WebUSB API
The WebUSB API is a web standard that allows web apps to communicate directly with USB devices from within a browser, bypassing the need for separate native applications or drivers.
Demo
- Install the app on your computer
- Tap the button below to open a USB device connected to your computer.
- Scroll down to see the code of this demo below.
Purpose
Traditionally, accessing USB devices required installing a native application or driver. The WebUSB API opens the possibility for web apps to interact with hardware devices like microcontrollers, 3D printers, cameras, or other USB peripherals in a safe, controlled way.
How it works
- Device Discovery: The browser can request permission to access a USB device using
navigator.usb.requestDevice(). The user sees a prompt and must approve the device. - Communication: Once access is granted, you can send control commands, read and write data to the device, listen for events from the device.
- Security: The website must explicitly request device access. Access is limited to devices that the user consents to. HTTPS is required for security.
Browser support
The WebUSB API is supported in most Chromium-based browsers (Edge, Chrome, etc) on Android, Windows, and macOS.
API
navigator.usb.requestDevice
Code
Links & Documentation
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