.0 Sharing Switch is the ideal soulution for sharing USB devices such as hubs, printers, pen and external drives, scanners, etc. (one computer has access to the shared device at a time). Requires no drivers and works with ...

  • Plugable USB 2.0 10/100 Ethernet AdapterPlugable USB 2.0 10/100 Ethernet Adapter

    Add a wired network connection to your Windows, Mac, or Linux system via USB 2.0/1.1. Widely compatible AX88772 chipset has built-in driver on all Google Chromebook systems running latest updates (Chrome OS), also compatible with all Wii and Wii U consoles. Powered through the USB connection; no power cord needed.

  • Plugable USB 2.0 7-Port Hub with 15W Power AdapterPlugable USB 2.0 7-Port Hub with 15W Power Adapter

    Need more USB ports, or a hub to power your Raspberry Pi? Expand your connectivity with this 7 port USB 2.0 hub. Features a 3A AC adapter to support even the most power-hungry USB 2.0 devices and easy to diagnose connectivity thanks to separate LEDs for hub power and each attached USB device.

  • Plugable USB 2.0 10-Port Hub with 12.5W Power AdapterPlugable USB 2.0 10-Port Hub with 12.5W Power Adapter

    Simple and clean design with ports on only two sides to minimize clutter. Two ports swivel to vertical position for easy access to flash drives. USB 2.0 high-speed interface to PC with 10 downstream ports with data rates up to 480Mbps. Terminus Technology chip set includes over-current detection and protection.

  • Plugable USB 2.0 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet AdapterPlugable USB 2.0 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter

    Plugable USB 2.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter- drivers for Windows 7, Vista, XP, and Mac OS X 10.8-10.5, and Linux (built into kernel 3.2 and above).

  • Plugable USB 3.0 SATA Hard Drive DockPlugable USB 3.0 SATA Hard Drive Dock

    Universal hard or solid state drive docking station supports latest UASP high speed transfer protocol and large “Advanced Format” drives. Minimize time spent waiting for backups and in data recovery scenarios with USB 3.0 SuperSpeed connection to PC- also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 systems. Supports both 2.5″ and 3.5″ drives.

Recent posts with additional information

  • Nexus 7 First Gen (2012) Upgrade to Andriod 5.0 (Lollipop) Breaks USB-Ethernet Support
    Update: The latest Android version update for the Nexus 7 first gen (2012), version 5.1.1, has resolved this issue. If this version is not yet available over-the-air (OTA) for your tablet, you can download and install it manually from Google’s factory image website here. Use the “nakasi” image for regular WiFi devices, and “nagasig” for ...
  • Plugable USB Audio Adapter
    Features Two 3.5mm premium audio input and output ports Solid State System SSS1629 Chip for widest compatibility Transform your existing 3.5 mm stereo headphones, headset, speakers, or microphone into a USB device Leave connected to a USB hub or dock for easy access Bypass a faulty sound card or audio port Replace any broken USB audio adapter Adapter body is lightweight, durable ...
  • Plugable USB 2.0 MicroSD Card Reader for Phone, Laptop, and Tablet
    Plugable’s USB2-OTGTF enables using a single MicroSD card on devices with both full-size USB and micro USB connectors. This allows users to swap a single storage device between a wide array of devices like most popular Android phones and tablets– even those lacking MicroSD slots like– as well as traditional notebook and desktop PC’s. If ...
  • Plugable USB 2.0 10-Port Hub with 20W Power Adapter
    Features Flexible design with 6 front ports and 4 rear- including two BC 1.2 Standard compliant flip-up charging ports USB 2.0 high-speed interface, 10 downstream ports with data rates up to 480Mbps 20W Power Adapter shared by the 10 ports, assumes a mix of high and low power devices Easy plug-and-play installation (no driver required); works with Windows, Mac, ...
  • Prolific launches Android SDK for USB Serial Devices
    Prolific has just announced the release of their USB serial adapter SDK for Android. We’ve just completed quick testing on an Android 4.1 tablet (Asus Transformer TF300) of the recently released Prolific USB Serial “QuickTest” App, using our Plugable USB Serial Adapter (which uses the Prolific PL2303HXD chipset). More details on the SDK are ...
  • Plugable Storage System USB 3.0 Dual 2.5″ SATA Drive Dock
    Insert 2.5″ SATA hard disk or solid state drives into the interchangeable Plugable Storage System docks and connect with any USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 Computer, or use the standalone disk cloning function of the PSS-DD1. Supports connecting via SuperSpeed USB 3.0 — up to 10x as fast as USB 2.0. Each unit is ...
  • Plugable Storage System USB 3.0 2.5″ SATA Drive Dock with 3-Port USB Charger
    Insert 2.5″ SATA hard disk or solid state drives into the interchangeable Plugable Storage System docks and connect with any PC with USB 3.0 or USB 2.0, or charge USB devices. Supports connecting via SuperSpeed USB 3.0 — up to 10x as fast as USB 2.0. Each unit is backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1, ...
  • Plugable Storage System USB 3.0 2.5″ SATA Drive Dock with USB 3.0 3-Port Hub
    Insert 2.5″ SATA hard drive or solid state drives into the interchangeable Plugable Storage System docks and connect with any USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 Computer. Supports connecting via SuperSpeed USB 3.0 — up to 10x as fast as USB 2.0. Each unit is backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1, and includes a protective case ...
  • Plugable USB 3.0 Aluminium 6-Slot Memory Card Reader
    USB 3.0 media card reader offers drastically improved connection speeds compared to older USB 2.0 card readers. Attractive, durable brushed aluminum finish supports most common media card types: CF, SD, SDXC, SDHC, MicroSD, XD, MemoryStick, MMC, M2. Flashing activity LED indicates file transfer in process. USB Bus Powered: no external AC power supply required.
  • Plugable USB 3.0 SATA Lay Flat Hard Drive Dock
    Universal hard disk or solid state drive docking station supports latest UASP high speed transfer protocol and large “Advanced Format” drives. Minimize time spent waiting for backups and in data recovery scenarios with USB 3.0 SuperSpeed connection to PC- also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 systems. Supports both 2.5″ and 3.5″ drives.
  • Plugable USB Kids Keyboard
    Sturdy, bright and easy to use design that works with any system supporting USB keyboards. Just plug in the USB cord and your keyboard is ready to use. Works with any version of Windows, Mac, Linux or other systems supporting USB HID keyboards.
  • Plugable USB 2.0 Flash Memory Card Reader
    Portable USB 2.0 Multi-Card reader supports SD, SDHC, mini SD, Micro SD (t-Flash), MS, MS Pro, MS Duo, MS Pro Duo, HS MS, MMC, RS-MMC and supports Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS X, Linux.
  • Plugable USB 2.0 Sharing Switch
    Want to share USB devices between 2 computers with the press of a button? The Plugable USB 2.0 Sharing Switch is the ideal soulution for sharing USB devices such as hubs, printers, pen and external drives, scanners, etc. (one computer has access to the shared device at a time). Requires no drivers and works with ...
  • Plugable USB 2.0 10/100 Ethernet Adapter
    Add a wired network connection to your Windows, Mac, or Linux system via USB 2.0/1.1. Widely compatible AX88772 chipset has built-in driver on all Google Chromebook systems running latest updates (Chrome OS), also compatible with all Wii and Wii U consoles. Powered through the USB connection; no power cord needed.
  • Plugable USB 2.0 7-Port Hub with 15W Power Adapter
    Need more USB ports, or a hub to power your Raspberry Pi? Expand your connectivity with this 7 port USB 2.0 hub. Features a 3A AC adapter to support even the most power-hungry USB 2.0 devices and easy to diagnose connectivity thanks to separate LEDs for hub power and each attached USB device.
  • Plugable USB 2.0 10-Port Hub with 12.5W Power Adapter
    Simple and clean design with ports on only two sides to minimize clutter. Two ports swivel to vertical position for easy access to flash drives. USB 2.0 high-speed interface to PC with 10 downstream ports with data rates up to 480Mbps. Terminus Technology chip set includes over-current detection and protection.
  • Plugable USB 2.0 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
    Plugable USB 2.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter- drivers for Windows 7, Vista, XP, and Mac OS X 10.8-10.5, and Linux (built into kernel 3.2 and above).
  • Plugable USB 3.0 SATA Hard Drive Dock
    Universal hard or solid state drive docking station supports latest UASP high speed transfer protocol and large “Advanced Format” drives. Minimize time spent waiting for backups and in data recovery scenarios with USB 3.0 SuperSpeed connection to PC- also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 systems. Supports both 2.5″ and 3.5″ drives.