Is it possible to connect a regular USB flash drive to the tablet? Is it possible to connect a flash drive to a tablet?
Is it possible to connect a micro or usb flash drive to an android smartphone via an otg cable? Yes, you can and it’s not difficult, especially if you have Android 4.0, Android 4.4.2 or higher.
Those below, such as Android 2.3, do not support this technology - as far as I remember, it partially began with version 3.1.
Only if you even have Android 6.0, Android 7.0 or even Android 8, then some manufacturers block this, but you can bypass the ban.
Can be connected to an Android smartphone peripheral devices, such as flash drives, external hard drives, mouse and keyboard - but you must have an otg cable with a standard USB for Micro cards memory.
After connecting a flash drive with such a cable, the system should activate a mode through which you can control the connection.
This mode is available on most devices. Only if your smartphone or tablet does not support this function, you can try to activate it manually, but this will require root rights.
What is a USB OTG cable for connecting a flash drive?
This is a cable that has a standard connector micro USB on the one hand and USB input female on the other.
It allows you to connect a regular USB device, for example, a flash drive to the micro USB port on an Android phone.
The cost of such a cable is very small - a typical “Chinese” one can be bought for a trifle and is quite enough for home use.
If you want a branded cable (for example, Samsung), then the costs will increase several times.
How to check whether an Android smartphone supports connecting a USB flash drive via an OTG cable
Most Android phones have built-in OTG cable support, but some have it disabled by default.
To check whether your smartphone or tablet supports this technology, you can use the USB OTG Checker application.
After installing the application, run the appropriate setting for testing.
USB OTG Checker will analyze your device and check if it supports OTG.
How to connect a USB flash drive to Android via an OTG cable
First of all, you must format the USB flash drive to file system FAT32. To do this, connect it to your computer and open the “This PC” window.
If you have important data on a flash drive, then copy it to disk. Click right click mouse to the flash drive and select “Format...”.
In the new window, click “Restore device settings to default”, and then in the “File system” field select “FAT32” and confirm formatting with the “Start” button.
Once the operation is completed, simply connect the flash drive to your smartphone using the OTG cable you purchased.
You will need the following devices, such as a cable, a USB flash drive and an Android phone.
Now insert the flash drive into OTG cable, as shown in the figure below.
Now insert the USB OTG on your android phone as shown in the picture below.
After inserting, you can see that your USB flash drive has connected automatically and see “OTG UDisk installed” in the notification center.
After connecting the flash drive, it should be automatically detected and mounted on the system, after which you can view and copy files using any file manager, for example, Astro File Manager or ES File Explorer.
How to connect a USB flash drive via OTG cable on an unsupported device
If your smartphone or tablet does not work with the cable and does not have built-in support for this mode, there is still a way to activate it yourself, but we need root rights.
After receiving them, install the USB OTG Helper application on your Android phone. It is used for automatic connection flash drives via cable.
USB OTG Helper should start automatically after connecting the device via cable.
The OTG Helper interface will appear on the screen where we can enable (Mount) this feature or disable (Unmount).
After installation, the contents of the flash drive will be displayed on the smartphone, just like a micro memory card connected directly to the microSD card slot.
That's it. It turned out great! If it didn’t work out, it’s bad, but if you describe the problem in the comments, I’ll help you solve it, or rather, we’ll solve it together. Good luck.
It's easy to connect a flash drive to your smartphone. To do this, you just need support for a special protocol and several programs.
Definition of OTG support
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To connect an external drive to mobile device First of all, you need to make sure that your smartphone supports OTG (On-The-Go) technology, which allows you to supply power to an external device via a USB port.
It is worth noting this function implemented only in Android systems starting from version 3.1.
In order to make sure whether your mobile device supports the OTG function or not, you can use a small program called USB OTG Checker.
After the program tests your smartphone, it will display one of two messages.
First- in case of a positive result, implying that the device supports OTG technology.
In this case, you will see the following message on the monitor screen:
If your mobile device does not support the OTG function, you will see the following information window:
In the version with a positive result, you must purchase from trading network a special adapter that allows you to connect an external drive (flash drive) to the Micro USB socket of your mobile device.
Some manufacturers took care of this in advance and equipped their smartphones with a proprietary OTG cable.
If you want to connect several at once external drives or other devices to your smartphone - you will have to use a USB HUB.
Currently, it is quite possible to find a flash drive on sale that has both a USB and a Micro USB plug. It is quite convenient, as it allows you to avoid using an OTG cable.
Connecting a flash drive in OTG mode
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It’s impossible not to talk about such a useful technology as connecting a flash drive in OTG mode. Among its advantages is the fact that it is supported by most devices.
So the user does not have to suffer for a long time trying to connect an external flash drive to the gadget.
With one small cable, you can easily synchronize your existing devices for fast data transfer.
Such an adapter is inexpensive, so anyone can easily purchase and try it. Here are two ways to check for OTG mode:
- Check out the technical specifications provided by the manufacturer.
- Having purchased a suitable device, check its performance in practice.
If the gadget is not able to see the flash drive, we can say that the manufacturer, for his own reasons, deprived the device of such an ability.
VIDEO: How to connect a flash drive (disk) to NTFS via OTG on Android
How to connect a flash drive (disk) to NTFS via OTG on Android
Connecting a flash drive to a smartphone: Four ways (plus bonus)
Connecting a flash drive using USB
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For many modern devices running Android OS, there is a standard micro-USB connector. So connecting a flash drive to a smartphone is very simple.
The flash drive will work on the device if On-The-Go technology is loaded. Manufacturers have been introducing a similar function into the gadget since the latest version.
Typically, modern mobile devices have a micro USB connector, so the user cannot do without USB cable and an adapter for a flash drive.
Most manufacturers include adapters for flash drives. If you don't have it, you'll have to purchase it from a digital store.
If you cannot find a micro connector on the device, then most likely you will need to purchase not only a cable, but also a special adapter.
Of course, this will be quite inconvenient, since to successfully connect an additional device you will have to use several cables. However, this is the only option for connecting a flash drive in this case.
It is also worth mentioning the opening of an additional device. You can cope with this task by downloading one of the file managers.
Often it is already installed by the manufacturer along with a certain set of programs. If file manager missing, you will have to install it.
Regarding Android smartphones- the most common are Total Commander and FX File Explorer. The user can choose the application he likes.
Connecting a USB flash drive to an Android device using StickMount
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If the user has access to a mobile device, then he can automatically install a flash drive with access to it from any file manager.
To do this, you can use the free application StickMount(if you wish, you can use a paid Pro version, which is also available on Google Play).
DownloadAfter connecting the gadget, open StickMount and give this application superuser rights.
After these steps, the user will have access to the files downloaded to the flash drive, which will be located in the corresponding folder in the file manager.
Support for a variety of file systems is affected by the device and its firmware. Most often this is fat or etxt2.
Various file systems from Linux are often used. Be sure to take this into account when connecting a flash drive.
You don't need them to work with them. root rights on the device. It's just that downloading them is paid. Further, they will be discussed in more detail.
USB Media Explorer
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Among the main features of USB Media Explorer (formerly Nexus Media Importer) it is worth highlighting the fact that free memory For user information limited.
But it is capable of quickly streaming the contents of any flash drives that are connected to a USB cable to the device used in the form of conductors.
Please note that this may cause possible problems in the process of applying the add-on on Android 3.x.
For this device to work correctly, you need the following:
- gadget, system controlled Android O. Included in damaged lists similar devices includes Google Nexus 5 and Moto X. It also consists of Galaxy Nexus and Motorola Xoom. Try the free Nexus Motorolla Xoom first if your device is not on this list and is not supported due to hardware limitations.
- You can't do without a USB cable, which costs about $10.
- You will also need a card reader with a built-in memory card. Before connecting an external hard drive or another device, be sure to go to the official website and read the instructions.
Before using NMI without an Internet connection, activate the license.
To do this when the Internet is connected, you just need to launch the installed application.
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Using the Nexus USB OTG File Manager application, you can easily copy files to a storage device that is equipped with the FAT 32 file system. To do this, you need to use a USB port.
As a result, the user will have the opportunity to work with documents, not only in internal memory, but also on a USB gadget.
He will be able to edit the names of various files, as well as add and remove necessary folders.
A similar application was developed by the creators of Nexus products equipped with an On-The-Go port. As an example, we can cite Nexus 5 and 7.
However, this program can work with any other devices, including different versions of Android.
This add-on also has a large number of new features. Yes, it can open necessary files directly from USB and does not transmit data to the Internet.
Thanks to Advanced More, the user has access to all documents from his device.
Advanced users will certainly appreciate this feature. Such an application is the property of Google.
Also, using this application, the user can easily download various modern games for android. They can be downloaded from websites that specialize in games.
Working with this program is a real pleasure and satisfies the user's needs.
Tablet computers are very limited in internal memory. Plus most of them are intentionally unusable microSD memory. It follows from this that many users, and more than once, wondered how to still connect a flash drive to a tablet?
Standard connection methods
Everyone has encountered the need to quickly copy files or move necessary documents, because the tablet is increasingly penetrating our everyday life. It’s hard to imagine a modern person without a touchscreen gadget, because it’s:
- Convenient and practical;
- Everything you need to perform everyday tasks is always at hand;
- Mobile, minimal weight and dimensions are the goal of any manufacturer.
Full size USB
Some touch devices are equipped with a full-size USB connector, which allows you to seamlessly connect any peripherals. In the image below, you can see a Gigabyte tablet running operating system Windows 7.
USB connector
Microsoft's line of tablets, Surface, also features a separate USB port. By the way, many transformers that come with a docking station are also equipped with a functional connector. If the tablet does not see the flash drive, then there are only three possible options:
- Mechanical damage to the port itself;
- Drivers were not installed correctly in the case of Windows OS;
- The flash card has become unusable.
OTG mode
A very useful technology that, fortunately, is supported by many devices. Allows you to eliminate “dancing with a tambourine” when trying to connect an external flash drive to the gadget. This small cord will allow you to easily synchronize both devices for data exchange.
The price of such an adapter is not very high, so every owner can buy and try it. There are two ways to check if your device has OTG mode:
- Study in detail technical specifications– manufacturers indicate this possibility;
- Practice, buy and on personal experience check functionality.
If the tablet does not see the flash drive, alas, we must admit that the manufacturer decided, for its own reasons, to deprive the gadget of this ability.
Non-standard connection methods
Fortunately, the owners tablet computers, methods for connecting external flash cards are not limited to the methods discussed above. This allows you to still configure the devices without spending a little time.
USB-host made easy
This method is suitable for those owners who are faced with the problem of their gadget not supporting OTG mode. Its essence lies in the fact that a USB connector of this type uses a two-way voltage supply: from the tablet and to it. This circuit powers the external device and the device recognizes it.
Double head cable
In order to create a chain yourself, you need to purchase a cord, as in the image. Micro-USB is connected to the touch gadget, USB on the left is connected to the mains via an adapter, and a flash drive is inserted on the right.
Instead of a cord, you can use a USB Hub, but still the main condition for performance this method voltage remains supplied to the external device. If you are still wondering how to connect a flash drive to a tablet, then the methods below are just for you.
By the way, you can even connect hard drives or game joysticks in this simple way.
All kinds of adapters
Some manufacturers, for example, Samsung, categorically refuse to use standard micro-USB in their devices. Instead, they produce tablets with proprietary connectors, which causes a lot of inconvenience for owners.
After all, the cost of such a small adapter is quite high and the manufacturer has good earnings. Users, in turn, have to suffer in search of adapters on the Internet.
Adapter for Asus
Asus, as the progenitor of the Transformers line, is also forced to use a non-standard power connector.
Software barriers
The tablet does not see the memory card even after the manipulations have been done - you should seriously think about software barriers. One of these obstacles may be the inability of the built-in conductor to recognize connected external memory devices. This may be due to a software block or a normal set of circumstances.
USB device detection
StickMount is free application, which, unfortunately, only works with pre-installed root rights. But, practically in 99% of cases it allows you to configure the flash drive to work. Additionally, some kind of file manager must be installed, for example, ES Explorer.
Setting up a flash drive
After installing the applications, connect the flash drive to the tablet and give the utility access to root rights: a few seconds and it’s created separate folder for flash card.
You can take advantage paid programs, which are tailored for specific models devices.
File structure
Now by going through the installed explorer, you can access the files as shown in the image above.
Common Problems
As has already been found out, problems when connecting external memory drives to the tablet can be physical and software. If the first option is, for example:
- Flash card failure;
- Damage to the USB-OTG cable;
- Broken micro-USB connector.
In this case, physical intervention will be required: replacement or repair, each case has its own choice. As a rule, it is very difficult to restore a flash drive; it is easier to buy a new cord, and take the connector to a service center for replacement.
Software problems
Some users believe that by inserting a flash card into the device and you can immediately work with it, as a rule, this is not true. First of all, the drive must be formatted in FAT32, because Android processes data in a very specific way.
You should also check the maximum storage size that the device can support. In this case, only using a less capacious flash drive will help. The problem may also lie in a low version of the Android OS, which does not yet provide modules for working with external devices.
Detailed video instructions
Today, modern devices play a huge role in our lives. We are not talking about computers or laptops, which are already beginning to gradually fade into the background. Smartphones and tablets are portable computers that have almost all the functions of laptops. Unfortunately, these modern devices are not suitable for office work. Typing text on a tablet is quite difficult, let alone on regular phones.
People began to wonder how to connect a flash drive to an Android smartphone or a keyboard, mouse and other useful devices. It turns out it can be done. However, not everyone knows how to connect an additional device to their smartphone. Let's look at this using the example of a regular flash drive. As a rule, this is the device that many people try to connect to their device.
How to connect a flash drive to an Android smartphone
Modern devices running under operating system control Android systems, have a standard microUSB connector. For a USB flash drive to work on your device, it must have USB On-The-Go technology installed. Manufacturers began implementing this feature in Android OS from version 3.1.
As a rule, modern tablets, and especially phones, do not have a USB connector. Therefore, you will need a USB-OTG cable. Some manufacturers include an adapter for a flash drive in the kit; if you don’t have one, you’ll have to buy it at any store that sells digital equipment.
The smartphone does not have a micro-USB connector
If you do not find a microUSB connector on your smartphone, you will need to first purchase a USB-OTG cable and then an adapter for it. Of course, this is quite inconvenient: if you need to connect an additional device, you will have to use several cables. But this the only way, which will allow you to connect a flash drive.
How to view the contents of an external drive
So, we looked at how to connect a flash drive to an Android smartphone. Now we move on to opening an additional device. How to do this? We need to download a file manager. You may already have it, since in some devices the manufacturer installs a certain set of programs. Of course, if you don't have a file manager, you'll have to install it. For smartphones running Android OS, the leading places are occupied by ES File Explorer, FX File Explorer and Total Commander. You can choose the application that you like best.
How to open a flash drive on Android
As we have already found out, we will need After installing it, we can go to this utility and find the flash drive. If you can't find the external device, try entering the file path (/sdcard/usbStorage). After successfully opening the flash drive, you can view, copy and move files just like on a regular computer. Now you know how to connect a flash drive to an Android smartphone and open it, but, unfortunately, problems arise on some devices. Let's look at them and try to find ways to solve them.
Android tablet or smartphone does not see the flash drive
If you have reached this point, then you are having problems connecting the flash drive to your smartphone. This can happen for various reasons. Now we will look at the most common of them.
First. If the file manager should help him. Now there are applications that can eliminate this problem. The most effective program is a paid one, so we will look at a free alternative. Unfortunately, it requires root rights. StickMount works not only with flash drives, but also with other additional devices.
If you have installed the necessary utility, you can connect an external device. When connecting, you must agree to the StickMount rules, after which it will automatically start and see the flash drive. How to find a device? You can go to /sdcard/usbStorage/sda1 in the file manager. Do not forget to properly disconnect additional devices so that there are no problems with them in the future. To do this, go into the program and click on the “Unmount” button.
It is worth noting another high-quality application - Helper, which works on a similar principle.
Second reason. Before installation additional programs and root rights, you should make sure that the problem is not in the flash drive. What is this connected with? Your device simply does not see the flash drive, since it may be configured with a different file system (perhaps NTFS).
Let's say you don't have a laptop or computer: how then to connect an additional device? You need to download Paragon NTFS & HTS+ - an application that supports required format reading text data. Unfortunately, this application requires root access. You can get them using the King Root program. However, you may not be able to obtain superuser rights on all devices. Remember: you do this at your own peril and risk. Because of this application your smartphone may not work correctly. If the device is still under warranty, then you do not need to get root rights, since the warranty will be lost in this case.
Conclusion
So, we looked at how to connect an external flash drive to an Android smartphone, and described some problems associated with the connection. As practice shows, issues arise on older devices. If you have a new device, there should be no problems. To use a flash drive, keyboard, mouse or other applications on your device, you must follow the rules and do everything carefully.
Hello Friends. Today I will share information on how to connect a flash drive to a tablet and how to view, copy or transfer files from a flash drive to a tablet or vice versa. I’ll say right away that not all Android tablets support the ability to connect third-party equipment. This can only be done on devices with Android version 3.1 and higher. It is in this version that the USB host is implemented in software. Besides this opportunity may be limited by your tablet's firmware depending on the manufacturer.
You can check whether a flash drive can be connected in the documentation that comes with the device. This feature is usually called USB OTG or USB Host. You can also check using the program by downloading it from.
This is quite easy to do. Install the program and run it. Now you need to click on Check Device OS on USB OTG.
In the next window we will see the result: either the device supports OTG or not. If the text is on a green background, then it is supported, if it is on a red background, then it is not.
First we need for your tablet. They vary depending on the connector on the tablet (mini USB, micro USB, micro USB 3.0, branded, like Samsung).
We connect the cable to the tablet, and the flash drive to the cable.
In the notification line you will see that the flash drive has been detected and is ready for use.
If the tablet does not see the flash drive, then you need to go to the “Memory” section of the settings and turn on the flash drive. In my case, you need to select “Mount usb storage”. For you, this item may be called differently.
After activating the flash drive, you will see information about it: how much space is on the flash drive and how much is available.
Working with files on a flash drive
In order to view, copy, move or delete files, we need a file manager. If you do not have it installed, then you need to download it from Play Store. I recommend installing ES Explorer - the most popular file manager for Android devices. I had a standard file manager installed on my tablet, and I will use it as an example to show how to work with files.
We launch the file viewer and see that our flash drive is available for viewing and editing files. My flash drive is identified as U disk. Your name may be completely different.
To perform any actions with files, you need to mark or select them. This is done by pressing and holding on the desired file for two seconds, after which a check mark will appear next to the file, which means that the file is selected. Below you will be offered various options for actions: delete, copy, move, send, etc.
When deleting files, a warning will appear whether you really want to delete them. If yes, then confirm the deletion.
To avoid data loss on the flash drive, it must be disconnected before removing it. This can be done in the settings, section “Memory”. In my case, you need to select “Unmount usb storage”, which means disable usb flash drive. Confirm the shutdown and remove the flash drive.
I hope I clearly explained how to connect a USB flash drive to the tablet and how to properly disconnect it. If you have questions, ask them in the comments.