Connect Android device to arduino uno via usb

Question

I have an Arduino Uno and need to connect to an Android device.

1) Do I need a USB host shield?

2) Would I be better off in buying a board that has USB host functionality built-in?

3) Is the Android Open Accessory framework really the only software solution for communicating via usb?

Anindo Ghosh · Accepted Answer · 2013-12-20 19:45:57Z

You would need some hardware added to the Uno which supports USB host mode, yes. This could be in the form of a USB host shield or some other USB host module (typically with its own on-board microcontroller)
Yes, definitely. Typically a board which incorporates USB host mode, would also be supported by its tried and tested libraries for implementing the host mode.
Not the only option, but certainly the most updated and perhaps the most convenient. The classic ADB mechanism, predating the introduction of the Android Accessory Development Kit, is still supported. Depending on what the Arduino side of the system is expected to do, this might suffice at least until the ADB support is removed.

Recent devices do require authentication of ADB hosts. It's just (open) software, but additional complexity to add to the embedded implementation. — Chris Stratton, Dec 24 '13 at 14:55

Ufoguy · Answer 2 · 2013-12-24 11:52:06Z

If your Android device supports USB OTG(On the go) you might be able to use the Arduino as a standard USB serial device connected to the android.

My phone can do this I just needed a cheap cable to convert the micro USB to a USB A port.

I used the ArduinoCommander App to test out the connection.

2 Answers