6 Wild Things People Plug Into Their Phone’s Charging Port (That Actually Work)

Charging a smartphone has become such a routine part of modern life that we rarely pause to consider the full potential of that unassuming port at the bottom of our device. Beyond simply replenishing the battery, your phone’s charging port – typically a USB-C or Lightning connector – is a gateway to a surprising range of functionalities. From niche gadgets to productivity enhancers, the possibilities are far more extensive than you might imagine. At Make Use Of, we delve into the six most intriguing and practical accessories that can unlock your phone’s hidden capabilities.

1. External Storage Devices: Expanding Your Phone’s Memory On-the-Go

One of the most common, yet still incredibly useful, applications of your phone’s charging port is connecting external storage. Whether you’re running out of space for photos and videos, need to transfer large files, or simply want a backup solution, external storage devices are a lifesaver.

USB Flash Drives: The Ubiquitous Data Carrier

The classic USB flash drive has evolved to seamlessly integrate with smartphones. Look for dual-interface drives that feature both a standard USB-A connector for computers and a USB-C or Lightning connector for your phone. This allows for effortless file transfer between devices without the need for adapters.

• Key Features: Storage capacities range from a few gigabytes to several terabytes. Transfer speeds vary depending on the USB standard (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB 3.2), with the latter offering significantly faster performance. Durability is also a factor, with some drives boasting rugged designs that are water-resistant and shockproof.

• Use Cases: Backing up photos and videos from your phone, transferring large files (movies, music, documents), expanding storage for offline media consumption, and creating portable bootable drives (though this is less common on phones).

• Specific Models to Consider: SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Luxe USB Type-C, Samsung USB 3.1 Flash Drive FIT Plus, Kingston DataTraveler microDuo 3C.

External Hard Drives and SSDs: Powerhouse Storage for Demanding Tasks

For users who require substantial storage capacity and faster transfer speeds, external hard drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs) are the go-to solution. While HDDs offer more storage for less money, SSDs provide significantly faster performance, improved durability, and lower power consumption.

• Key Features: HDDs typically range from 500GB to several terabytes, while SSDs offer capacities from 120GB to several terabytes. SSDs are generally preferred for their speed and reliability. Ensure your phone supports USB OTG (On-The-Go) for proper connectivity and power delivery to the external drive. Some larger HDDs may require an external power source.

• Use Cases: Storing large video files (4K footage, movies), backing up entire phone contents, creating a portable media server, and running resource-intensive applications directly from the external drive (though this is less common on phones).

• Specific Models to Consider: Samsung T7 Portable SSD, SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD, Western Digital My Passport HDD.

2. USB Microphones: Elevating Audio Quality for Recording and Streaming

The built-in microphones on smartphones are adequate for basic voice calls and quick recordings, but they often fall short when it comes to capturing high-quality audio for professional purposes. Connecting a USB microphone can significantly improve the sound quality for a variety of applications.

Condenser Microphones: Versatile and Sensitive Audio Capture

Condenser microphones are known for their sensitivity and ability to capture a wide range of frequencies, making them ideal for recording vocals, instruments, and podcasts.

• Key Features: USB condenser microphones often feature built-in preamps and gain controls for adjusting the audio level. Polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional) determine the microphone’s pickup area. Cardioid microphones are best for recording a single source in front of the microphone, while omnidirectional microphones capture sound from all directions.

• Use Cases: Recording podcasts, voiceovers, music, online lessons, and improving audio quality for video calls and live streams.

• Specific Models to Consider: Blue Yeti USB Microphone, Rode NT-USB Mini, Audio-Technica AT2020USB+.

Lavalier Microphones: Discreet and Portable Recording Solutions

Lavalier microphones, also known as lapel microphones, are small, clip-on microphones that offer a discreet and portable audio recording solution.

• Key Features: Lavalier microphones are typically omnidirectional, capturing sound from all directions. They are often used in interviews, presentations, and filmmaking. USB lavalier microphones connect directly to your phone’s charging port for easy setup.

• Use Cases: Recording interviews, presentations, lectures, vlogging, and filmmaking.

• Specific Models to Consider: Rode SmartLav+, PowerDeWise Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Microphone, BOYA BY-M1.

3. USB Keyboard and Mouse: Transforming Your Phone into a Productivity Powerhouse

Typing long emails or working on documents on a smartphone’s touchscreen can be cumbersome and inefficient. Connecting a USB keyboard and mouse can transform your phone into a more productive workstation.

Wired Keyboards and Mice: Simple and Reliable Connectivity

Wired keyboards and mice offer a simple and reliable connection to your phone via the charging port. You may need a USB OTG adapter to connect standard USB-A keyboards and mice to your phone’s USB-C or Lightning port.

• Key Features: Wired keyboards and mice are generally more affordable than their wireless counterparts. They offer a stable connection without the need for batteries or pairing.

• Use Cases: Typing emails, writing documents, editing spreadsheets, navigating apps, and playing games.

• Specific Models to Consider: Any standard USB keyboard and mouse will work with a USB OTG adapter.

Wireless Keyboards and Mice with USB Receivers: Freedom of Movement

Wireless keyboards and mice that connect via a USB receiver offer more freedom of movement than wired options. The USB receiver plugs into your phone’s charging port, and the keyboard and mouse connect wirelessly to the receiver.

• Key Features: Wireless keyboards and mice eliminate the clutter of wires and allow you to work from a more comfortable distance. Battery life is a key consideration.

• Use Cases: Same as wired keyboards and mice.

• Specific Models to Consider: Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo, Microsoft Wireless Desktop 900.

4. Game Controllers: Enhancing Mobile Gaming Experience

Mobile gaming has evolved significantly in recent years, with many games offering console-quality graphics and gameplay. However, playing these games on a touchscreen can be challenging and uncomfortable. Connecting a USB game controller can significantly enhance the mobile gaming experience.

Wired Game Controllers: Plug-and-Play Simplicity

Wired game controllers offer a simple and reliable connection to your phone via the charging port. You may need a USB OTG adapter to connect standard USB-A controllers to your phone’s USB-C or Lightning port.

• Key Features: Wired controllers eliminate the need for batteries or pairing. Input lag is typically lower than wireless controllers.

• Use Cases: Playing action games, racing games, fighting games, and other games that benefit from precise control.

• Specific Models to Consider: Xbox Series X Controller (with USB-C connection), PlayStation DualSense Controller (with USB-C connection).

Wireless Game Controllers: Bluetooth Connectivity and Portability

Wireless game controllers connect to your phone via Bluetooth, offering more freedom of movement and portability.

• Key Features: Wireless controllers eliminate the clutter of wires and allow you to play games from a more comfortable distance. Battery life is a key consideration.

• Use Cases: Same as wired game controllers.

• Specific Models to Consider: Xbox Wireless Controller, PlayStation DualSense Controller, SteelSeries Stratus Duo.

5. Portable Monitors: Extending Your Phone’s Display for Multitasking

Smartphones are powerful devices, but their small screen size can limit productivity when multitasking or working with multiple applications. Connecting a portable monitor can extend your phone’s display, providing a larger workspace for improved efficiency.

USB-C Portable Monitors: Single-Cable Connectivity

USB-C portable monitors offer a single-cable connection to your phone for both video and power. This simplifies setup and reduces cable clutter.

• Key Features: USB-C portable monitors are typically lightweight and slim, making them easy to carry around. Resolution ranges from 1080p to 4K.

• Use Cases: Multitasking, presentations, photo and video editing, and gaming.

• Specific Models to Consider: ASUS ZenScreen MB16ACE, Lepow Portable Monitor, Arzopa Portable Monitor.

HDMI Portable Monitors with Adapters: Versatile Compatibility

HDMI portable monitors can be connected to your phone using a USB-C to HDMI adapter. This provides compatibility with a wider range of devices.

• Key Features: HDMI portable monitors offer a variety of features, such as built-in speakers, stands, and adjustable brightness.

• Use Cases: Same as USB-C portable monitors.

• Specific Models to Consider: Portable monitors with HDMI input, combined with a suitable USB-C to HDMI adapter.

6. USB-C Hubs: The Ultimate Connectivity Expander

For users who need to connect multiple devices to their phone simultaneously, a USB-C hub is an essential accessory. USB-C hubs expand your phone’s connectivity options, allowing you to connect multiple USB devices, HDMI monitors, and SD cards.

Multi-Port USB-C Hubs: All-in-One Connectivity Solution

Multi-port USB-C hubs offer a variety of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, SD card reader, and Ethernet.

• Key Features: Multi-port USB-C hubs provide a convenient way to connect multiple devices to your phone. Power delivery (PD) is a key feature, allowing you to charge your phone while using the hub.

• Use Cases: Connecting multiple USB devices (keyboard, mouse, external storage), connecting to an external monitor, transferring files from SD cards, and connecting to a wired network.

• Specific Models to Consider: Anker USB C Hub, UGREEN USB C Hub, HyperDrive USB C Hub.

By exploring these six wild applications of your phone’s charging port, you can unlock its hidden potential and transform your smartphone into a versatile and powerful tool. At Make Use Of, we encourage you to experiment and discover new ways to maximize the functionality of your mobile device.