You can connect a pendrive to a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone either by plugging in a USB-C drive directly or by connecting a USB-A drive through a USB-OTG adapter. Then use Samsung’s My Files app to find the drive and copy or move files. Support can vary by phone model, drive, and power requirements.
What you need to connect the drive
USB-C pendrive
If your Galaxy phone has a USB-C port, a USB-C pendrive can plug into it directly. A matching connector does not guarantee that every drive will work with every Galaxy model, so check the phone’s storage support if the drive is not detected.
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USB-A pendrive
For a traditional USB-A pendrive and a USB-C Galaxy phone, use a Type-A-to-Type-C USB-OTG adapter. Samsung’s USB flash drive troubleshooting instructions specify this adapter when the drive does not have a USB-C connector.
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- Insert the pendrive into the phone, directly or through the adapter.
- Open My Files on the Galaxy phone.
- Look for USB Storage and tap it to browse the drive.
Samsung documents using My Files to access USB OTG storage. Names and screen layouts can vary by Galaxy model and software version. If a USB notification or USB setting appears, follow the instructions shown for your model. Google’s Files by Google guidance describes USB storage access on Android 7.0 and later as an alternative, but it is not necessary if My Files recognizes the drive.
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C STORAGE ON THE GO: This sleek drive is supported by Samsung NAND flash and is incredibly compact to fit in the palm of your hand; Count on reliable performance and fast transfer speeds while staying compact
- PERFORMANCE WITH SPEED: No need to choose between performance and reliability; Experience a fast, powerful flash drive that transfers 4GB files in just 11 seconds with up to 400MB/s USB 3.2 Gen 1 read speeds and is backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 63,730 photos or maximum 12 hours of 4K video; With up to 256GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Copy or move files between the phone and pendrive
- In My Files, open the location containing the files you want to transfer, such as internal storage or USB Storage.
- Select the file or folder, then choose Copy or Move.
- Browse to the destination, open the folder where you want the files, and confirm the operation.
Use My Files for these transfers; Samsung’s instructions describe copying and moving files through the file manager rather than apps such as Gallery.
Unmount the drive before unplugging it
When the transfer is complete, use My Files’ unmount action for the USB storage, then unplug the pendrive. This reduces the risk of interrupting an active file operation.
Rank #2
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Easily move files off your device, freeing up valuable space so you can store your favorite photos, movies, music, games, and more.
- Say goodbye to emailing photos between devices. Once they’re on your SanDisk Phone Drive, read speeds up to 100MB/s let you transfer files fast. (1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors. USB Type-C port with USB 3.2 Gen 1 support required.)
- AUTOMATIC BACKUP. Automatically back up your latest photos, videos, music, documents, and contacts with the SanDisk Memory Zone app. (Download and installation required. Set up automatic backup within app settings. See official SanDisk website for Memory Zone details.)
- DATA RECOVERY. Recover deleted files with the included RescuePRO Deluxe software.(Registration and download required; terms and conditions apply. See RescuePRO page on SanDisk site.)
- CONVENIENT DESIGN. Attach your drive to your keyring to help keep it secure so you can have storage wherever you are, whenever you need it.
If the phone does not recognize the pendrive
Try these checks in order:
- Remove the pendrive and inspect it for damage. Check the phone’s port for dirt or damage.
- Restart the phone, reconnect the drive, and make sure the connector is fully seated.
- If you are using a USB-A drive with a USB-C phone, try a suitable Type-A-to-Type-C USB-OTG adapter.
- Open My Files and look for USB Storage. If the phone displays a USB notification or setting, follow the instructions for that Galaxy model.
- Check the drive format when relevant. Samsung says external hard drives must use FAT or exFAT to be recognized by Galaxy devices; that guidance should not be treated as a guarantee for every pendrive and phone combination. Formatting erases existing data, so back up the drive before changing its format.
- If it still does not appear, check your exact Galaxy model’s external-storage support and the drive maker’s compatibility guidance.
Power and compatibility can affect recognition
Samsung cautions that some Galaxy models may not support external storage options that draw excessive power. An external hard drive may also need its own power supply. A compact pendrive is a different accessory, but model and accessory compatibility still matter; Samsung does not guarantee every combination.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallSamsung’s USB-C flash drive product information lists Android 4.0 or later as a system requirement and says the drive works with USB-C and USB-A port devices. Those are manufacturer claims for that product, not proof that every Galaxy phone, adapter, format, or software build will work. See Samsung’s USB-C flash drive product page and product data sheet for the specific drive’s details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- USB-C STORAGE ON THE GO: This sleek drive is supported by Samsung NAND flash and is incredibly compact to fit in the palm of your hand; Count on reliable performance and fast transfer speeds while staying compact
- PERFORMANCE WITH SPEED: No need to choose between performance and reliability; Experience a fast, powerful flash drive that transfers 4GB files in just 11 seconds with up to 400MB/s USB 3.2 Gen 1 read speeds and is backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED**: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 127,460 photos or maximum 24 hours of 4K video; With up to 512GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED***: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Rank #4
- 2-in-1 Dual Design: Features both USB-C and USB-A connectors, making it compatible with phones, tablets, MacBooks, PCs, and laptops-no adapter needed
- Wide Compatibility: Works seamlessly with USB A and USB C devices, ensuring reliable file transfers across smartphones, computers, and more
- Ample Storage Options: Available in 16GB/32GB/64GB/128GB providing plenty of space for photos, videos, music, and documents
- Portable & Lightweight: Compact and durable design for travel, school, or daily use-take your files anywhere
- Plug-and-Play Convenience: No software or drivers required; simply insert into USB-C or USB-A ports and start transferring files instantly
Rank #3
- USB-C STORAGE ON THE GO: This sleek drive is supported by Samsung NAND flash and is incredibly compact to fit in the palm of your hand; Count on reliable performance and fast transfer speeds while staying compact
- PERFORMANCE WITH SPEED: No need to choose between performance and reliability; Experience a fast, powerful flash drive that transfers 4GB files in just 11 seconds with up to 400MB/s USB 3.2 Gen 1 read speeds and is backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED**: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 63,730 photos or maximum 12 hours of 4K video; With up to 256GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED***: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
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