It is possible to transfer files from a USB stick with Android. This procedure is carried out through OTG technology, which is very useful today to connect different devices. If you wonder how to connect a USB flash drive to a cell phone to transfer files, then read this article carefully.
How to connect a USB stick to a cell phone to transfer files?
Establishing a connection between a USB flash drive and a cell phone for file transfer is based on a very simple procedure similar to the process of connecting a mouse to an Android tablet. Next, we present all the steps you must follow to achieve it.
Materials required
In order to connect a USB flash drive to a cell phone, you need a USB OTG cable, a USB flash drive (FAT32 formatted), and an OTG-enabled Android mobile device.
Check if your cell phone supports OTG
It is essential to know if the Android mobile supports USB OTG. To do this, check the version of your phone’s operating system. It is important to mention that Android supports OTG since the HoneyComb version. You also need the “USB OTG Checker” App that you will find on Google Play – USB OTG Checker.
Get the USB OTG cable
If your cell phone is compatible with OTG, it is time to purchase the USB OTG cable. This device will allow you to connect the flash drive with your cell phone to transfer files. This type of cable has a mobile connector at one end and a female connector for the USB memory at the other.
It is important that you check if the end of the USB OTG cable that will be connected to the mobile device is USB type C, that is, microUSB. Logically, this will depend on the connector of your cell phone.
Connect the USB memory to the cell phone to transfer files
Connect the USB OTG cable to the flash drive and the cell phone. If the USB drive has an LED indicator, it will turn on to indicate that it is receiving power. On your cell phone you will see the notification that a USB drive has been inserted, select it so that you can see all the files on the USB memory from the explorer.
With the file explorer of your cell phone you can cut, copy and paste all the files that you want to transfer from the USB memory. However, if you prefer to use a different tool to access the pendrive information, you can download and install the OTG Explorer App available on Google Play – OTG Explorer App.
Unmount the USB stick
When the file transfer process is complete, it is recommended that you unmount the USB stick properly. For this, go to “Settings” on your cell phone and then to “Storage and USB”. Locate the USB device and select the up arrow icon.
What should I do if my cell phone does not support OTG to connect a USB memory?
If your cell phone is not compatible with OTG, don’t worry because there is another viable alternative. In this circumstance, you can use a tool called USB HUB. Connect this instrument to the external power supply so that the USB memory can receive the energy that your cell phone will not be able to provide.
Subsequently, connect the USB female end of the USB OTG cable to the USB HUB and to the latter the USB memory. The other end of the cable (MicroUSB) will serve to connect your cell phone. Lastly, verify that your device has recognized the removable drive.
