Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (2024)

You can browse and manage files saved on a USB storage device.

You can only access your USB storage on a device with Android 7.0 (Nougat) and up.

Find files on a USB

  1. Connect a USB storage device to your Android device.
  2. On your Android device, open Files by Google Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (1).
  3. You'll finda notification that says "USB available."
    Tip: If a notification doesn't open, remove the USB storage device and try again.
  4. Tap the storage device you want to open Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (2) Allow.
  5. To find files, scroll to "Storage devices" and tap your USB storage device.

Manage files on a USB

You can move, copy, delete, and rename files on your USB storage device.

Important: Make sure your USB storage device is connected to your Android device.

Copy a file

  1. On your Android device, open Files by Google Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (3).
  2. Under "Storage devices," tap your USB storage device.
  3. Find the file you want to copy.
  4. Next to a file you want to copy, tap the Down arrow Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (4). If you can't find the Down arrow Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (5) next to the files, tap List view Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (6).
    • To copy one file: Tap the Down arrow Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (7)Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (8) Copy to.
    • To copy multiple files:
      1. ​​Tap the Down arrow Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (9)Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (10) Select.
      2. Next to each file you want to copy, check the circle.
      3. At the top, tap More Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (11) Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (12) Copy to.
  5. Choose where you want to copy the file.
  6. Tap Copy here.

Move a file

  1. On your Android device, open Files by Google Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (13).
  2. Under "Storage devices," tap your USB storage device.
  3. Find the file you want to move.
  4. Next to a file you want to move, tap the Down arrow Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (14). If you can't find the Down arrow Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (15) next to the files, tap List view Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (16).
    • To move one file: Tap the Down arrow Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (17) Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (18) Move to.
    • To move multiple files:
      1. ​​Tap the Down arrow Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (19) Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (20) Select.
      2. Next to each file you want to move, check the circle.
      3. At the top, tap More Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (21) Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (22) Move to.
  5. Choose where you want to move the file.
  6. Tap Move here.

Related articles

Try now

Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help (2024)

FAQs

Use USB storage devices - Files by Google Help? ›

Your computer should open your USB flash drive's contents as soon as you plug it in and the computer discovers it. If you're using a Mac, double-click the drive on your screen to see your flash drive's contents. If you're using Windows, go to "File Explorer" and click your drive's name in the panel on the left.

How do I access my USB storage device? ›

Your computer should open your USB flash drive's contents as soon as you plug it in and the computer discovers it. If you're using a Mac, double-click the drive on your screen to see your flash drive's contents. If you're using Windows, go to "File Explorer" and click your drive's name in the panel on the left.

How to enable USB file transfer on Android? ›

On your device, tap the "Charging this device via USB" notification. Under "Use USB for," select File Transfer. An Android File Transfer window will open on your computer. Use it to drag files.

How do I move Google files to a USB? ›

The easiest way to move files from Google Drive to USB flash drive is to use the Download feature. You can download the target files from Google Drive to your local computer and then transfer the downloaded items to the USB drive.

Why is my USB not showing on my phone? ›

A likely cause is your phone's software cannot read the file format of the connected USB device, so you cannot receive or send any files. So, “How do I get my Android to recognize my USB?” One solution is downloading a dedicated file management software other than the default File Manager.

How do I access USB storage on Android? ›

Use USB storage devices
  1. Connect a USB storage device to your Android device.
  2. On your Android device, open Files by Google .
  3. You'll find a notification that says "USB available." ...
  4. Tap the storage device you want to open. ...
  5. To find files, scroll to "Storage devices" and tap your USB storage device.

How to view files on a USB drive? ›

Insert the flash drive into a USB port on your computer. You should find a USB port on the front, back, or side of your computer (the location may vary depending on whether you have a desktop or a laptop). Depending on how your computer is set up, a dialog box may appear. If it does, select Open folder to view files.

How do I enable USB settings on Android? ›

Enabling USB-Debugging
  1. On the Android device, open the settings.
  2. Tap Developer Settings. The developer settings are hidden by default. ...
  3. In the Developer settings window, check USB-Debugging.
  4. Set the USB mode of the device to Media device (MTP), which is the default setting.

Why can't I use USB for file transfer? ›

Try plugging the USB cable into different USB ports on the computer. Certain ports may not work. For Android devices, make sure Developer Options or USB debugging are turned off. Try another computer.

Why is my Android not recognizing file transfer? ›

After “You are in developer mode” appears, please turn on USB debugging in Setting> System>Developer Options>USB Debugging. 2. If the phone is charging, unplug and re-plug the cable. If “USB for Transfer Files” does not show up on the phone, please restart the phone and try again.

Where are files by Google on Android phone? ›

Files by Google
  1. On your Android phone, go to Play store.
  2. In the search slot enter Files by Google.
  3. The following screen appears:
  4. Make sure to select the Files by Google app from Google LLC. ...
  5. Tap the Install button and follow on-screen prompts.

How do I open files by Google? ›

View your files
  1. On your Android device, open Files by Google .
  2. Tap a category. You'll see files from that category in a list.
  3. To change how the files display, tap Grid view . To go back to a list, tap List view .
  4. Optional: To sort your files, on the top right, tap More . Select Sort by.

How do I connect a USB to Google Drive? ›

3 useful ways to sync USB to Google Drive
  1. First, Download and install Drive for Desktop on your computer.
  2. Choose Sign in with browser on this page and sign into your Google Drive account.
  3. Please connect your USB drive to the computer properly. ...
  4. Tick the box next to Back up to Google Drive.

Why is my phone not showing USB transfer? ›

Try a different USB cable: The USB cable you're using may be faulty. Try using a different USB cable to see if that resolves the issue. Check your USB connection settings: On your Android device, go to Settings > System > Developer options > Default USB configuration, and make sure that "File transfer" is selected.

Why USB Cannot be detected? ›

The currently loaded USB driver has become unstable or corrupt. Your PC requires an update for issues that may conflict with a USB external hard drive and Windows. Windows may be missing other important updates hardware or software issues. Your USB controllers may have become unstable or corrupt.

How to enable file transfer on Android? ›

To enable USB file transfer on an Android unit: Method 1. Swipe down on the top of the display and tap the Android System USB option. Select File Transfer.

Why can't I see my USB drive on my computer? ›

Sometimes it might just not be connected properly, causing the read error. Restart the computer. Sometimes a reboot allows your device to resolve the error itself. Check the USB stick or the port for damage or dust.

Where can I find my USB on my computer? ›

USB ports are rectangular slots located on the front, back, or side of your computer. If it doesn't fit, try flipping it over. If you're using Windows, a dialog box may appear.

How can I check my USB storage? ›

In Windows File Explorer, select "This PC," right-click your flash drive, and then click "Properties" to view remaining space. On a Mac, right-click the USB drive icon and choose "Get Info" to see available space.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edmund Hettinger DC

Last Updated:

Views: 6644

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (58 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edmund Hettinger DC

Birthday: 1994-08-17

Address: 2033 Gerhold Pine, Port Jocelyn, VA 12101-5654

Phone: +8524399971620

Job: Central Manufacturing Supervisor

Hobby: Jogging, Metalworking, Tai chi, Shopping, Puzzles, Rock climbing, Crocheting

Introduction: My name is Edmund Hettinger DC, I am a adventurous, colorful, gifted, determined, precious, open, colorful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.