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Most Android devices have a single port for both connecting to the computer (USB) and charging. I have to use this OTG small cable to transfer data, but also to use a real keyboard. However, when I connect the keyboard, I cannot recharge my device while I work. Since they both use the same port, is there a way to split an OTG cable to introduce power on it, but keep the existing port so I can connect a keyboard ?

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  • 1
    possible duplicate of USB charging in host mode
    – Flow
    Dec 1, 2012 at 9:23
  • 1
    The linked answer has a VC with this as dupe already. Loop...
    – ce4
    Dec 1, 2012 at 10:11

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Yes, it is possible, at least technically. What you need is a cable called a OTG host cable with power, which is a double-female cable with a male micro, a female micro (which only has the power and ground connected, no data), and a female A, like this one.

Additionally, you also need software support. I know an appropriate kernel patch is available for CM10 on the Nexus 7 (here), but I don't know about any other devices.

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    Kali Linux's NetHunter project has support for this in its kernel and runs on Nexus 5, 6, 7, 9 & 10 devices and the OnePlus One.
    – markshep
    Aug 15, 2015 at 14:59
  • Links to code are dead, but I managed to find two possible versions of what it could have been. Idk if nowadays this support comes out of the box, but I think that all the device specific adjustments should go in the relative Host Controller Driver if any.
    – mirh
    Aug 30, 2020 at 1:20
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It's possible, some phones support Battery Charging Specification 1.2 and can utilize USB ACA (Accessory charging adaptor) which support OTG + Charging at the same time. (the Acasis H027 is one such adaptor)

My phone (Motorola Moto G XT1032) is not able to auto-detect such an adaptor out of the box, but after modifying the kernel, I was able to charge it and use USB Flash Drive + USB Ethernet at the same time.

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  • Is there a way to tell what devices can do this? I tried Lava SimulCharge on Galaxy Tab A 7" with no luck, my Nexus 5X doesn't work either.
    – Madushan
    Aug 25, 2016 at 9:53
  • Excellent @Tal Alone. Awesome that you posted this here too. Madushan as he stated you have to modify the android kernel code to make it possible. Follow his link.
    – imbr
    Jul 14, 2021 at 12:13

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