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To transfer selected files from a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet to an external hard drive, connect the drive through a compatible USB OTG cable or adapter, then use the My Files app to copy or move the files to USB Storage. The drive must use a format Galaxy recognizes, and some drives need their own power supply. For a supported-data backup that you may later restore to a Galaxy device, use Smart Switch instead.
Before you connect the drive
- Check OTG support: The direct connection steps apply to compatible Galaxy phones and tablets. Support, ports and included accessories vary by model; some newer phones do not include an OTG adapter. Check your device’s specifications if you are unsure. Samsung explains USB Type-C cables and adapters.
- Match the connectors: Your cable or adapter must fit both the Galaxy charging port and the hard drive. A Type-A-to-Type-C adapter can provide USB OTG for a flash drive, but that does not guarantee compatibility with every phone and hard drive.
- Check the drive format: Samsung says external hard drives must be formatted as FAT or exFAT for Galaxy devices to recognize them. Reformatting a drive can erase its contents, so back up anything important before changing its format. See Samsung’s Smart Switch and external-storage guidance.
- Consider power needs: Some external hard drives require an external power supply. A drive that is not detected, disconnects, or fails during a copy may need more power than the phone connection supplies.
Copy or move files with My Files
Use My Files when you want to choose ordinary files or folders—such as photos, videos and documents—and place them in a specific folder on the drive. Menu labels can vary slightly by software version.
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- Connect the drive to the Galaxy device’s charging port using the compatible OTG cable or adapter.
- If a USB notification appears, tap it and choose Transferring files or MTP if prompted.
- Open My Files and browse to the files or folders in internal storage. Touch and hold one item to select it, then select any additional items you want.
- Tap Copy or Move. Return to the My Files home screen, tap USB Storage, and open the destination folder.
- Tap Move here to complete the operation. If you chose Copy, check that the files appear on the drive before deleting the originals from the phone.
Copy leaves the originals on the phone, which makes it the safer choice when you want a backup. Move removes the items from their original location after the transfer; do not choose it if you need to keep the phone copies.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhen finished, open the options beside the external storage device in My Files and select Unmount before unplugging it. Samsung’s Galaxy file and storage instructions cover connecting storage, file management and safe removal.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Use Smart Switch for a supported-data backup
Smart Switch is for backing up selected supported data to external storage and restoring it through Smart Switch on a Galaxy device. It is not a folder-by-folder alternative to manually copying arbitrary files in My Files; the categories available depend on the connected device and the items you select.
- Connect compatible external storage to the Galaxy device.
- Open Smart Switch, choose the external-storage option, and select USB storage as the backup destination.
- Select the data categories you want and start the backup. If the backup will not fit, deselect some categories and transfer those items later.
- To restore, connect the storage to the receiving Galaxy device and use Smart Switch to restore the backup.
Smart Switch offers external-storage encryption choices in its settings: password, Samsung account, or no encryption. If you encrypt a backup, the receiving device needs the password or access to the relevant Samsung account. See Samsung’s Smart Switch settings guidance for details.
Rank #2
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
If the drive is not detected or a transfer fails
- Check the connection: Confirm that the cable or adapter matches both ports and that the Galaxy model supports USB OTG. Compatibility depends on the exact phone, tablet and drive.
- Check the format: Samsung specifies FAT or exFAT for external hard drives to be recognized by Galaxy devices. Back up existing drive contents before reformatting.
- Check power: If the drive drops offline or a copy fails, connect any power supply the drive requires.
- Check storage and selection: If a Smart Switch backup does not fit, deselect some categories and transfer them later. Available categories depend on the device.
- Unmount before disconnecting: In My Files, use the storage device’s options to select Unmount before unplugging it.
If these checks do not resolve the issue, verify OTG support and connection requirements for the exact Galaxy and drive models. Samsung’s file-management guide also describes locating and managing files on Galaxy devices.
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Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
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