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To open a USB flash drive on an Android phone, connect it directly or through a compatible adapter, then use Files by Google to grant access and browse the drive. Google documents this workflow for devices running Android 7.0 (Nougat) or later.
What you need to connect a USB drive
- An Android phone running Android 7.0 (Nougat) or later. Google’s Files by Google instructions set this as the minimum version for accessing USB storage through the described workflow.
- A USB drive and a connector that fits your phone. If the drive’s plug does not match the phone’s port, you may need an OTG adapter. USB-C and Micro-USB adapters are possible options, but compatibility depends on the specific phone and adapter.
- Files by Google, if you want to follow Google’s documented steps. A phone manufacturer’s file manager may use different labels or behave differently.
Before buying an adapter, identify your phone’s port and confirm that the adapter supports data transfer with your device. A connector that physically fits is not, by itself, proof of compatibility.
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Connect the drive and open it
- Connect the USB drive to your phone. Add a compatible OTG adapter if the drive and phone connectors do not match.
- Open Files by Google. If Android displays a “USB available” notification, tap it.
- Select the USB storage device in the prompt and tap “Allow” to grant Files access.
- Browse to “Storage devices” in Files by Google and select the USB drive to view its contents.
If the “USB available” notification does not appear, disconnect the drive and reconnect it, then check Files by Google again. Google’s instructions describe this notification-and-permission flow; other file managers or phone software may present a different workflow.
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Once the drive appears in Files by Google, you can use the app’s file controls to copy or move files between the drive and phone, as well as rename or delete files on USB storage. Choose the intended source and destination carefully: copying leaves the original in place, while moving changes its location. Deleting removes the selected file.
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- USB OTG(On The Go): Plug in and use computer peripherals, such as flash drive, keyboard, hub, mouse and more, makes your USB C devices compatible with USB drives and any other USB devices that support OTG. Not compatible with video output.
- USB 3.0 Super Speed Transfer: Full USB 3.0 super speed data transfer up to 5Gbps, 10x faster than USB 2.0; Transfer files, HD movies and songs to your USB C devices in seconds
- Nylon Tangle-free Design: Tangle-free nylon braided design, premium nylon braided cable adds additional durability and tangle free
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- What you get: We provide this 2 USB C adapters. If you have any questions,we will resolve your issue within 24 hours; Compatible with all USB C devices, Compatible with iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Duo, Samsung Galaxy S26/S25/S24/S23, MacBook Pro/Air, LG G6 G5 V20 and more.
For a transfer from the phone to the USB drive, select the files on the phone, use the app’s copy or move action, and choose the USB drive as the destination. For the reverse direction, start with the files on the USB drive and select a destination on the phone.
If Android does not detect the drive
Reconnect it and check the connection
Remove the drive and connect it again. Make sure each connector is fully seated. If you are using an adapter, verify that it is intended for data transfer and is compatible with your phone; adapter and device behavior can vary. If practical, checking the drive or adapter with another device can help narrow down the issue, but it does not guarantee compatibility with your phone.
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![USB C to USB Adapter [2 Pack],Type-C OTG Cable Type C Male to USB A Female Usb to Usbc-c Adapter Compatible with Macbook Pro/Air iPad Pro 2022 2021 2020, Galaxy S23 S22 Ultra Note 10 S9 S8 (Black)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31xINmpcvYL._SL160_.jpg)
- 【Durable and Reliable】Type-C Adapter shell is made of high-quality material, which is used to dissipate the heat generated during charging and data transmission. It can be used daily and can withstand strong tension.
- 【Super Speed Transfer】Full USB 2.0 ultra high speed data transfer up to 480MB / s, transfer files, HD movies and songs to usb-c devices in seconds. Every detail is guaranteed to ensure the fast transfer of high-definition digital audio and high-definition video signals.
- 【Plug & play 】Plug in and use computer peripherals, such as flash drive, keyboard, hub, mouse and more, makes your USB-C devices compatible with USB drives.
- 【Wide Compatibility】This is a flexible and durable usb-c to usb adapter. Compatible with all USB C devices, Compatible with Samsung Galaxy Note8 S9/S9 Plus S8/S8 Plus, Compatible with New Macbook Pro,LG G6 G5 V20 and other USB Type-C devices.
- 【Customer Service】If anything is wrong or you are not satisfied, please contact us and we will resolve the issue.
Stop if you see a format prompt
Do not format the drive as an initial troubleshooting step. Formatting erases data, so back up any files you need before considering a reformat. A format prompt alone does not establish why the phone cannot read the drive; Google’s reviewed USB-storage instructions do not provide a universal file-system compatibility table for Android devices. Google’s SD-card guidance likewise warns that formatting permanently deletes card data and recommends backing it up first.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchUSB drive access is different from connecting your phone to a computer
When the phone is connected to a computer, the phone—not a flash drive attached to the phone—is the device whose files you are accessing. Google’s Android computer-transfer instructions say to unlock the phone, connect it to the computer, tap the USB notification, and choose “File Transfer.” Then browse the phone using the computer’s interface. On Windows, eject the phone before unplugging it.
Quick Recap
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- OTG Adapter for Android: OTG Cable for Android USB to USB C Android Adapter Replacement for Samsung Galaxy S9/S10/S20/S21/S21+ Note 10/10+/20 Ultra, S23 S22, USB 3.0 Female On The Go
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- 【USBC to USB Adapter - Ease your phone storage pressure!】All of files occupying memory that your life photos, video files, movies can be quick transferred from your Android to usb flash drive. This compact dongle adapter usb c male to usb a 3.0 converter solving your daily worries of insufficient phone memory and mismatched interface. And other usb type c OTG-enabled devices also can be easily connected by the usc to usb adapter, including external keyboards, card readers, mice, cameras.
- 【USB-C Wide Compatibility】This flexible and durable female usb converter to usb c male cable is compatible with all USB C devices, including Samsung Galaxy S25/S24/S23/S22/A16/A15/A14/Note 20 10, iPhone 16/16 Pro/16 Pro Max/16 Plus,15 series, MacBook & iPad and more.
- 【Ultra - Fast Transfer OTG Cable】 With full USB 3.0 ultra high-speed data transfer capabilities of up to 5Gbps(625 MB/s), the OTG dongle usb-c to usb adapter can transfer files, HD movies, and songs to USBC devices in seconds, ensuring the fast and stable transmission of high - definition digital audio and video signals.
- 【Plug and Play - On The Go】 Easily connect computer peripherals such as flash drives, keyboards, hubs, and mice. This usb c male to usb female converter cable makes your USBC devices fully compatible with USB drives. No complicated setup is required; just plug it in and start using.
- 【Durable and Reliable】 The shell of otg adapter for android is crafted from high-quality materials, effectively dissipating the heat generated during data transmission. It is sturdy for daily use and can withstand strong tension.
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- What You Get: We provide 2 JXMOX USB C (Male) to USB 3.0 (Female) adapter. During the use of our products, if you have any questions or dissatisfaction, please contact our customer support team, we will serve you wholeheartedly
- Data Sync And Charge: By supporting USB 3.0 and OTG, this adapter allows USB-C equipped smartphones and tablets to read from removable media as the host, offering data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbps between connected devices. It also supports up to 2.4 Amps of power output for charging your devices
- Reversible Design: Smaller, smarter and more convenient! Low-profile connector with a reversible design simplifies the connection; Plug and unplug easily without checking for the connector orientation
- Compatible With All: This USB C to USB adapter is compatible with ANY laptop, tablet, or smartphone with a USB Type-C port. The USB-C to USB Adapter lets you connect standard USB accessories and cables to a USB-C or Thunderbolt 4/3 device such as MacBook Pro 2019 2018 2017 2016, MacBook Air 2020 2019 2018, iPad Pro 2020 2018, iPad Air 4, iPhone 16 16 Plus 16 Pro 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 15 Plus 15 Pro 15 Pro Max, Chromebook, Pixelbook, Microsoft Surface Go, Samsung Galaxy S23 S22 S21 S20 Ultra 10 9 8 Plus, Note 20 10 Ultra 9 8 Plus
- Convert USB-A Devices: Use the adapter to connect any USB-A peripheral (flash drives, keyboards, mice) that you have on hand to your new USB-C enabled devices. The reinforced USB Type-C connector features a symmetrical design which allows it to be easily connected on the first try
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