How to Connect USB Drive to Android Phone to Move Photos & Videos (Best Method)
0The best and most direct method for moving photos and videos from any modern Android phone to a USB drive is by using a USB On-The-Go (OTG) connection and the phone's built-in file manager app.
This method is fast, secure, and requires no computer or internet connection.
Prerequisites
Item Requirement
Android Phone Running Android 7.0 (Nougat) or newer. Most modern phones support OTG.
USB Flash Drive The destination storage device.
OTG Adapter A small adapter that plugs into your phone's charging port and allows you to connect a standard USB drive. (Or use a dual USB-C/USB-A flash drive).
File Manager App Use your phone's default app (e.g., My Files on Samsung, Files on Google Pixel/Motorola, or Files by Google).
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Step-by-Step Guide (The Best Method)
1. Connect the USB Drive via OTG
Prepare the Connection:
If you have a standard USB-A drive: Plug it into the OTG adapter.
If you have a dual USB-C drive: Plug it directly into your phone's charging port.
Connect to Phone: Plug the appropriate end (USB-C or Micro-USB) into your Android phone's charging port.
Confirm Recognition: Your phone should show a notification that the USB drive has been connected (e.g., "USB drive connected" or "Tap to explore").
If you do not see a notification, check your phone's Settings → Storage or Additional Settings to ensure the USB drive is detected. Some older phones may require you to enable an OTG switch.
2. Open the File Manager
Launch: Open your Android device's file manager app (e.g., My Files or Files).
Locate Storage: You will see two main storage locations listed:
Internal Storage (Your phone's memory)
USB Storage (Your connected USB drive, often labeled "OTG" or its brand name)
3. Select and Move the Files
Navigate to Photos: Tap on Internal Storage and find your media.
Camera Photos/Videos: They are typically stored in the DCIM folder → Camera.
Other Media: Check folders like Pictures, Videos, Download, or specific app folders (e.g., WhatsApp → Media).
Select the Files:
Tap and hold on the first photo or video you want to move. Checkboxes will appear.
Select all the other files you wish to transfer.
Choose the Action: Look for the action buttons at the bottom or the three-dot/menu icon:
Select Move (or Cut). Choosing Move is the best option as it copies the files and then automatically deletes them from your phone, freeing up space.
(Choose Copy if you want to keep the original files on your phone as a backup).
4. Paste to the USB Drive
Change Location: Go back to the main file manager menu and tap on your USB Storage device.
Choose Destination Folder: Navigate to a location on the USB drive where you want to save the files. You may want to Create a New Folder (e.g., "Phone Backup").
Paste: Tap the Paste button (or Move here) to start the transfer.
Wait: Do not unplug the drive until the transfer process is complete.
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