The modern rhythm of life forces a person to constantly be in touch and interact with a large number of documents. The memory of a portable device is not enough to store all the information, and using the wire is inconvenient. Therefore, external media come to the aid of the owner. Today we’ll figure out how to connect a flash drive to a tablet.
The article is suitable for owners of both famous brands (Asus, Lenovo, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Apple (Ipad), etc.) and budget Chinese (Prestigio Multipad, Digma, Irbis, Huawei, Chuwi, Teclast, Cube, FNF, PiPO , Onda, Colorfly, Ainol, Ramos, Vido, No-name)
Applications for correct operation of OTG
Even when all components are working correctly, it is sometimes impossible to record or reset information. This may be due to Android or iOS security auto-locking. In this case, it is recommended to install an application that will help cope with the situation.
Important! This application works with Android version 3.1 and higher.
StickMount is an application that will help you deal with incorrect performance. StickMount is absolutely free, you can download it from Irbis, Asus, Huawei, Lenovo, Prestigio, Zifro and other Chinese crafts. For the application to function, you need to be “awarded” with superuser rights (root rights).
Before installing the program, you need to connect the drive to the tablet in advance, and during installation you need to confirm superuser rights. During the unpacking process, a special folder will be created in the root of the laptop computer where all the data for the Flash card will be stored. After installing the application and confirming all functions, you can safely use all the capabilities of the connected MicroSD card via an adapter.
For correct data exchange and convenient use, it is recommended to install any file manager (the most popular Total Comander).
How to use SD card as internal memory on Android?
How to replace the phone's internal memory with an external SD card on Android? Configuring your SD card to act as internal storage on Android is essentially a fairly simple process. There is nothing complicated about this and you will see for yourself later.
Please note that your SD card will be formatted during the process. Don't forget to back up your data by temporarily transferring it to the main unit of your phone, desktop computer, laptop or other smart device.
It is possible that the Adoptable Storage function is not supported by your device, even if the smartphone runs Android 6.0 and higher (this can happen, it all depends on the model and brand of the smartphone). The device manufacturer may have disabled this feature. However, there are command line methods that allow you to force the use of a flash drive to store data.
Below are the basic formatting steps.
Place the SD card on your Andro phone >
On the next screen you have one last chance to decide for yourself if you want to change your mind
Don't forget to back up your data; after formatting, the information will disappear without a trace!
- Next, click “Erase and Format” if you want to format the SD drive as internal data storage. You will be notified later if Andro >
Once the formatting process is complete, you can use the removable SD card as a “temporary” or “removable” permanent location. But keep in mind that hot swapping and ejecting will no longer be available as you may have previously done. Therefore, do not remove the flash drive without using the Eject parameter.
In addition, you can practically delete the place accepted by the operating system, which, accordingly, is not recommended, since this can cause certain errors in the operation of the device. Now you know how to make a memory card the main memory on Android.
Programs for working with data
For correct operation and all operations with the card, it is recommended to install a file manager, since a standard adapter often does not have all the necessary capabilities.
QR Code
Total Commander
Developer: C. Ghisler
Price: Free
The most common program is Total Commander. Its advantages:
- free;
- There are versions for both desktop and laptop computers.
- Many plugins such as file transfer via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
The program divides the screen into two parts, one of which is designed to display the contents of the memory card, the second - the tablet. Due to this, fast data transfer and processing is carried out. It will help you copy large files, music, songs, photos, movies and transfer photos to a flash drive. Plus, it is possible to “restart” if the connection is lost.
Standard connection methods
The type of operating system (OS) is not important for the options listed below - the methods are suitable for both Android and iOS.
Recommended reading: How to choose a tablet: comprehensive step-by-step instructions describing key criteria
OTG adapter
A useful technology that allows you to connect flash drives to smartphones and tablets without any problems. With this method, it is enough to connect the adapter first to the flash drive and then to the phone.
Interesting : The average cost of an adapter is around 50-100 hryvnia, so an OTG cable, such as Assmann USB-A to microUSB, will pay for itself from the first use.
You can find out about the presence of OTG mode in your tablet in 2 ways:
- Study the technical passport - usually this information is indicated there.
- Experiencedly - purchase and connect an adapter.
Full size USB
Some tablets, such as the Acer One 10, are equipped with a full USB port through which you can connect peripherals: from flash drives to some printer models. Most often, such a connector is found in transformers, combining the functions of several devices at once.
Worth knowing: What to do if the tablet does not turn on - 2 possible problems and 3 ways to solve them
Double-headed cable (USB-host)
It is suitable for those who have difficulties with the above options for connecting two devices.
Difference between USB-host and two-headed cable
The difference between them is minimal: if a cable can connect only 2 devices, then the host connects several devices at once.
How does the connection happen?
The tablet itself has the ability to supply voltage in both directions. Thus, the electrical circuit is closed, due to which data is transmitted through this cord. The micro-USB side of the cord is connected to the tablet, but the memory card is connected to the USB side.
Connection algorithm:
- Connect the side with micro-USB to the tablet.
- Connect the USB flash drive to the opposite part of the cable.
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Buying a flash drive with a micro-USB connector
The easiest way to view the contents of the memory card, since it already has the necessary connector. There is no need to purchase adapters, because devices such as SANDISK Ultra Dual Drive come immediately with an adapter.
Features of operating systems
When working together, it is extremely important to take into account the characteristics of each device. Most modern developers are trying to create an “ecosystem”, so they add touches that are incompatible with the standards of other manufacturers. For different operating systems you have to install suitable programs. Let's look at the most popular examples.
Android
The Android operating environment is the easiest to use, since initially the creators took the open Linux kernel and adjusted the code to suit the needs and requests of people. For interaction, a cable, a drive and a file manager are enough (otherwise the tablet will not see the connected element). Also, branded adapters from Samsung, Asus or Lenovo, which eliminate the need to use cables or cords, have become very popular at the moment.
Important point! Galaxy Nexus 7 or Nexus 10 cannot use free file programs. To reproduce information correctly, you will have to download and install the Nexus Media Importer application. There is no such problem in the Samsung Galaxy Tab series and others.
Windows
Users of tablets running Windows OS can be called lucky; almost all models come from the factory with a standard USB output, which makes the task extremely easy even for dummies: just insert the drive the right way into a laptop computer. Windows will automatically install the drivers into the system, and you can see the files in Explorer.
In addition, it is possible to connect smartphones, printers, cameras, mice, keyboards and other peripherals to the USB port.
If there are no connectors on the model’s body, you should check the docking station (keyboard) - a USB connector may be built in there. Well, if the connector is nowhere to be found, you should use the step-by-step instructions. You may need to purchase a cable.
iOS
To use two elements together, it is recommended to purchase a cable, one end of which has a Lighting connector, and the other a USB output that connects to a laptop computer. Further, the connection principle is no different from the standard one.
In addition to connecting via cable, it is possible to purchase official adapters from Apple - Leef IBridge or JetDrive Go, which can directly and simultaneously interact with iPads.
The second option is to use an adapter called Lighting to USB Camera Adapter, here is an example.
It will be necessary to install a Jadebreak, but this will immediately void the warranty. Plus, you will need to additionally download the iFile tweak, which will help you bypass all restrictions and make it possible to transfer files directly to the gadget.
What to do with devices running Android KitKat and higher?
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to do this without obtaining Root rights. Google has officially stopped supporting this feature in new versions of the operating system. The fact is that cloud services are becoming more widespread and, as a result, problems with insufficient memory should not arise. But in our country there is no such high-speed Internet as in the USA, and traffic is not cheap, so clouds are not in demand.
Is there any way to make sure that applications are automatically installed on the memory card? As we said above, this is real.
If you have a tablet from one of the Chinese companies, then it probably already has built-in Root rights, but you will have to tinker with other manufacturers. Naturally, in the course of this article we cannot talk about obtaining them, because the process for each gadget is unique - the instructions can only fit into a multi-volume book. But oh well, it doesn't matter.
You can contact a specialist with a request to install Root rights or do it yourself at home. The last option is the most risky; there is a chance to turn your gadget into a so-called “brick” and only be able to restore it in one of the service centers. However, if you have already carried out a similar procedure, there should be no problems. As a last resort, on the Internet you can also find solutions to these same problems. So, go ahead and experiment!
There is one drawback, the SD chip can lag when recording high-definition video.
Android by default installs applications in the internal memory and only occasionally uploads data to the SD card. This way, you are prevented from installing any additional applications if your phone is running low on internal storage space, for example, in the case of budget Android One devices.
Nuances
For any action that involves the interaction of elements with the operating system, there are nuances. Let's look at the most popular ones.
File environment
Most laptop computers operate on the FAT 32 system, while portable media sources operate on NTFS. However, the problem can be solved: you should additionally install the appropriate formatting program or use an already installed one. Especially on Windows 10.
Media capacity limitations
You shouldn’t immediately buy a 512GB-1TB source of information; a flash drive with such a capacity is not suitable for every portable gadget.
Higher voltage required
This problem applies to connections via USB hub and when working with hard drives (2.5 or 3.5 inches). In this case, the system slows down and additional stuttering begins. To solve this, it is recommended to use a suitable 5 volt power supply.
Ports and inputs in tablets
Most tablet computers do not have a connector for connecting a flash drive; there is only the ability to write data to a microSD card, which is inserted either into a separate slot or instead of one of the SIM cards.
Photo source: otzovik.com
The main connectors found on these devices are:
- micro-USB connector, USB-C or mini-USB for charging;
- microSD for memory cards;
- 5 mm Jack for headphones;
- SIM card slot.
Recommendations if all else fails
Situations arise when none of the above methods gave the desired result, but you need to connect gadgets together. In this case, you should use additional methods.
Use a micro-SD card
A simple but effective method that is not suitable for all models (Apple gadgets and devices a priori cannot use an additional memory card); there will be no such problems with Android. Advantages: large volume and no additional cables and cords. You can also copy photos, music from the memory card and view the content on the tablet.
Upload files to the cloud
A convenient way for people who constantly need the same data will do without memory media.
The three most famous services:
- Yandex.Disk
- Google Drive
- DropBox
However, interaction with information storage locations has limitations and is only available when connected to the Internet. And most importantly, don’t forget your password. The most convenient cloud storage scheme is for the product of Apple and Google.
Instructions:
- Open the iCloud or Google Drive website,
- Register,
- Specify the file
- Click download
- If desired, you receive a ready-made link, copy it and forward it to the user.
Send a message on a social network
The option is simpler, has less protection than file hosting services. Suitable for users who are often away from home. It has a significant disadvantage: you cannot edit information online (you will have to download, change and re-upload). You should carefully manage your own profile so that you can access it from all devices.
Using memory cards
Today, few people can imagine their life without tablets. These electronic devices have become cheaper and more powerful, and their storage capacity has become more spacious. The first and most important accessory that a user purchases with a tablet is a memory card. Without a drive, it is impossible to fully use the tablet.
Built-in memory is not always enough. By expanding the memory, the tablet's capabilities increase several times: from now on, the user can install more games and applications from the Play Market or a third-party resource; can record more music on the tablet, more videos.
Many users make mistakes. In order not to make a mistake and purchase a 100% suitable memory card for your tablet, you need to take into account several extremely important points.
Speed classes
Although many drives may look the same, there is an important point that you should always pay attention to.
Attention: when purchasing, pay attention to the speed class of the memory card!
Speed is the most important parameter that you should pay attention to before purchasing a drive. The higher the speed, the faster the tablet will be able to save information, play large video files, etc.
Card classes and their write speed are presented in the table. Please note that read speeds may be higher than advertised, but write speeds are generally always as advertised.
| SD Class | Write speed |
| SD Class 2 | From 2 MB/s and above |
| SD Class 4 | From 4 MB/s |
| SD Class 6 | From 6 MB/s |
| SD Class 10 | From 10 MB/s |
| SD Class 12 | From 12 MB/s |
| SD Class 16 | From 16 MB/s |
Many new users get confused when they come across the “SDHC” designation when choosing a drive for their device. You need to know what the SDHC format is and what advantages it has. SDHC is the next generation of regular SD cards, respectively, MicroSDHC are smaller drives used by most modern tablets. This format supports up to 32 GB, which means you can store more information in the same card size.
Attention: before purchasing, be sure to make sure that the capacity of the card you are purchasing is supported by your tablet!
A common mistake made by users is to buy a card and later find out that the tablet does not support this capacity. Study the characteristics of the tablet before you go to the store to buy a drive!
Non-standard connection methods
There are devices that cannot be paired using any of the above methods. The reason for this is the manufacturer’s refusal to use a standard connector. This occurs in models up to 2014. Then most manufacturers switched to micro-USB, and from 2021 more and more tablets began to implement the new USB-C standard.
Interesting: How to transfer movies, photos and videos from iPad to computer and vice versa: 7 ways
List of adapters and adapters
Most often on the market you can find adapters for old Samsung and Asus devices. In other cases, you will have to spend time finding the necessary components.
No adapters are needed for iPad. Apple produces certified OTG cables that allow you to connect a flash drive without “dancing with a tambourine.” The exception is cases when you need to pair several USB gadgets at once. Then you can’t do without a USB host and adapters from Lightning to Micro USB
It should be taken into account that in 2021, many tablets began to be produced with a USB-C socket, like the Apple iPad 10.2. And if the memory card only has a USB output, then you will need to purchase any of the cables above. For example, an adapter for a tablet from USB-C to micro-USB.
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