# USB MIDI with Android **URL:** \ **Category:** Tracker\ **Tags:** mini\ **Created:** [September 7, 2023, 7:12am UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880 "2023-09-07T07:12:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![smounteney](https://backstage.polyend.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/71e660/32.png) [@smounteney](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/smounteney)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 7:12am UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/1 "2023-09-07T07:12:25Z")
Hi all. I’m really loving my Tracker Mini, but I can’t for the life of me get a MIDI controller to work with it. I have tried various physical devices and a phone app (MIDI keyboard on Android). I’m going in via the USB C port. I thought USB C to USB C should be simple. I have set the MIDI note input to USB and I have tried turning the Mini on with the USB lead already connected. I have also set the default USB setting to MIDI on my phone. I’m sure it’s just me doing something stupid, so if anyone can point me to something that explains what I need to do in simple language, I would really appreciate it. Alternatively, if anyone can recommend a compact controller that I can put in my bag to use on the go, that would be great - although it would be more convenient to use my Samsung S22 Ultra or my iPad Pro (both of which have USBC sockets). Sorry to pitch straight in with a plea for help - I’m still learning, so don’t have much to contribute at the moment! ---
**Author:** ![Sandroid](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/sandroid/32/172_2.png) [@Sandroid](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/Sandroid)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 8:56am UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/2 "2023-09-07T08:56:53Z")
Is this the Keyboard you were using? > > > Keyboard with real piano sound and MIDI input/output... If so, that’s the one i use, as well. On Android when connecting the Mini via USB-C, it should show up as “Polyend Tracker Mini” in the MIDI Output Destinations. ![image](https://backstage.polyend.com/uploads/default/original/2X/3/322257ac961f1525379dd58840150f6e14b24245.jpeg) If that’s not the case, try a different cable, since the one you are using may just do power delivery and not data. As for MIDI Settings on the Tracker - just make sure that Notes In is set to `USB` or `USB + Midi In jack` and that the Notes In channel is set to `ALL`. ---
**Author:** ![smounteney](https://backstage.polyend.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/71e660/32.png) [@smounteney](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/smounteney)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 4:25pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/3 "2023-09-07T16:25:04Z")
That’s the one! Thank you. I’ll try a different cable, as those are the settings I used. ---
**Author:** ![smounteney](https://backstage.polyend.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/71e660/32.png) [@smounteney](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/smounteney)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 8:46pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/4 "2023-09-07T20:46:10Z")
Unfortunately, I still can’t work it out. The cable seems okay, because Tracker Mini shows in the media output list. However, it doesn’t appear in the MIDI output list in the MIDI keyboard app. I have set MIDI as the default USB configuration in my phone settings. I have tried every conceivable sequence of connecting/disconnecting and restarting. Not sure what else I can try. If it’s an issue with my phone, I’m happy to use any portable keyboard. I just need to be able to play notes in. The problem I’m finding is that every keyboard I can find is powered by USB, which doesn’t work with the Tracker Mini. I guess I must be doing something pretty stupid - I just don’t know what. ---
**Author:** ![Sandroid](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/sandroid/32/172_2.png) [@Sandroid](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/Sandroid)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 9:22pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/5 "2023-09-07T21:22:14Z")
Mine’s actually not set to MIDI. Try to set it to regular Charging or MTP and see if that helps. ---
**Author:** ![smounteney](https://backstage.polyend.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/71e660/32.png) [@smounteney](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/smounteney)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2023, 12:28am UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/6 "2023-09-08T00:28:56Z")
Thanks again - I really do appreciate all your help. I gave that a try and unfortunately it didn’t work. I have now also tried a couple of apps on my iPad. This went a bit better, as they both saw the Tracker in their MIDI out settings, but in each case they effectively just sent audio, rather than MIDI. I’ll have another look at it all tomorrow, I guess. ---
**Author:** ![Sandroid](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/sandroid/32/172_2.png) [@Sandroid](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/Sandroid)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2023, 12:47am UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/7 "2023-09-08T00:47:56Z")
Of course, happy to help if i can. I’m sure we’ll get it to work eventually, darn technology and all 😆 Check this Post here: > [@Sending USB MIDI to Tracker Mini via iPhone](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/sending-usb-midi-to-tracker-mini-via-iphone/4457): > > Trying to recreate Iso’s video on the Polyend Youtube channel of him using the Moog Model D app to input notes on the Tracker Mini. I’ve got an iPhone 11 running iOS 16.6 connected to my mini using the supplied USB A to USB C cable and an Apple lightning to USB3 camera adapter. I’ve also tried connecting straight from phone to mini via a lightning to USB C cable. On the mini I’ve turned it on to receive notes from USB. Neither ways of connecting my phone to the mini will allow me to input MIDI d… There’s some instructions there as well. I’ve managed to get it working with AUM and a Moog App. If there is anything else i can help with, just let me know. 😊 As far as MIDI Keyboards go, the Arturia Minilab is pretty handy, but as you mentioned, USB Power Delivery is not there. But it works well if you use a powerbank and a regular MIDI Jack cable. Definitely not as small and portable as a phone or tablet though 😆 ---
**Author:** ![r.w.tillman](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/r.w.tillman/32/2249_2.png) [@r.w.tillman](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/r.w.tillman)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2023, 8:14pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/8 "2023-09-13T20:14:26Z")
Hi Sandroid, I’m having problems too.I have the Midi Keyboard app installed on my Oneplus 7 pro and the tracker mini shows up on the midi output, but when i select it and OK it I get an error message saying “could not open port:in use or unavailable”. I was going to cancel this comment because it’s working now, but i thought I would just let anyone else getting this problem know that you have to arm the track(highlight orange). Obvious you might think, but hey we are not all whiz kids 😁😁🕶 ---
**Author:** ![Sandroid](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/sandroid/32/172_2.png) [@Sandroid](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/Sandroid)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2023, 8:16pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/9 "2023-09-13T20:16:45Z")
Hey fellow OnePlus 7 user! 😊 I got a 7 as well, but just the regular one. We would have figured that problem out pretty quick i’d say 😆 Thanks for posting the solution to your problem though! ❤ ---
**Author:** ![smounteney](https://backstage.polyend.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/71e660/32.png) [@smounteney](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/smounteney)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2023, 9:49am UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/10 "2023-09-14T09:49:11Z")
Thanks all - I haven’t been arming the track - will see if that helps! ---
**Author:** ![smounteney](https://backstage.polyend.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/71e660/32.png) [@smounteney](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/smounteney)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2023, 10:58pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/11 "2023-09-14T22:58:57Z")
Nothing seems to make any difference. I’m actually wondering if I have a faulty unit. It’s not really much use to me if I have no keys to record live. ---
**Author:** ![Sandroid](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/sandroid/32/172_2.png) [@Sandroid](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/Sandroid)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2023, 11:40pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/12 "2023-09-14T23:40:41Z")
What device are you using and what app? Gimme as much details as possible 😆 This way i can suggest maybe some things you could try. ---
**Author:** ![smounteney](https://backstage.polyend.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/71e660/32.png) [@smounteney](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/smounteney)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2023, 12:08am UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/13 "2023-09-15T00:08:08Z")
Thanks, Sandroid! I’m using the same Android app as you and my phone is a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. I have tried several different leads. This is my preferred choice as I obviously always have it with me. I can’t even get the Mini to show up in this one. I have also tried my iPad Pro (not sure which one, but it’s about 5 years old and has a USB-C, port) along with the Moog app. The mini appears, but MIDI doesn’t work. I did also try a lumi keyboard and another one from our studio last week. Would need to check that one again. ---
**Author:** ![Sandroid](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/sandroid/32/172_2.png) [@Sandroid](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/Sandroid)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2023, 9:53am UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/14 "2023-09-15T09:53:12Z")
Ah sorry @smounteney, you’ve already mentioned the devices. One thing i am curious though, what Firmware is your Mini running on? You should be able to find that info in Config → Firmware. It should be 1.0.0 Build 492. I’m asking this because mine arrived with the wrong Firmware. I’m probably going to record a video today regarding Mini and iOS/Android and all the things i’ve learned so far. ---
**Author:** ![smounteney](https://backstage.polyend.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/71e660/32.png) [@smounteney](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/smounteney)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2023, 3:23pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/15 "2023-09-15T15:23:25Z")
It’s running the same as yours, unfortunately. 🫤 I personally think a video on this subject would be a great idea. Thanks again for your help. ---
**Author:** ![Sandroid](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/sandroid/32/172_2.png) [@Sandroid](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/Sandroid)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2023, 9:17pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/16 "2023-10-02T21:17:56Z")
Some new information has come to my attention, so i’m sharing it here for completeness sake: > [@USB MIDI unavailable (possible host/client issue or Android 13)](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-unavailable-possible-host-client-issue-or-android-13/5675): > > I’ve recently bought a Samsung Galaxy S23 as my aging OnePlus 7 is starting to fail me cry . Seeing as there were multiple reports of USB MIDI connection issues with Android, i obviously went ahead and tested the Galaxy S23 as well and i have some findings to report wink. First off, some details. Oneplus 7: Running Android 12 USB MIDI works fine with a USB 3.2 Typ-C (Gen 2, 10 Gbps) C to C cable Here are the Android US… ---
**Author:** ![smounteney](https://backstage.polyend.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/71e660/32.png) [@smounteney](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/smounteney)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2023, 10:30pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/17 "2023-10-02T22:30:47Z")
Thanks, Sandroid. That explains a lot! I guess we will have to wait and see if there’s a fix, now? Annoyingly I still can’t get my iPad Pro to work, either, but I guess that’s me doing something stupid. ---
**Author:** ![Pizza2047](https://backstage.polyend.com/user_avatar/backstage.polyend.com/pizza2047/32/1827_2.png) [@Pizza2047](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/Pizza2047)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2023, 6:36pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/18 "2023-10-16T18:36:01Z")
I’m hoping to possibly get this issue through to a vote on the wishlist thread. If you’d like to chime in, please do: [Built-in MIDI keys/pads for the Tracker Mini](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/built-in-midi-keys-pads-for-the-tracker-mini/5942) ---
**Author:** ![Twaroshinto](https://backstage.polyend.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/t/e99b99/32.png) [@Twaroshinto](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/Twaroshinto)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2024, 12:35pm UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/19 "2024-01-19T12:35:28Z")
Just to add another voice and some information - I have a similiar issue. I have a Samsung Galaxy A53 5G with Android 14 on board. I use the same keyboard app. When I connect tracker I get some “toast” that it has been connected, but I cannot select is as a input nor output device. What is interesting, it can convey audio signal from this app to trackers line out (I can hear piano in the speakers). Cable also seems to be working fine, since I was able to connect Behringer JT-4000 micro and have a full duplex communication with app. ---
**Author:** ![micahabinadimoses](https://backstage.polyend.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/13edae/32.png) [@micahabinadimoses](https://backstage.polyend.com/u/micahabinadimoses)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 4:48am UTC](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880/20 "2024-04-23T04:48:22Z")
Circling back around from a while ago. Has anyone successfully gotten an android (or windows for that Matter) to recognize and send midi to the Tracker Mini Via usb C? So far I’ve tried multiple items with no luck. (Google pixel 7 pro, various computers and tablets) The only device that’s been able use usb midi successfully was the Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano 201. Really been wanting to use custom keys on my phone. Everything worked fine on my OG tracker [Next page](https://backstage.polyend.com/t/usb-midi-with-android/4880.md?page=2)