How to Use Termux with External Accessories: Keyboards, OTG, and More

Using Termux with external accessories unlocks new levels of productivity and flexibility, transforming your Android device into a more efficient and user-friendly portable Linux environment. While Termux works seamlessly with your phone’s touchscreen, integrating external keyboards, USB drives, and other OTG (On-The-Go) devices can greatly enhance your experience. Whether you’re coding, managing files, or running terminal commands, external accessories make interacting with Termux faster and more comfortable.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of connecting and using external keyboards, USB drives, and other accessories with Termux. You’ll learn how to set up OTG devices, configure key mappings, and mount external storage, allowing you to maximize the capabilities of your Android device. Whether you’re looking to boost productivity or simply make your mobile setup more versatile, this guide will help you leverage the full potential of Termux with external accessories.

Table of Contents

• What You’ll Need
• Step 1: Connecting an External Keyboard to Termux
• Step 2: Configuring Keyboard Shortcuts in Termux
• Step 3: Using OTG Devices for File Management
• Step 4: Using a Mouse in Termux
• Step 5: Optimizing Termux with External Monitors (Optional)
• Conclusion

What You’ll Need

• An Android device with Termux installed
• OTG (On-the-Go) adapter or cable
• External keyboard or other USB accessories (e.g., mouse, USB drives)
• Optional: Bluetooth-enabled devices such as keyboards or mice

Step 1: Connecting an External Keyboard to Termux

Using Termux with external accessories like a keyboard makes typing commands and code significantly faster and more efficient.

1. Wired Keyboard via OTG Adapter:
   • Connect an OTG adapter to your Android device.
   • Plug your wired USB keyboard into the OTG adapter.
   • The Android device should automatically detect the keyboard, allowing you to start typing in Termux.
2. Bluetooth Keyboard:
   • Pair your Bluetooth keyboard through your Android settings (Settings > Bluetooth > Pair new device).
   • Once connected, open Termux and the keyboard will function normally for all command-line operations.

Step 2: Configuring Keyboard Shortcuts in Termux

Enhancing Termux with external accessories, especially keyboards, allows you to configure shortcuts for maximum productivity.

Ctrl and Alt Key Support:

External keyboards often have Ctrl and Alt keys, which are essential for running commands. Termux supports shortcuts like Ctrl + C to cancel commands and Ctrl + Z to suspend processes.

Custom Keybindings:

Customize keyboard shortcuts in Termux by editing the configuration file:

$ nano ~/.termux/termux.properties

Add your preferred key combinations, such as:

extra-keys = [ ['ESC','TAB','CTRL','ALT','LEFT','UP','DOWN','RIGHT'] ]

Save the changes and reload Termux settings:

$ termux-reload-settings

bashCopy code

Step 3: Using OTG Devices for File Management

One of the key advantages of Termux with external accessories is the ability to connect OTG devices, like USB drives, to manage files on your Android device.

Mounting USB Drives:

Plug in a USB drive using the OTG adapter.

Install the termux-usb package:

$ pkg install termux-usb

List available USB devices with:bashCopy code

$ termux-usb -l

Mount the USB drive and access files using basic Linux commands such as cp, mv, or ls.

Managing Files with External Storage:

Grant Termux permission to access external storage with the following command:

$ termux-setup-storage

Once permission is granted, you can access external devices in the /storage directory.

Step 4: Using a Mouse in Termux

Another useful addition when using Termux with external accessories is a mouse, which can help you scroll through long command outputs and interact with text more easily.

1. Connecting a Mouse:
   • Connect a USB mouse via OTG or pair a Bluetooth mouse.
   • The mouse will work in Termux, supporting basic functions like clicking and scrolling.
2. Navigating Text with a Mouse:
   • You can select text in Termux using the mouse, making it easier to copy and paste code or command outputs.

Step 5: Optimizing Termux with External Monitors (Optional)

If you need a desktop-like setup, consider connecting your Android device to an external monitor via USB-C or HDMI. This setup, combined with Termux with external accessories like keyboards and mice, transforms your mobile device into a fully functional Linux workstation.

1. Using Termux on a Large Screen:
   • Connect your Android to an external monitor using an HDMI or USB-C adapter.
   • The Termux interface will scale to fit the larger display, allowing you to work in full-screen mode.

Conclusion

Using Termux with external accessories enhances your terminal experience, offering greater comfort and productivity, especially for developers, students, and IT professionals. By connecting keyboards, OTG devices, and other peripherals, you can transform your Android device into a portable workstation, perfect for coding, file management, or system administration tasks on the go.

This setup is ideal for developers, students, and IT professionals who need a portable Linux terminal. It’s particularly beneficial for students who may not have access to a full laptop but still need a powerful environment for programming and learning.

The Ultimate Guide to Termux: Mastering Automation, Customization, and Development on Android

Whether you’re looking to automate tasks, customize your environment, or develop cutting-edge applications, this guide has you covered. Start mastering Termux now and transform your Android device into a powerhouse of productivity and innovation. Don’t wait—grab your copy and start your journey to becoming a Termux pro!

Get it the Guide Now!