With increasing reliance on phones, they have turned into portable hard drives that can hold gigabytes of pictures, videos, and documents. However because internal storage is limited, it’s often necessary to get rid of some data to make room.
Therefore, moving files from your Android phone or tablet to a USB flash drive is a simple option. This makes it easy to back up your files and get rid of unnecessary files on your phone. There are several ways to transfer files from your Android phone or tablet to a USB flash drive, which we have explained in this guide.
How to Transfer Files from Android to USB Flash Drive
The ability to transfer files from your Android device to a USB flash drive allows you to easily back up your data and free up space on your phone. Here are some wired and wireless methods for you to use.
Method 1: Use a USB OTG Adapter (Wired)
A USB On-The-Go (OTG) adapter is one of the easiest ways to move things from one device to another. You can connect small USB devices, like flash drives, straight to the charging port on your Android device with this adapter.
What you’ll need.
- A USB OTG adapter (get one with a USB-C connector if your phone has a USB-C type port)
- A USB flash drive.
- A file manager app.
- Connect the USB OTG adapter to your Android device’s charging port.
- Plug in your USB flash drive to the adapter. You will get a notification stating that the flash drive is connected.
- Open the Files app and select the files you want to transfer.
- Tap on Copy to.
- Go to USB storage and tap on Paste.
- Tap on OK at the bottom.
Method 2: Use Files by Google (Wireless)
Many file-sharing apps for Android let you send files to a computer over Wi-Fi if you don’t have a USB OTG adapter on hand or would rather use a wireless method. You can then copy those files to a USB drive.
- Connect your Android device and computer to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the Files app on your Android device.
- Link your USB to the Android device and you’ll see a notification prompt that the USB is connected.
- In the Files app, select the files you want to transfer.
- Tap on the three dots icon on the top right corner and then on Move to.
- Select USB storage from the options and tap on OK.
This wireless method is convenient when you don’t have a USB cable or adapter handy. However, transfer speeds may be slower compared to a wired connection.
Method 3: Use Android Assistant
There are many different Android Assistant apps that you can use to easily transfer your files. Follow the steps mentioned below:
- Install Coolmuster on your computer.
- Open the program and connect your mobile to your computer using a USB cable.
- Now, plug in a USB flash drive in your computer.
- Click on Android Assistant and choose Connect via Wi-Fi at the top right corner.
- Choose the data you want to transfer from the left panel and click on Export.
- Select the USB flash drive from the options, then click on OK.
Method 4: Use a Cloud Storage Service
You can also use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive to easily move files between your Android device and a computer that has a USB drive plugged in. You’ll need to upload items from your phone to the cloud and then download them on your computer.
- Install Google Drive on your phone and sign in with your account.
- Tap the + button to upload files from the device storage and then tap on Upload.
- Once uploaded, connect your USB flash drive to your computer.
- Visit the Google Drive website on your PC and go to the file you want.
- Click on the three dots on the right side of the file name and then click on Download.
- Go to This PC, then click on Downloads on the left panel.
- Right-click on the file you downloaded and copy it.
- Now, go to your USB drive from the left panel and paste the file there.
Method 5: Use Third-Party App
Several third-party apps such as AirDroid, SHAREit, and more can help you to easily transfer your data wirelessly. Just make sure your mobile and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Install AirDroid from the Play Store and Sign Up.
- Go to the AirDroid website on your PC and sign in with the same ID and password you used in your mobile app.
- Click on Files, insert the USB flash drive on your PC, and select the files you want to transfer.
- Click on Download at the top.
- Now, go to This PC and click Downloads on the left panel.
- Copy and paste the files on your USB flash drive.
Also Read: 6 Ways to Transfer Photos from Phone to Laptop Without USB Cable
It can be very helpful to be able to quickly transfer files from your Android device to a USB flash drive, no matter which way you choose.
It clears up the room, backs up your files, and lets you share big files without using the cloud. If you have any queries or suggestions, do let us know in the comments section below.