Where is the USB drive in the phone? Connect your Android phone to your computer as a USB flash drive


Modern Android devices have many hidden functions, unknown to the average user. Among such examples is the possibility of using a phone or tablet with Android OS as a flash drive. The process of editing files, transferring from the device, and recording becomes easier necessary information. To connect your Android as a USB flash drive, there are several methods given in our article.

To determine the sequence of actions, you must take into account the version of Android you are using. To determine information, on the gadget you need to find the “Settings” item, in which (usually at the very bottom of the menu) information about the device is located. Section contains specifications, certifications, information about the Android version used.

How to connect Android as a flash drive with version up to 4.0:

  1. Using a USB cable, connect your device to the computer.
  2. It takes a little time to recognize the device; you should not perform any manipulations with the phone (tablet) during the process.
  3. A USB connection icon will appear on the gadget’s screen and may offer a choice of connecting as a media device. We have no use for these functions now.
  4. If the PC stubbornly does not “see” the device, it is necessary to debug it manually. To do this, in the “Settings” menu you need to find the “Applications” item. In it we also find the “For Developer” section, after which we select the “USB debugging” button from the list. After this procedure, there are usually no more problems with connection.

More modern devices with Android version 4.0 and higher are connected via to the previous algorithm. The only difference is that if connection is impossible, debugging is carried out in the “Settings” section, where the “Memory” item is selected. Here is the “Settings” category, in which the USB connection is debugged. IN in this case you need to select the device to work as a media device.

How to choose usb android connection mode

On new versions operating system Android capabilities of this function are slightly expanded. When connecting to a computer, a notification window usually automatically pops up on the device screen, allowing you to select the connection mode.

Android as a flash drive operates in the following modes:

  • “MTP” - exchange of a removable device and a PC with any type of data, video and media files.
  • "RTR" - moving photos and videos if such a function was impossible in the "MTP" mode.
  • Only the device is charged.

New models of Android phones and tablets are better adapted to connecting via a computer, including via Bluetooth. Usually problems arise with outdated models. If, after all possible manipulations, the computer still fails to establish a connection with the gadget, you may need the help of a specialist, including an “examination” of both devices.

Setting up a USB connection

When connecting to a PC, the data transfer mode is usually automatically selected. To prevent this from happening, and to ensure that the phone itself works like a flash drive, you need to make the following settings.

How to switch flash drive mode on Android:

  1. In the main menu on the phone, select the “NGastroyki” item.
  2. IN different models adjustment may be in different folders, so we are looking for the name “SD Card” or similar.
  3. Next, select the “Connect SD card” command.
  4. After that, after USB cable connect the device to the computer.
  5. After the manipulations have been completed, the computer will automatically recognize the phone as a flash drive.

Disabling the phone from this mode is much easier. To do this, lower the “curtain” top menu and find an icon indicating that the device is working as a flash drive. To stop this option, just click on the signal icon, after which the connection will proceed as normal.

If you have connection problems

As mentioned earlier, modern devices are usually easily recognized by the system and do not require installation additional programs and drivers. However, you can often encounter different situations when the connection cannot be established by for unknown reasons. Provide for everything possible solutions problems are extremely difficult, but the information provided can help.

Types of connection problems and methods for solving them:

  • On Android it is difficult to find the location of the memory card. To make your search easier, you can download special application according to the type of ES conductor. With its help, the CD card can be easily displayed, and connecting to the computer will become much easier.
  • In some cases, it helps to change the USB port, cable, or restart the device and/or computer. Such manipulations are solved by non-critical systemic problems and provide good connection when connected.
  • If the computer stops seeing the device after updating or installing new software, this may be the problem. The same rule applies to the telephone. Some applications may make it difficult to synchronize devices, so be sure to disable running programs, as well as Internet messages.
  • Factory reset from pre-saving data can also help solve the problem. Please note that in some cases it is impossible to resolve connection failures on your own, so you have to contact a service center.

Few of the owners modern devices knows that it can easily connect Android as a flash drive, saving time when transferring data. In addition, this function makes it possible to install necessary programs to your tablet or phone without using wireless connections. The features and algorithm of this procedure are discussed in detail in our information.

It would seem that connecting an Android device to a computer is not difficult at all. I connected it with a USB to mini USB cable and everything should work. But this doesn't always happen. Sometimes required additional actions. Let's talk about them further.

Let's begin with different versions Android differs slightly in the way they connect the device to a computer as storage. Don't know your version? Go to settings, look for the menu item “About phone”, “About tablet” or “About device”. The version of your gadget is listed there. Next, proceed according to the instructions prescribed for your version of Android.

Android 2.1 – 2.3.7

  • Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable
  • Wait until the computer detects the device. If the computer detected your phone or tablet, skip the next step. Otherwise, follow the next step of the instructions
  • Disconnect your device from your PC. Go to Settings -> Applications -> For Developer -> USB Debugging. Press the button to enable USB debugging mode. Connect your device to your PC.
  • Once the device has been recognized by the computer, a USB icon will appear in the status bar. Pull the status bar down with your finger, tap “USB Connection”
  • If you are given a choice between the options “Connect as a media device (MTP)” and “Connect as a camera (PTP)”, select the first option
  • Ready! Green icon Android turns orange, and on the PC your device appears as a data storage (removable disk with an assigned letter)

Android 4.0 – 4.2

As a rule, in these versions of Android, the device is recognized automatically after connection. If this does not happen, follow these steps:

  • Connect your gadget to your PC via USB
  • Select Settings -> Storage -> USB Connection Settings
  • Of the two options offered (connect as a media device/as a camera), select the first one. Ready! Device connected as storage

Now you know how to enable a USB drive on Android of any version.

How to Clean Android Internal Storage

Clogged internal memory of a phone or tablet is a problem that any user faces sooner or later. Once you have connected to your PC via USB, you will see convenient way solve it. Here is a short list of steps you can take to clean up internal storage Android devices by connecting to a PC.

  • Transfer your photos and videos to your PC. Just drag them into the desired folder PC and delete from phone
  • Check your Download folder. As a rule, a lot of unnecessary downloaded files accumulate there. Delete them and transfer the ones you need to your PC
  • You can also save some data directly from applications to your PC. For example, you can archive all your SMS and save them on your computer

By connecting your Android device to your PC as storage, you can easily exchange information between devices, as well as conveniently clean internal memory your gadget.

Bulky USB connectors are not entirely suitable for compact smartphones. But this does not mean that flash drives cannot be connected to them. Agree that this can be very convenient in many situations, especially when the phone does not support the use of MicroSD. We invite you to consider all options for connecting a USB flash drive to gadgets with micro-USB connectors.

First, you need to find out whether your smartphone supports OTG technology. This means that the micro-USB port can supply power to external devices and ensure their visibility in the system. This technology has begun to be implemented on devices with Android 3.1 and higher.

Information about OTG support can be found in the documentation for your smartphone or simply use the Internet. To be completely sure, download USB application OTG Checker, the purpose of which is to check the device for support for OTG technology. Just press the button "Check Device OS on USB OTG".

If the check is for OTG support was successful, you will see a picture as shown below.


And if not, you will see this.


Now you can consider options for connecting a flash drive to a smartphone, we will consider the following:

  • using an OTG cable;
  • using an adapter;
  • using a USB OTG flash drive.

For iOS, there is one way - using special flash drives with a Lightning connector for iPhone.

Interesting: in some cases you can connect other devices, for example: mouse, keyboard, joystick, etc.

Method 1: Using an OTG cable

The most common way to connect a flash drive to mobile devices involves using a special adapter cable, which can be purchased at any point of sale. mobile devices. Some manufacturers include such cables with smartphones and tablets.

On one side, the OTG cable has a standard USB connector, on the other, a micro-USB plug. It’s easy to guess what to insert and where.


If the flash drive has indicator lights, then you can determine from them that the power supply has started. A notification about the connected media may also appear on the smartphone itself, but not always.

The contents of the flash drive can be found along the path

/sdcard/usbStorage/sda1

To do this, use any file manager.

Method 2: Using an adapter

Recently, small adapters from USB to micro-USB have begun to appear on sale. This small device On one side there is a micro-USB output, on the other there are contacts for USB. Just insert the adapter into the flash drive interface, and you can connect it to your mobile device.

Method 3: Using a flash drive with an OTG connector

If you intend to connect the drive frequently, then the easiest option is to purchase a USB OTG flash drive. This storage medium has two ports at the same time: USB and micro-USB. It's convenient and practical.


Today, USB OTG flash drives can be found almost everywhere they are sold. regular drives. At the same time, in terms of price they are not much more expensive.

Method 4: Flash drives for iPhone

There are several special media for iPhones. Transcend has developed removable storage JetDrive Go 300. It has a Lightning connector on one side and a regular USB. Actually, this is the only really working way to connect a flash drive to iOS smartphones.

What to do if your smartphone does not see the connected flash drive


Team "Unmount" used for safe removal carrier. Please note that StickMount requires root access. You can get it, for example, using the program.

The ability to connect a USB flash drive to a smartphone primarily depends on the latter. It is necessary that the device supports OTG technology, and then you can use special cable, adapter or connect a micro-USB flash drive.

Sometimes it becomes necessary to disable USB ports on a computer or laptop in order to limit access by connecting flash drives, hard drives and other USB devices. Disabling USB ports will help prevent the connection of any drives that could be used for theft important information or cause your computer to become infected with a virus and spread harmful software over local network.

Restricting access to USB ports

Let's consider 7 ways, with which you can block USB ports:

  1. Disabling USB through BIOS settings
  2. Changing registry settings for USB devices
  3. Disabling USB ports in Device Manager
  4. Uninstalling USB controller drivers
  5. Usage Microsoft Fix It 50061
  6. Using additional programs
  7. Physical disabling USB ports

1. Disabling USB ports through BIOS settings

  1. Enter BIOS settings.
  2. Disable all items related to the USB controller (for example, USB Controller or Legacy USB Support).
  3. After you have made these changes, you need to save the settings and exit the BIOS. This is usually done using the key F10.
  4. Restart your computer and make sure the USB ports are disabled.

2. Enable and Disable USB Drives Using Registry Editor

If disabling via BIOS does not suit you, you can block access directly in the Windows OS itself using the registry.

The instructions below allow you to block access to various USB drives (for example flash drives), but other devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, scanners will still work.

  1. Open the Start menu -> Run, enter the command " regedit" and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Continue to next section

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\USBSTOR

  3. On the right side of the window, find the item “ Start” and double-click on it to edit. Enter value " 4 » to block access to USB storage devices. Accordingly, if you enter the value again “ 3 ", access will be reopened.

Click OK, close Registry Editor, and restart your computer.

The above method only works when installed driver USB controller. If a driver has not been installed for security reasons, the Start setting may be automatically reset to 3 when the user connects the USB drive and Windows installs the driver.

3. Disable USB ports in Device Manager

  1. Right-click on the " Computer» and select in context menu"Properties" item. A window will open on the left side of which you need to click on the link “ device Manager».
  2. In the device manager tree, find the item " USB controllers" and open it.
  3. Disable controllers by pressing right button mouse and selecting the “Disable” menu item.

This method doesn't always work. In the example shown in the figure above, disabling the controllers (the first 2 points) did not lead to the desired result. Disabling the 3rd option (USB Mass Storage Device) worked, but this only allows you to disable a single instance of the USB storage device.

4. Removing USB controller drivers

Alternatively, to disable ports, you can simply uninstall USB driver controller. But the disadvantage of this method is that when the user connects a USB drive, Windows will check for drivers and, if they are missing, will offer to install the driver. This in turn will allow access to the USB device.

5. Prevent users from connecting USB storage devices using a Microsoft application

Another way to deny access to USB drives is to use Microsoft Fix It 50061(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823732/ru - the link may open near the mituta). The essence of this method is that 2 conditions for solving the problem are considered:

  • The USB drive has not yet been installed on the computer
  • The USB device is already connected to the computer

Within the scope of this article, we will not consider this method in detail, especially since you can study it in detail on the Microsoft website using the link given above.

It should also be taken into account that this method Not suitable for all versions of Windows OS.

6. Using programs to disable/enable access to USB storage devices

There are many programs for setting access restrictions USB ports. Let's consider one of them - the program USB Drive Disabler.

The program has a simple set of settings that allow you to deny/allow access to certain drives. USB Drive Disabler also allows you to configure alerts and access levels.

7. Disconnecting USB from the motherboard

Although physically disconnecting USB ports on motherboard is an almost impossible task, you can disable the ports located on the front or top of the computer case by disconnecting the cable going to the motherboard. This method will not completely block access to USB ports, but will reduce the likelihood of using drives by inexperienced users and those who are simply too lazy to connect devices to the back of the system unit.

! Addition

Denying access to removable media through the Group Policy Editor

In modern Windows versions it is possible to restrict access to removable storage devices (including USB drives) using the local editor group policy.

  1. Run gpedit.msc through the Run window (Win + R).
  2. Go to the next branch " Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Access to Removable Storage Devices»
  3. On the right side of the screen, find the item " Removable drives: Deny reading."
  4. Activate this option ("Enable" position).

This section of Local Group Policy allows you to configure read, write, and execute access for different classes of removable media.

Despite the support of an Android smartphone or tablet for SD cards up to 32 GB, sometimes you need to connect external “storage” - portable hard disks and flash drives.

The essence of the problem with USB-Flash drives on Android devices

Modern Flash drives have a capacity of up to 128 GB. This amount of memory is not superfluous, especially when the owner of a smartphone or tablet downloads and distributes many films, music, programs, etc. at once. Additional memory is needed. The essence of the problem is as follows.

  • You cannot install more than one SD card in each gadget - these are not SIM cards; there is only one slot for an SD card in a smartphone or tablet. Devices with two microSD slots are a big question. There are also no memory cards with a capacity of a terabyte or more; all this is a matter of the future.
  • It is not always possible to transfer your content from your device to the cloud and back: Mobile Internet not completely unlimited, and searching for Wi-Fi around the city or “tethering” to a router with Internet from Rostelecom at home and at work is also not an option.
  • Continuously exchanging tens of gigabytes of traffic per day in cellular networks and over Wi-Fi, a smartphone or tablet consumes a lot of energy. To recharge the gadget you need an outlet or powerful PowerBank with a battery with a capacity of 10 ampere-hours or more. In general, you need to store all your “pumped up” stuff somewhere, while still remaining mobile and free to choose.

    • For this you need to connect additional “flash drives” via microUSB. An ideal option for those who often go on business trips or travel is to carry a tablet and several 32–128 GB flash drives in your bag.

    How to connect a flash drive to an Android gadget via OTG

    OTG is a USB-microUSB adapter, a replacement for a USB cable with a Card Reader device. Takes up little space - no more than a standard flash drive. In this case, the flash drive must be formatted in FAT32 - with file system NTFS in the Android operating system is not going smoothly yet.

    There is a more difficult way: install a special Android application that allows your smartphone or tablet to work with NTFS media. So, it can be exFAT/NTFS for Total Commander, Paragon NTFS & HFS+ and their analogues.

  • The OTG adapter must have USB connector- under the plug of the flash drive. This is exactly what you need. Most modern Android devices do not have a miniUSB connector, but a microUSB connector. Find an OTG adapter of the required standard in the store. The OTG adapter is available both as a solid device and as a special microUSB cable.

    You need OTG with a socket, not a plug for USB drives

  • After connecting the flash drive, launch the “File Manager” on your device - its contents should be displayed at the address ‘/sdcard/usbStorage’.

    Select the USBdisk folder

    • If the flash drive is not readable, you need special Android applications. Some of them require Root rights.

    How to get Root access

    Applications that allow you to get Root access without using a computer: FramaRoot, Universal Androot, Visionary+, GingerBreak, z4root, BaiduRoot, Romaster SU, Towelroot, RootDashi, 360 Root, etc.

    Applications that “hack” Root via PC: SuperOneClick, Unrevoked, GenoTools, vRoot, MTKDroidTools, etc.

    Remember that when receiving Root rights, you lose the supplier’s warranty and risk harming your gadget.

    Another way is to change the license Android firmware to a “custom” one with unattached Root access.

    Viewing the contents of a flash drive on an Android smartphone or tablet using third-party applications

    USB Media Explorer app

    For those who want to simplify the process of accessing a flash drive, paid application USB Media Explorer. The old name of the program is Nexus Media Importer; it was initially developed for Nexus gadgets, but quickly expanded the line of supported smartphones and tablets to Android based. Root rights are not needed, the program is paid.

    If this solution doesn’t suit you, you’ll have to work a little harder.

    Solutions based on the StickMount program

    The StickMount application is one of the most famous and requires Root rights. Works in conjunction with any Android file manager, for example, ES Explorer. Both applications are available on the Play Market.

  • After installation, open StickMount, connect your flash drive and confirm the request to autostart StickMount when connecting flash drives.

    Confirm your request

  • The second request will be the question StickMount apps about Root privileges in Android system. Confirm by clicking the Grant button. Do not check the box next to “Ask me again in the future.”

    Confirm by pressing the Grant key

  • A warning will appear in the notification bar (at the top) that the contents of the flash drive are located at '/sdcard/usbStorage/' - now open the ES Explorer application.

    Displaying information about the load on the flash drive

    • The flash drive is read/write.

    All your files are now available

    Connecting USB flash drives to devices that do not have miniUSB/microUSB

    A number of companies, not as well-known as ZTE, Huawei, Sony and their other competitors, install non-standard interface connectors. OTG adapters with miniUSB/microUSB are absolutely not suitable for gadgets with a highly standardized connector without a special OTG adapter. Look on Ebay or AliExpress for an OTG adapter that matches the standard of the interface socket of your smartphone or tablet. Further actions to be received software access the same for your flash drives.

    Other ways to connect a flash drive to an Android smartphone or tablet

    There are the following methods:

  • Connect both the tablet/smartphone and the USB flash drive to the PC.
  • Connect the flash drive to your smartphone/tablet via special device- CarsReader. Suitable for owners of SD/MiniSD cards, flash memory USB standard MemoryStick.
  • Connection microSD memory cards through a special adapter that has a USB plug - an analogue of a regular USB flash drive.

    • Video: Connecting additional devices to a smartphone and tablet, including flash drives: problems and solutions

    By connecting flash drives and other storage devices to an Android smartphone or tablet, you free up your hands when it comes to organizing the storage of the data you carry with you. This can be very useful to you on business trips and travel. Good luck!
    

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