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How to Connect a USB Flash Drive to Your Android Device

The more that phones resemble tablets (and the more that the line between tablet and laptop is blurred), the more we use our phones for—well, everything. We can type or read documents, take incredible photos and edit them, and even make spreadsheets or flyers. They are much lighter and smaller than a laptop, which makes it easier to use while waiting in line or commuting on the train.

If you’re storing valuable files on your phone, you’ll need to back up, copy, or transfer those files quickly and easily. While connecting your phone to a computer or else backing up your files wirelessly can achieve this, another alternative is to copy your data to a USB flash drive. This is also a great way to add files to your device, or play movies or music without storing the files on your phone. No Wi-Fi, lengthy data usage, or computer necessary!

Step 1: Buy a Flash Drive

Flash drives are small and thus very portable. Their retail price has dropped significantly over the years. You can now buy a 64GB flash drive for under $15, and a 128GB flash drive for around $25. Be cautious as to what brand of flash drive you buy, if purchasing your flash drive from Amazon, however; a cheap flash drive, if from a lesser-known source, is not always the best choice. SanDisk, Samsung, and Kingston all make good quality products that work efficiently.

Step 2: Buy an OTG (On-the-Go) Cable/Adaptor

Like flash drives, these are now incredibly cheap and tiny. You can likely snag one for $5-$10. When looking for an adaptor/cable to purchase, make sure that the device is a “male” micro USB to USB OTG adaptor. A separate cable and adaptor is usually not necessary; they should now come together, so that you only need one device. Another plus? They now make adaptors that can read both flash drives and SD cards in one device.

Step 3: View or Transfer Files

Now that you have a flash drive and an adaptor to connect your flash drive to your phone, you may need an app that will allow your phone to read the files on your flash drive. File Manager by Flashlight + Clock is a great free app for accomplishing this. It organizes and manages all of your files, from your flash drive and SD card, to internal and cloud storage.

Make sure you download PSafe Total to keep your phone running at its best and protected.

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