It is possible to transfer files from a USB memory with Android. This procedure is carried out through OTG technology, which today is very useful for connecting different devices. If you wonder how to connect a USB memory to a cell phone to transfer files?, then read this article carefully.
What is a USB OTG?
Have you ever wondered what the OTG cable is for? A USB OTG or OTG (On the Go) cable is an instrument used to create a USB 2.0 extension. USB OTG provides greater flexibility to devices that have USB ports when managing connections.
A USB OTG cable allows our cell phone to behave as a master to access other devices. Therefore, it is possible to access the information they contain quickly and easily.
How does a USB OTG work?
A USB OTG works by means of a male microUSB connector and a female USB connector. This cable is electrically powered by the terminal (the mobile device) for optimal performance. Reason why, it is a requirement that your cell phone supports OTG.
How to connect a USB memory to a cell phone to transfer files?
Establishing a connection between a USB memory and a cell phone for file transfer is based on a very simple procedure similar to the process of connecting a mouse to an Android tablet. Next, we present all the steps you must follow to achieve it.
Materials required
In order to connect a USB memory to a cell phone, you need a USB OTG cable, a USB memory (with FAT32 format ) and an Android mobile device compatible with OTG.
Check if your cell phone is OTG compatible
It is essential to know if the Android mobile is compatible with USB OTG. To do this, check your phone’s operating system version. It is important to mention that Android is compatible with OTG from the HoneyComb version. You also need the App “USB OTG Checker” that you will find in Google Play – USB OTG Checker.
Get the USB OTG cable
If your cell phone is OTG compatible, it is time to purchase the USB OTG cable. This device will allow you to connect the pendrive with your cell phone to transfer files. These types of cables have a connector to the mobile phone at one end and a female connector for the USB memory at the other.
It is important that you verify if the end of the USB OTG cable that will connect to the mobile device is USB type C, that is, microUSB. Logically, this will depend on the connector of your cell phone.
Connect the USB memory to the cell phone to transfer files
Connect the USB OTG cable to the pendrive and to the cell phone. If the USB drive has an LED indicator, the LED will light to indicate that it is receiving power. On your cell phone you will see the notification that a USB drive has been inserted, select it so that you can see all the files on the USB memory from the explorer.
With the file explorer of your cell phone you can cut, copy and paste all the files you want to transfer from the USB memory. However, if you prefer to use a different tool to access the information on the pendrive, you can download and install the OTG Explorer App available on Google Play – OTG Explorer App.
Unmount the USB stick
When the file transfer process is finished, it is recommended that you unmount the USB stick properly. For this, go to “Settings” on your cell phone and then to “Storage and USB”. Locate the USB device and select the date icon facing up.
What should I do if my cell phone does not support OTG to connect a USB memory?
If your cell phone is not OTG compatible, don’t worry because there is another viable alternative. In this circumstance, you can use a tool called USB HUB. Connect this instrument to the external power source so that the USB memory can receive the energy that your cell phone will not be able to provide.
Subsequently, connect the female USB end of the USB OTG cable with the USB HUB and the latter the USB memory. The other end of the cable (MicroUSB) will be used to connect your cell phone. Finally, verify that your device has recognized the removable drive.