usb, and external drive read and write support in android


jraju

Well-known member
Member
Local time
10:41 PM
Posts
292
OS
windows 11pro version 23H2
Hi,
I do not know, if queries on mobiles and android phones are permitted here. Anyhow, as it involves windows system formats , I ask this query.
It is noted that from android version 3, otg usb support has been introduced and continue till. Instead of alternative use of pc to copy files from the mobiles using cable support, this has enhanced the use of direct copying of files to and and from the connected device , say, pendrive and external hard drives.
While some mobiles do support direct copying , viewing and reading of all type of files through this otg support, some mobiles do not support or having some glitch in the file reading apps , to format the external drive of tb sizes. Normally usb drives are readable using otg, as it is in fat 32 or exfat file type suppport. Normally ext. hard drive of the size mentioned have ntfs format, which is particular to windows. Redmi note 10 pro, if i just enable otg and configure the default to file transfer, just reads and support ntfs , whereas moto and tecno phones, that I have failed to read, and asked me to instead, format the drive, which has stored content of near 1 tb content on the ext. drive.
I think, android version is common to all and I think, microsoft would not want individual apps to read the content for pay. I do not think that microsoft would want to make money for a feature of general use. The otg support, it tells support android 3 version.
I tried all the tricks in my other phones to get the otg usb support to my external hard disk, but only getting alerts of formatting. Formatting and losing the precious data is not ideal solution.
Either, the otg support is not inbuilt in android as pre installed or there is some miss to use it to user advantage.
Could any one suggest how i can read in my other phones. I have enabled otg and checked the general default file transfer mode , but could not read the external hard drive. I have checked in my pc, that there is no corruption in the drive and i could easily use the pc. But I want to use direct use of otg usb, which is the best for every user to copy files to and from the drive.
is the android version, used by different mobiles have different versions, like limited version and full version. The otg usb adapter is a boon if any body can read direct from pendrive and ext. as, a user can transfer some large videos and other files to pendrive to save space in the mobile.
I think I made it clear , and want a detailed reply on this . the first two images is from moto g32 of recent make , and the third is from redmi note 10 pro which is earlier make.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20240222_174437_copy_522x1160.jpg
    IMG_20240222_174437_copy_522x1160.jpg
    55.5 KB · Views: 2
  • IMG_20240222_174340_copy_522x1160_copy_130x290.jpg
    IMG_20240222_174340_copy_522x1160_copy_130x290.jpg
    6.9 KB · Views: 2
  • Screenshot_2024-02-22-17-45-46-830_com.miui.screenshot_copy_270x600.jpg
    Screenshot_2024-02-22-17-45-46-830_com.miui.screenshot_copy_270x600.jpg
    15.4 KB · Views: 2
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 11pro version 23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3910
    CPU
    i5 processor
    Memory
    8 gb
Use Fat32 only.

I successfully read & write a USB stick formatted to Fat32 in both my Windows computer & my Android phone.
I have successfully used exFat as well.
I use Fat32 for all sizes of external drive that I want to be able to connect to my phone. Windows can work with all sizes of Fat32 drive but cannot carry out the formatting itself if they are bigger than their 32GB limit. MiniToolPartitionWizard can do the formatting for all sizes of Fat32 drive.

There used to be an Android addon to enable working with NTFS but it was often problematic so I stopped bothering with it years ago.
It sounds like your Redmi has a similar utility.
I never bother choosing "OTG" drives because I do not know what benefit they bring [None as far as I can make out]
All my USB sticks are chosen for their [hoped-for] reliability without any thought being given to their "OTG" claims.
I only connect Fat32 drives to my Android phone.
I would not even bother experimenting with NTFS again for an Android because they have proved to be very reliable when working with Fat32.



Denis
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3447
copying some where and then formatting the drive to fat 32 is the last option, i would choose. do not you know, that I can directly copy files to ext. hard disk to free some space on my mobile , instead of waiting for a computer to attach to file transfer modes. The on the go otg is a boon for persons , who just want to save phone space in the first place.
Secondly, the improvement of android versions , should give improvement in user favour.
I saw, some apps, particularly exfat/ntfs app, that are available for a price, which i want , a free app to read the contents and do the advantages of having the otg adapter. It is a easily priced adapter which supports type c and type A connection.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 11pro version 23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3910
    CPU
    i5 processor
    Memory
    8 gb
I can copy to and from my Fat32 external drives in both my Windows computer & my Android phone.
So I can use them to free up space on my phone if I want to.

I don't think you need any additional apps to use exFat instead of Fat32.
The complication only affects trying to use NTFS.

I use a USB-A to USB-C adapter. I think the term OTG is meaningless.


Denis
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3447
Use Fat32 only.

I successfully read & write a USB stick formatted to Fat32 in both my Windows computer & my Android phone.
I have successfully used exFat as well.
I use Fat32 for all sizes of external drive that I want to be able to connect to my phone. Windows can work with all sizes of Fat32 drive but cannot carry out the formatting itself if they are bigger than their 32GB limit. MiniToolPartitionWizard can do the formatting for all sizes of Fat32 drive.

There used to be an Android addon to enable working with NTFS but it was often problematic so I stopped bothering with it years ago.
It sounds like your Redmi has a similar utility.
I never bother choosing "OTG" drives because I do not know what benefit they bring [None as far as I can make out]
All my USB sticks are chosen for their [hoped-for] reliability without any thought being given to their "OTG" claims.
I only connect Fat32 drives to my Android phone.
I would not even bother experimenting with NTFS again for an Android because they have proved to be very reliable when working with Fat32.



Denis
ExFat is the most universal format between Windows, Linux and MacOS.

Android is basically a Linux shell, and exFaT OTG drives work fine.

You do mention exFat but it is buried in a lot of text.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Zenbook 14
    CPU
    I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ
    Motherboard
    Yep, Laptop has one.
    Memory
    16 GB soldered
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Iris XE
    Sound Card
    Realtek built in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop OLED screen
    Screen Resolution
    2880x1800 touchscreen
    Hard Drives
    1 TB NVME SSD (only weakness is only one slot)
    PSU
    Internal + 65W thunderbolt USB4 charger
    Case
    Yep, got one
    Cooling
    Stella Artois (UK pint cans - 568 ml) - extra cost.
    Keyboard
    Built in UK keybd
    Mouse
    Bluetooth , wireless dongled, wired
    Internet Speed
    900 mbs (ethernet), wifi 6 typical 350-450 mb/s both up and down
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    TPM 2.0, 2xUSB4 thunderbolt, 1xUsb3 (usb a), 1xUsb-c, hdmi out, 3.5 mm audio out/in combo, ASUS backlit trackpad (inc. switchable number pad)

    Macrium Reflect Home V8
    Office 365 Family (6 users each 1TB onedrive space)
    Hyper-V (a vm runs almost as fast as my older laptop)
will not microsoft allow ntfs support on android by default. I think, that there are unverified apps that gives the feature and I am not interested in using unverified apps, and so this thread. exfat is read in pen drives , but external hard disk have ntfs format. OTG is supported from android 3 version and on the go, otg is a boon to the users. Why there is not verified free apps to read the same thro , otg usb connections in phone
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 11pro version 23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3910
    CPU
    i5 processor
    Memory
    8 gb
Android is a Google product, not a Microsoft product. Microsoft has absolutely no control over the file formats that Android can use or not use. As others have already stated, you simply have to use FAT32 or exFAT. Or some third party app on Android. You don't have any other choices.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
Hello everyone,
Check out "exFAT/NTFS for USB by Paragon "
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.paragon.tcplugins_ntfs_r

Check out "File Manager"
File Manager - Apps on Google Play
I am using both apps on tablet lenovo, first identifies all partitions and second copies, transfers, does eveything related with files.
These two apps are excellent, particularly second one.
It can detect even external ssd when connected to android mobiles.
Just try these two apps.
To eject the connected external usb, ssd, long press each partition, then click settings and then click eject.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Window 11 v24H2 Build 26100.2033
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASSEMMBLED
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-2100 CPU @ 3.10GHz 3.10 GHz
    Motherboard
    ZEBRONICS
    Memory
    4.00 GB (3.89 GB usable)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Onboard
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba HDD 1 TB
    Keyboard
    Mechanical
    Mouse
    Mechanical
    Internet Speed
    700 kb/s
    Browser
    Microsoft EDGE, CHROME
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
I don't have any problem copying files from an NTFS thumb drive to Samsung Galaxy.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
Hi, Guru, the problem is not the ntfs in pendrive, but from external hard disk.
Hi, Ramesh Sharma, I think that you are referring your first app , to the pay product from google store, which is a plugin app. It is only free for two days. am I correct. I do want you suggest a free app at that.
Hi, Navy, I agree with you on that. Good explanation. But, is there not a single app, that would get you what to want with free access. I tried one app from github, but it asked me to give permission to usb drive. There are only one or two in github platform.
is there not a google app that would do the trick. My redmi phone does not have any problem in recognizing the ssd drive for 1 tb size. I also think that it is not advisable to try to format to exfat at the maximum storage of external hard disk.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 11pro version 23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3910
    CPU
    i5 processor
    Memory
    8 gb

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
Hi, Guru, i want to transfer files from my moto g32, and tecno camon 20 pro 5g to the external drive. I could use redmi note 10 pro, as it just shows as explorer in windows to manipulate. But on other devices, it is asking me to format the drive.
If there is any app that could do this free may be suggested . the external drive have almost up to the total capacity of 900 gb of 1 tb.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 11pro version 23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3910
    CPU
    i5 processor
    Memory
    8 gb
Hi, Guru, i want to transfer files from my moto g32, and tecno camon 20 pro 5g to the external drive
You can use a Fat32-formatted or exFat-formatted external drive for that.

the external drive have almost up to the total capacity of 900 gb of 1 tb
If you are saying that your external drive has so much on it already that you cannot format it then you will have to get an app to do the job.
I have no idea if there are any free ones but if you start by searching again for that paid one you mentioned
pay product from google store
then you will be shown alternatives on the search results page. Perhaps there will be a free one.


Denis
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3447
Odd that you can transfer files to the phone from NTSF, but not from the phone! 🤷‍♂️
I say screw it, just tether it via usb cable!
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
Hi, Guru, it is true. From my redmi note 10 pro, i can access all the files of my ext. hard disk seagate 1 tb . i can copy to and from it.
I have not said that i could not copy from phone. What I meant is , why cannot this be done with other phones. If you read my starting of the topic, then you will see my query reason.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 11pro version 23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3910
    CPU
    i5 processor
    Memory
    8 gb
I never had any issues using a drive (either exfat or fat 32 or even ntfs) connected directly to my pixel.

But nowadays I just use nearby share to transfer files from phone to phone or phone to pc.

Why not just use nearby share? (essentially Airdrop for android)

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 5700 X3D
    Motherboard
    MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4 3600mhz Gskill Ripjaws V
    Graphics Card(s)
    RTX 4070 Super , 12GB VRAM Asus EVO Overclock
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 2.0) 2560 x 1440 @ 170hz HDR
    Hard Drives
    2TB Samsung nvme ssd
    2TB XPG nvme ssd
    PSU
    CORSAIR RMx SHIFT Series™ RM750x 80 PLUS Gold Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
    Case
    CORSAIR 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – Black
    Cooling
    ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 CPU Water Cooler
    Internet Speed
    900mbps DOWN, 100mbps UP
  • Operating System
    Chrome OS
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Chromebook
    CPU
    Intel Pentium Quad Core
    Memory
    4GB LPDDR4
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14 Inch HD SVA anti glare micro edge display
    Hard Drives
    64 GB emmc
I've got 1TB of extra space on my phone, so, I plug it into the PC, via USB cable, maybe once or twice a year! 🤷‍♂️
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
I've got 1TB of extra space on my phone, so, I plug it into the PC, via USB cable, maybe once or twice a year! 🤷‍♂️


Same. Sandisk 512GB SD card. $33 at Walmart.

Seems it's now even less expensive ($27)... Sandisk SD Card
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26100.3624 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦24H2 ♦♦♦non-Insider
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 5002)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 15 years?
Sandisk...
You don't wanna know how much! :censored:

6534.jpg tb - Copy.jpg

Handy though..., which, incidentally, is why I don't need OneDrive either! :p
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
Back
Top Bottom