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UBS PERIPHERALS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING.

UBS peripherals are not functioning.

Comprehensive Analysis of USB Peripheral Malfunctions on Custom GSI ROMs

When a user installs a Custom GSI (Generic System Image) ROM, such as EvolutionX, on a high-end Samsung device like the Galaxy S22, the expectation is a blend of stock Android purity and enhanced customization. However, encountering a critical failure where USB peripherals—specifically an external mouse or keyboard—are not recognized by the system can render the device nearly unusable, particularly in scenarios involving a defective primary display. We understand the gravity of this situation. Without a functioning cursor control method, navigating the device to rectify software errors or perform a backup becomes an insurmountable task.

This issue is not merely a software bug but a complex interplay between the generic nature of GSI ROMs, the specific hardware abstraction layers required by Samsung’s hardware, and the underlying Linux kernel drivers. The Galaxy S22, codenamed “Parker,” utilizes a specific USB-C controller and hardware map that differs significantly from the generic reference implementations found in standard AOSP builds. Our objective is to provide a technical, step-by-step methodology to diagnose and resolve the lack of USB OTG (On-The-Go) functionality and peripheral recognition on a Galaxy S22 running EvolutionX GSI.

Understanding the Root Cause: Treble, Vendor Partitions, and Kernel Compatibility

To effectively troubleshoot this issue, one must first understand the architectural limitations of GSIs. The Project Treble initiative separated the Android operating system framework from the vendor-specific hardware implementation. While this allows GSIs to be “generic,” the “generic” nature is often a misnomer. The GSI relies heavily on the Vendor Security Patch (VSP) and the HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) implementations stored on the device’s vendor partition.

The HAL Interface Mismatch

The absence of mouse functionality suggests a failure in the Input HAL or the USB HAL. In a stock Samsung ROM, these HALs are highly customized to interface with Samsung’s specific driver stack. When flashing a GSI, the system partition is replaced, but the vendor partition remains intact. If the GSI’s system image expects a different version of the HAL interface than what is present on the vendor partition, the service responsible for enumerating USB devices will crash or fail to start. This results in the kernel detecting the physical connection (via dmesg logs) but the Android framework failing to create the necessary input nodes.

Kernel-Level Driver Support

Furthermore, the Linux kernel shipped with the stock firmware must contain the necessary modules for USB host mode operation. Often, custom ROMs or GSIs may attempt to load kernel modules that are incompatible with the stock kernel, or they may rely on a kernel that lacks specific patches for the Samsung USB controller. If the kernel cannot properly communicate with the USB controller in Host Mode, no power or data negotiation will occur, leaving the mouse unpowered and unrecognized.

Preliminary Diagnostics: Establishing ADB Access

Since the screen is defective, visual feedback is likely limited or non-existent. Therefore, the first and most critical step is to establish a reliable ADB (Android Debug Bridge) connection. This is our gateway to issuing commands that can force the USB controller into the correct mode or debug the input subsystem.

Enabling USB Debugging Blindly

If USB Debugging was not enabled prior to the screen failure, the path forward is significantly more difficult. However, if it was enabled, we can attempt to connect the device to a PC. If the touch input is partially functional, we can attempt to navigate the “Developer Options” menu blindly to toggle “USB Debugging” if it is off.

Verifying Connection via ADB

Once connected to a PC with the necessary drivers installed, open a terminal or command prompt and execute: adb devices If the device is listed, we have a lifeline. If not, try different USB ports (preferably USB 2.0 ports on the rear of a motherboard for stability) and ensure the cable is a data-capable cable, not just a charging cable. If the device shows up as unauthorized, we are stuck unless you can blindly accept the RSA key prompt, which is risky with a defective screen.

Utilizing VNC or Scrcpy for Visual Feedback

If ADB is functional but the screen is black, we can attempt to mirror the display. However, this usually requires enabling “USB Debugging (Security Settings)” to allow input simulation via scrcpy. If visual output is completely dead, scrcpy may not work. In this case, we focus entirely on command-line interface (CLI) navigation via ADB shell.

Advanced Solutions: Forcing OTG Mode and Kernel Parameters

Once ADB access is secured, we can begin the surgical process of forcing the USB controller into Host Mode. By default, Android devices act as USB peripherals (slave devices). When you plug in a mouse, the device must switch to Host Mode to recognize the mouse as the master.

Manually Enabling USB Host Mode

We can attempt to manually toggle the USB host mode via the setprop command or by directly manipulating sysfs nodes. Connect to the ADB shell: adb shell Then, attempt to change the USB configuration: setprop sys.usb.config mtp,adb Sometimes, toggling the USB state forces the hardware to re-initialize the drivers. You can also try: setprop persist.sys.usb.config mtp,adb

Manipulating the USB Controller via Sysfs

The Linux kernel exposes hardware controls via the /sys directory. We can attempt to manually bind the USB driver to the hardware. Navigate to the USB controller directory (this varies by SoC, but for Samsung Exynos, it is often under /sys/class/typec/ or /sys/devices/platform/). We need to force the Data Role to “host”. We can try writing to the role file: echo host > /sys/class/typec/typec0/data_role If the directory typec0 does not exist, look for usb1 or similar under /sys/devices/platform/. This command forces the hardware switch to act as a host, potentially bypassing a misconfigured software HAL.

Checking Kernel Modules (If Rooted)

If the device is rooted (which is likely if a GSI is installed), we can check if the necessary kernel modules for USB storage and input are loaded. Run: lsmod | grep usb Look for modules like usbhid, hid_generic, or xhci_hcd. If they are missing, the kernel does not support the peripheral. We can try to load them manually: modprobe usbhid modprobe hid_generic If these commands return “module not found,” the kernel is missing these drivers, and the only solution is to flash a custom kernel that includes these modules or to flash a “Patched Vendor Image” that matches the GSI’s requirements.

The “Screen Mirror” Solution: Using External Display via USB-C

Since the primary issue is a defective screen, a hardware-based workaround might be the most reliable solution if the software fixes fail. The Galaxy S22 supports DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C. This allows you to output the device’s video signal to an external monitor or TV.

Setting Up a Desktop Environment

  1. Purchase a high-quality USB-C to HDMI adapter with Power Delivery (PD) passthrough.
  2. Connect the Galaxy S22 to the adapter.
  3. Connect an external monitor/TV to the HDMI port.
  4. Connect a standard USB mouse and keyboard into the USB-A ports on the adapter.
  5. Connect a charger to the PD port of the adapter to keep the phone charged.

If the GSI supports DisplayPort Alt Mode (most GSIs do, as it is a standard part of Treble), the external monitor should light up, showing the Android interface. You will now have a fully functional desktop environment where you can control the phone using the external mouse and keyboard. This bypasses the defective touchscreen entirely and often triggers the USB host drivers correctly because the system detects a “docking” event.

Dex and GSI Compatibility

While EvolutionX GSI may not officially support Samsung Dex, the underlying kernel drivers for video out are usually present. If the external display does not turn on, try disconnecting and reconnecting the cable while the phone is booting. This “handshake” sequence can sometimes trick the driver into initializing the video output pipeline.

Modifying the GSI and Vendor Partition for Compatibility

If the external display method is not an option, we must look deeper into the software mismatch. The most common reason for USB peripherals failing on GSIs is a Vendor Security Patch (VSP) mismatch. Samsung updates the VSP with every OneUI update. If you are running a newer Samsung firmware base (e.g., OneUI 6.0) but flash a GSI designed for older VSPs, the HALs will crash.

Flashing a PIMG (Patched Image)

To resolve this, we often need to flash a “PIMG” or “Patched Image” to the vendor or vendor_dlkm partition. This image contains the bare minimum vendor drivers stripped of the heavy Samsung framework, allowing the GSI to interface with the hardware correctly.

  1. Identify the VSP version of your current Samsung firmware (e.g., January 2024, February 2024).
  2. Search for a “PIMG” file specifically for the Galaxy S22 (p3s, p3q, or p3s-p3q) that matches your VSP.
  3. Flash this image using fastboot: fastboot flash vendor_dlkm pimg.img (Note: Partition names vary; use fastboot getvar all to check).
  4. This replaces the kernel modules for USB and Input with generic ones that the GSI can understand.

The “Slim” Vendor Method

Another advanced technique is the “Slim Vendor” method. This involves flashing a minimal vendor image that contains only the necessary firmware blobs (/vendor/firmware) and kernel modules (/vendor/lib/modules), removing the Samsung framework entirely. This creates a clean environment for the GSI to query hardware features without conflicts.

Troubleshooting the EvolutionX Specific Configuration

EvolutionX is a feature-rich ROM. It is possible that a specific feature within the ROM is interfering with the USB Input Device class.

Checking USB Tethering and ADB Defaults

Sometimes, the default USB configuration is set to “Charging Only” or “File Transfer” (MTP) rather than “No Data Transfer.” Even if the mouse is connected, if the USB port is busy negotiating a different protocol, the HID (Human Interface Device) driver might not load.

  1. Access the device via ADB.
  2. Go to Settings > System > Developer Options.
  3. Look for “Select USB Configuration.”
  4. Change this to “MTP (Media Transfer Protocol)” or “RNDIS (USB Ethernet).” Sometimes, forcing the device to switch modes via ADB shell: adb shell settings put global usb_default_configuration 1 can reset the USB stack.

Discharging Residual Static

This is a physical troubleshooting step that often works on Samsung devices. A residual charge in the USB controller can cause it to lock up in a specific mode.

  1. Turn the phone off (via ADB command adb reboot shutdown or holding Power + Volume Down if responsive).
  2. Plug the device into a charger.
  3. Once the charging animation appears (or if the screen is black, wait 1 minute), unplug the charger.
  4. Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously for 10-15 seconds. This is known as a “force restart” or “soft reset” on Samsung devices.
  5. This dumps the USB controller’s cache and forces a full re-enumeration of hardware on the next boot.

Leveraging Magisk Modules for USB Host Fix

If you have root access via Magisk, the Magisk Modules Repository is an invaluable resource. There are specific modules designed to fix OTG and USB Host issues on GSIs.

  1. USB Host Fixer: Some modules are specifically coded to patch the init.rc files to ensure the usbd service starts correctly and mounts the necessary sysfs nodes.
  2. Vendor Manifest Overlay: Modules that inject the correct manifest entries for the USB HAL into the system. If the GSI is missing the manifest declaration for the Samsung USB controller, the service won’t start. A Magisk module can overlay this missing configuration without touching the system partition.

To install these, you would typically use a custom recovery (TWRP) or the Magisk app itself. Given your screen is defective, pushing a Magisk zip via ADB and installing it via recovery mode (accessed by Volume Up + Power + USB connected to PC) is the most viable route. adb push magisk_module.zip /sdcard/Download/ adb shell twrp install /sdcard/Download/magisk_module.zip

Reverting to Stock: The Last Resort

If all else fails, and you absolutely require the device to function as a primary tool, the stability of the Stock ROM with Samsung Dex is the superior option for using peripherals with a defective screen.

Flashing Stock Firmware via Odin

  1. Download the latest stock firmware for your specific model (SM-S901B/U/E/W, etc.) from a reliable source like SamMobile or SamFw.
  2. Extract the firmware file to get the .tar.md5 files.
  3. Boot the Galaxy S22 into Download Mode: Connect the USB cable to the PC and the phone, then press and hold Volume Up + Volume Down. When the warning screen appears (or via audio cues if the screen is dead), press Volume Up to continue.
  4. Open Odin on the PC.
  5. Load the firmware files into their respective slots (BL, AP, CP, CSC).
  6. Click Start.

Once the stock firmware is flashed, the device will reboot. Upon first boot, connect the USB-C to HDMI adapter with a mouse and keyboard. Samsung Dex will launch automatically or can be triggered via the notification shade (which you can now see on the external monitor). This restores full peripheral functionality in a stable, manufacturer-supported environment.

Conclusion

Resolving UBS peripherals not functioning on a Galaxy S22 running EvolutionX GSI requires a methodical approach that bridges hardware capabilities with software configurations. We prioritize establishing ADB access to bypass the defective screen, then attempt to force USB Host Mode via command-line utilities. If software manipulation fails, utilizing a USB-C to HDMI adapter provides a hardware-based workaround that restores visual interface and input capability. For long-term stability, ensuring the GSI’s VSP matches the device’s firmware or utilizing Magisk modules to patch USB HAL inconsistencies is the key to maintaining peripheral support on a custom Android installation.

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