To access a USB drive on a Chromebook, connect it, open the Files app, select the drive in the left column, and open the file you need. When you are finished, select Eject beside the drive in Files before unplugging it.
How to open files from a USB drive
- Connect the USB drive to a compatible port on your Chromebook. If the drive’s connector and Chromebook’s port differ, check their specifications to see whether an adapter is needed.
- Open the Files app.
- Select the external drive in the left column. If it appears, open its folder and find the file you want.
- Double-click the file. ChromeOS can open many file types; if a particular file type is unsupported, try opening it through a web app or cloud service.
- When you are done, select Eject for the drive in Files, then disconnect it physically.
Which USB storage formats can ChromeOS read?
Google lists the following filesystems for external storage connected to Chromebooks:
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- FAT, including FAT16, FAT32, and exFAT
- HFS+, with journaled HFS+ listed as read-only
- ISO9660, read-only
- MTP
- NTFS
- UDF, read-only
These are compatibility guidelines, not a guarantee that every drive, cable, enclosure, partition layout, or ChromeOS version will work. A work or school administrator may also restrict access to some devices or files. See Google’s Chromebook guidance on compatible external devices and filesystems.
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Check the connection and filesystem
Confirm that the drive is connected to a compatible port and that its filesystem is among those Google lists. If connectors do not match, check the specifications of both devices before choosing an adapter.
#1 Best Overall
- 2 in 1: USB C + USB 3.0, 32GB usb c flash drive has dual ports, usb 3.0 port is applied to all devices which have usb 3.0 interface and usb c port is widely used in all Android smartphones with OTG function
- High Speed USB 3.0: Read speed up to 90 MB/s, Write speed up to 30 MB/s, the speed of USB 3.0 interface is faster than USB 2.0, save time to wait, increases work productivity. Note: Speed will be limited if you use the USB key in the USB 2.0 interface
- Large Compatibility: The USB 3.0 Connector is compatible with USB 3.0 & USB 2.0 backward USB 1.1 devices, such as Laptop, Desktop, Car Audio, Tablet, TV, Speakers, Projector. USB-C port is compatible with all Android Smartphones
- Expand Storage: Good performance in storing, transferring and sharing digital data with families, friends, colleagues, customers. It can expand the capacity of smartphone, you can watch movies or share pictures when you go on vacation with your family
- Note: Make sure your smartphone is equipped with OTG function and need to open OTG function in Settings when you plug memory stick, then you can transfer easily data bewteen different devices
Check ChromeOS and try another route to the files
Check for a ChromeOS update. If the drive remains unsupported, connect it to another computer, upload the files to Google Drive or another cloud file system, then open that service on the Chromebook. Google outlines this workaround in its external-device help and file-opening guidance.
If the drive or a partition cannot be mounted
Do not format the drive until you have copied any files you need somewhere else. Formatting erases the data on the storage device. If you have backed up the files and decide to format, open Files, select the storage device, and choose Format. Menu wording can vary by ChromeOS interface version. Google’s external-device instructions explain supported storage and formatting.
Rank #2
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- EASY TO USE & PLUG AND WORK - Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, Compatible with USB2.0 and below.
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If the drive opens but a file will not
A drive can be mounted and working normally even when ChromeOS cannot open one particular file type. Check whether the file type is supported; if it is not, save or upload the file to Google Drive or another web application that can open it. Google provides steps for opening files on a Chromebook.
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USB4 and Thunderbolt accessories have additional compatibility and security conditions; this guidance is for accessories using those standards, not a general limitation on ordinary USB flash drives. Google says both the Chromebook and accessory must support the relevant standard, and Chromebook security can limit which accessories work. If a compatible accessory does not work properly, wait briefly, reconnect it, and review the relevant USB4 or Thunderbolt access setting. See Google’s USB4 and Thunderbolt guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
- 2 in 1: USB C + USB 3.0, 64GB usb c flash drive has dual ports, usb 3.0 port is applied to all devices which have usb 3.0 interface and usb c port is widely used in all Android smartphones with OTG function
- High Speed USB 3.0: Read speed up to 100 MB/s, Write speed up to 30 MB/s, the speed of USB 3.0 interface is faster than USB 2.0, save time to wait, increases work productivity. Note: Speed will be limited if you use the USB key in the USB 2.0 interface
- Large Compatibility: The USB 3.0 Connector is compatible with USB 3.0 & USB 2.0 backward USB 1.1 devices, such as Laptop, Desktop, Car Audio, Tablet, TV, Speakers, Projector. USB-C port is compatible with all Android Smartphones
- Expand Storage: Good performance in storing, transferring and sharing digital data with families, friends, colleagues, customers. It can expand the capacity of smartphone, you can watch movies or share pictures when you go on vacation with your family
- Note: Make sure your smartphone is equipped with OTG function and need to open OTG function in Settings when you plug memory stick, then you can transfer easily data bewteen different devices
Rank #3
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- [Compatibilty and Interface]: Supports Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS. Compatible with USB 2.0 and below. High speed USB 2.0, LED Indicator - Transfer status at a glance.
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- [Warranty Policy]: 12-month warranty, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy, it will be guaranteed for free.
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