• What do you need to connect a flash drive to your phone? How to connect a flash drive to a smartphone that does not support such capabilities? Methods for connecting a mobile device as a flash drive

    USB OTG File Manager for Nexus allows you to open and copy files from any USB storage device from the file FAT system 32 or NTFS using USB OTG port. You can copy files to any storage device and manage them: edit file names, add directories and delete files.

    You can also manage your files in internal memory devices. The application was developed for Nexus devices that have the "OnTheGo" port. But it is also possible to work on any device with an OTG USB port and Android 4.0+

    Instructions

    • 1. install USB program OTG File Manager.
    • 2. connect the flash drive to your device via an OTG cable.
    • 3. Allow the application to become the default for opening flash drives.
    • 4. press in CONNECT program and wait for connection.
    • 5. using the program...
    • 6. Before exiting the program, press the special shutdown button (see screenshot).

    Add. information

    • 1. When connecting and launching for the first time, allow the application to become the default for opening flash drives.
    • 2. With FAT32 file system, read and write is available. With the NTFS file system, read-only is available.
    • 3. Supports opening files directly from a USB device.
    • 4. the application may offer additional installation for playing Simple music Music Player. Whether to bet or not is up to you. I didn't put it.
    • 5. The application has an Advanced Mode for advanced users. If you are not confident in your actions, then use a normal gun (Normal Mode).
    • 6. The application does not transmit or receive any data from the Internet, which is good.

    Download the application for working with a flash drive - USB OTG File Manager for Nexus on Android you can follow the link below.

    Developer: KyuuDrod
    Platform: Android 4.0 and higher
    Interface language: Russian (RUS)
    Status: Full
    Root: Not needed



    Almost every tablet computer user has encountered the need to transfer information from a flash drive to the device itself. Did everyone succeed? Unfortunately no. Already at the first stage, difficulties often arose. After all, most tablets are not equipped with a usb host connector. On top of that, another trouble often happens - some models refuse to see the flash drive. As a result, a seemingly simple procedure turns out to be difficult to implement. But there is no need to worry. In this article we will tell you how to connect a flash drive to a tablet.

    When using a tablet computer, situations often arise in which you need to use a USB drive. For example, to copy documents for study or work, transfer your favorite music to a flash drive or, conversely, from it. Someone likes to take pictures and therefore periodically has to transfer photos to removable media. Otherwise, the device memory will quickly fill up. There are even users who prefer to watch movies on their tablet directly from a flash drive. Convenient, nothing to say.

    All that remains is to find out how to connect everything correctly. Of course, the easiest way is to use a special adapter - usb otg cable:

    1. One end of it is inserted into the micro-USB port on the tablet. The charger is usually connected to the same connector.
    2. The other end of the cable does not have a plug, but a standard USB host. The flash drive is connected to it.
    3. Have you connected? Now the device should automatically detect the removable drive, if, of course, it supports USB function Host.
    4. However, there are a couple of nuances. Via usb otg you can connect a flash drive only to a tablet with Android OS 3.1 and higher. Also, some devices do not have a micro-USB port, but instead have a wide 30-pin connector. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Tab and many Asus models. Then to paste usb plug otg cable into the device you will need an adapter or a proprietary cord.

    How to open files from a USB drive on a tablet?

    Finally, you managed to complete connecting the flash drive to the tablet. Now you need to understand how to copy information from it (or, conversely, transfer some data to the media itself). Again, there is nothing complicated. You must use a file manager (required for devices with Android OS versions 3, 4 and 5). The most popular options are ASTRO File Manager or ES Explorer. They are downloaded through a regular store.

    The file manager is easy to use. Launch it and look for the folder related to the USB drive. Look, it will contain all the information stored on the flash drive. Typically the data is located here:

    • sdcard/usbStorage/sda1
    • /sdcard/usbStorage/
    • /mnt/sda4/
    • /mnt/usb/system_usb etc.

    If you have a tablet with Android 6.0 or older, then you can do without the help of a file manager (in latest firmware it's built-in):

    1. Go to "Settings".
    2. Open the "Storage and USB Drives" section.
    3. Next, click on “Open”.
    4. A list of files and folders that are stored in the tablet’s memory and on removable media will open. All you need to do is find the section related to the connected flash drive.

    For reference! To transfer information to a flash drive from a Google Nexus tablet file manager not needed. The manufacturer has released a special paid application for this, Nexus Media Importer. You can download it from Google service Play.

    Is it possible to connect a flash drive to a tablet via full-size USB or Wi-Fi?

    Most similar gadgets are not equipped with such a connector. However, there are a few tablet models with a full-size USB port. It allows you to connect a flash drive directly without using additional cables and adapters. For example, given input has:

    • Gigabyte S1080
    • Lenovo IdeaPad MIIX (Lenovo also has other models with a full-size USB port)
    • Acer Iconia Tab W700
    • Acer Iconia Tab A211
    • Prestigio Multipad Visconte A, etc.

    In addition, there are flash drives with Wi-Fi (though there are very few of them). To connect such removable media to the tablet, no cable is required at all. They are connected via a module Wi-Fi connection, which every modern gadget has.

    Why doesn’t the tablet see the USB flash drive and what to do in this situation?

    It also happens that the device does not recognize the removable drive. There are several reasons that cause this problem:

    1. For connectors and ports tablet computers little power is supplied. This is done to save battery power. As a result, devices are simply “physically” unable to read data from some types of flash drives.
    2. Sometimes the tablet does not see the removable drive due to its large capacity. In this case, you should try connecting a flash drive with a smaller memory size. Preferably up to 32 GB.
    3. An incorrect format can also cause the tablet to not recognize the USB drive. After all, the majority similar devices“cooperate” only with those flash drives that have a fat32 file system, not ntfs. Solving the problem is not difficult - just change the format using standard Windows tools or special utilities.
    4. Sometimes the tablet does not see or read the memory card due to software “obstacles”. Therefore, if you have tried all the methods, but the gadget still does not recognize the flash drive, then download and install free program StickMount. In most cases, it helps solve the problem. All you need is root rights and a file manager (the same ES Explorer). In this case, StickMount will create a separate folder for the flash drive.
    5. It also happens that the tablet does not see the USB drive due to its breakdown. Therefore, be sure to check the functionality of the flash drive by connecting it to a PC or laptop.
    6. A faulty usb otg cable is another reason for connection problems. external media information. In this case, all that remains is to change the cord itself.
    7. It cannot be ruled out that the micro-USB connector itself has failed. So, if possible, check the device and its ports at a service center.

    Connecting a flash drive to an Android device is very convenient, because it allows you to store data on it and quickly access it. Often the connection takes place without complications, and modern smartphones immediately detect removable media. However, sometimes unexpected glitches or incompatibilities occur that prevent normal operation. If you encounter any problem and your phone does not see the flash drive, read the article to the end. In it you will find a solution to your problem, which will allow you to view files without hindrance.

    The situations we will consider are relevant for all phones from different manufacturers, but there are a number of limitations, which we will talk about at the beginning.

    The main reasons why the phone does not see the flash drive

    Before we begin to analyze the reasons why a smart device does not see a flash drive via an OTG cable, let’s consider important point- checking the phone's compatibility with USB Flash. In order to power the drive, the smartphone must support a technology called USB On-The-Go. It helps apply current to the media, making it visible and interactable.

    You can verify development support using the USB OTG Checker application, which is included in Play Market. If the program indicates that the smartphone is capable of working with flash drives, then read on, below there will be an example of solutions to problems. If the device does not support external devices, then there is no way to fix it.

    An Android device may not display storage for one of the following reasons:

    • outdated version of the operating system. To work with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, Android 3.1 and higher is required, otherwise the flash drive will be invisible;
    • lack of power to supply the drive through the adapter (you can use an active USB hub, but it is not practical);
    • incorrect connection;
    • the storage capacity exceeds the value that the device can handle;
    • unsupported file system;
    • mechanical damage to the carrier, adapter or connector.

    These are the main reasons that prevent the flash drive from working correctly.

    What to do if the phone does not see the flash drive?

    Now let's talk about each reason in turn to find out how best to eliminate it.

    Reason #1. The connection is not made correctly

    Sometimes users incorrectly connect devices to each other. To avoid mistakes, follow the instructions:

    • make sure that your smartphone can work with portable storage devices;
    • check Android version and compatibility with USB help OTG Checker;
    • insert the wire into the mobile port;
    • insert the second end of the cord into the external flash drive;
    • open any file manager, find there removable disk and work with it.

    If after this there is no result, proceed to the next steps.

    Reason #2. Ignoring storage limit

    Read the instructions. It says whether USB-host is supported or not. If you threw away the documentation, then look for it on the Internet so as not to get confused about how many GB the phone supports.

    Also remember that portable hard drives(HDD) is not supported by all mobile phones, since they require a lot of energy to recharge them. Usually budget models cannot open them and are limited to reading small volumes from flash drives.

    Reason #3. The file system is not supported by the device

    The phones support the FAT file system: exFAT and FAT32. Therefore, if the flash drive is formatted in NTFS, then you need to remount it in order to change files. There are two options, let's consider each separately.

    Reformatting

    Attention! Formatting will permanently delete the data on the media.

    This is done via PC as follows:

    When the utility reports completion, you can insert the flash drive into your phone or tablet.

    Connection through special programs (Root required)

    The second method is not suitable for everyone, since you need Root rights, which are not always easy to install, and not everyone is ready to take this step. However, we will talk about one program. This is StickMount, which can be downloaded from the Play Market, and it will work with most flash drives and allow you to read documents from different file systems. In addition, it even helps to interact with cameras and other equipment.

    Reason #4. Damage to hardware components

    The contacts in the phone socket are not the most reliable, sometimes they break. In this case, the user may not even be aware of the malfunction, since the contacts responsible for transmitting data via OTG are not associated with charging. Therefore, the phone can “power” from the network well, but the drive will not see it. In this case, the road to service center, to replace the connector.

    OTG cables under the braid often break, which is why the smart device cannot see USB flash drive, but replacing them is cheap. To check its functionality, simply connect it to a 100% working mobile phone and see if there is contact.

    A breakdown of the OTG power controller in a smartphone will also not allow it to “see” the media. To check, you will need a voltage meter.

    Attention! If you test the gadget, you will have to sacrifice some unnecessary charging wire. If it is not there, immediately take your mobile phone to the service center.

    Do this:


    If the screen shows less than 5V, then the controller is faulty and you should send the phone in for repair.

    Do not forget that there is another reason - a defective OTG cable, adapter or flash drive. So try other storage and cables if possible.

    On a smartphone you will not find a full-fledged USB port into which you can insert a flash drive. Therefore, connecting a USB flash drive to Android must be done using additional equipment.

    Connecting the drive

    For your phone to see and open devices connected via USB, it must have On-The-Go (OTG) support. The essence of the technology is that the mobile device supplies power to external equipment via a USB connector. The function is implemented in Android 3.1 and higher, so before you try to connect a flash drive to Android, you need to make sure that this is even possible. First of all, check the OS version:

    To make sure there are no problems with the connection, install USB application OTG Checker. This little program will check OTG support and if available, will issue a confirmation. The next step is to purchase a special adapter (equipment cost starts from 100 rubles). The smartphone has a microUSB port; the flash drive physically cannot fit in it. Therefore, you need to expand the port using an OTG adapter, which can be purchased at any mobile equipment store. Some phones, like tablets, come with a “native” OTG cable, so manufacturers also assume that external drives and other USB devices will be connected to their devices.
    The connection procedure itself is extremely simple: one end of the adapter is installed into the microUSB connector on the phone, and into the existing one at the other end USB port flash drive is inserted. Now you can find universal flash drives with USB and microUSB, which do not require an adapter to connect.
    This is still rare, but it is quite possible that over time the ports will become universal, and users will be able to abandon adapters and other additional equipment.

    To open a flash drive on a tablet or smartphone, it is usually enough to have a file manager installed on the device. The flash drive must be formatted in FAT32; data from NTFS cannot be read on Android. This primarily applies to latest models smartphones from Samsung: just connect the flash drive via an OTG adapter and find the drive through any file manager. The data will be located in the /sdcard/usbStorage directory.
    However, the procedure does not always go so smoothly: even if the device supports OTG, the question of how to open a connected flash drive on Android causes difficulties. The problem is that not all mobile devices are automatic mode install external equipment, be it a flash drive, camera or mouse.

    The shortcoming can be eliminated using paid application USB Media Explorer, which allows you to copy music, video photos, documents from flash drives connected to Google smartphones Nexus and other devices with Android 4.0 and higher.
    The application has two drawbacks: it is paid and correct work is guaranteed only on Nexus phones and tablets, although the developers claim support for other devices. Advantages: support file system NTFS, that is, you do not have to format the flash drive to FAT32 before connecting.

    If you don’t want to spend money on an application for copying data, or you basically can’t install USB Media Explorer on your device due to lack of model support, then the only way to access the data recorded on the flash drive is to use superuser rights (root).

    For each model, it is better to look for its own separate instructions for obtaining superuser rights. There are also universal methods, type of use Kingo programs Root, but keep in mind that obtaining root rights is a potentially dangerous operation, as a result of which the mobile device will be removed from warranty. In addition, performing the procedure incorrectly may damage the system.

    If your phone has root rights, you can use free application StickMount to detect a connected flash drive on Android.

    1. Launch StickMount.
    2. Connect the flash drive to your phone.
    3. Set StickMount to open automatically when connected of this drive and give the application root rights.

    You can view and copy the contents of the flash drive after mounting through any file manager. The information will be located in the sdcard/usbStorage directory.

    We told you how you can access a phone or tablet with an operating Android system connect USB gaming peripherals such as a joystick or gamepad, both computer and game console. But the USB port installed in your Android device can work not only with joysticks.

    Maybe you, like us, have had the thought come into your head more than once; “Why can’t you just connect a USB flash drive to your Android phone or tablet and download files directly?” In fact, this can be done, although sometimes this operation and comes with some difficulties. Today we will tell you, dear readers, how to connect a USB flash drive to your mobile device.

    How to connect a flash drive to an Android device via micro-USB

    In the majority modern smartphones and tablets with Android OS, the standard communication port is set micro-USB connector. In order for a phone or tablet to see devices connected to it through this port, it must support the technology USB On-The-Go, abbreviated USB OTG(sometimes you can also find the name USB Host). This technology means that micro USB port is able to supply power to external devices, thus allowing them to be visible in the system. The implementation of this technology is present in the Android operating system from version 3.1 and higher, so if your phone or tablet is not completely old-fashioned, then everything should work as it should.

    If you are not sure about the hardware capabilities of your mobile device, and do not find relevant information in technical documentation to it, you can try installing the USB OTG Checker application on your Android device, available for download at Google Play market.

    Its only function is quick check phone or tablet for support of USB On-The-Go (USB Host) technology.

    The only thing you need to connect a USB flash drive to an Android device is USB adapter cable On-The-Go (USB OTG).

    You can buy it at any computer or mobile store and it is quite inexpensive. Sometimes manufacturers include it in the delivery package of their devices, saving us time and money.

    Insert it with the corresponding end into the micro-USB connector of your mobile device, connect a flash drive to the other end, and the job is done, you can search for files on the flash drive in usb folder storage (sometimes just USB), which will appear among the drives available in the system. It can be accessed using any file manager.

    Unfortunately, not all mobile devices running the Android operating system can work this way. in a simple way. It often happens that you connect a flash drive to micro-USB via an adapter using the above method, but nothing happens. If you are sure that your device supports USB On-The-Go technology, but nothing happens when you connect the flash drive to your phone or tablet via an adapter cable, do not despair.

    This problem occurs because your mobile device does not automatically mount external storage, and he needs help with this. On Google market Play you can find several programs that can do this. The most popular is StickMount, which can be downloaded for free. Latest version programs work with operating system Android 4.0 and higher. The application can work not only with USB flash drives, but also with digital cameras and other similar equipment.

    Please note this application Root access is required! If you have not yet opened root on your mobile device, it's time to do so right now. You can find out how this is done from our database article:

    As soon as you install StickMount on your device, you can connect a USB flash drive via USB cable OTG. When connected, your Android device will show you a pop-up asking if you want to launch StickMount. Agree with this, the program will detect your USB drive and mount it.

    You can find your drive along the path /sdcard/usbStorage/sda1.

    For safe removal flash drive, go back to the program and select the "Unmount" command.

    How to connect a flash drive to an Android device without micro-USB

    Chinese companies, and even famous manufacturers, sometimes sin by installing on their mobile phones and tablets with OS Android non-standard connectors to which you cannot connect a USB On-The-Go adapter cable directly. If you - happy owner just such a device, to use a USB flash drive with it, first you will need to find an appropriate adapter connecting USB connector with a proprietary connector from your manufacturer.

    This can be difficult, since every store around the corner usually does not sell such adapters. But you can always find and order required adapter via the Internet on Western or Chinese trading platforms.

    Otherwise, the algorithm of actions is the same as in the previous section. Connect the flash drive, and if it is not detected right away, try using special program for mounting.

    We hope our article helped you figure out the question “How to connect a flash drive to Android”, and transferring files to your mobile device and back to an external drive has become much easier.

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