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To access a USB drive on a Chromebook, connect it, open the Files app, and select the drive in the left sidebar. Open the file you need, then select Eject beside the drive in Files before unplugging it.
How to open files on a USB drive
- Connect the USB drive to a compatible port on your Chromebook. If the drive and Chromebook have different connector types, check their specifications to see whether an adapter is needed.
- Open the Files app.
- Select the external storage device in the left sidebar.
- Browse to the file and double-click it. ChromeOS can open many file types; if a particular file will not open, it may need a compatible web app or cloud service.
- When you are finished, select Eject beside the drive in Files, then unplug it. Google’s instructions for using external storage recommend ejecting it before removal.
Which USB drive formats can a Chromebook read?
Google lists the following filesystems for external storage connected to a Chromebook. Support can vary with a particular device, partition layout, cable, or ChromeOS build; the list is compatibility guidance, not a guarantee for every drive.
| Filesystem or protocol | Google’s listed support |
|---|---|
| FAT16, FAT32, exFAT | Supported |
| HFS+ | Read-only on journaled HFS+ |
| ISO9660 | Read-only |
| MTP | Supported |
| NTFS | Supported |
| UDF | Read-only |
These formats and caveats are listed on Google’s Chromebook file-system compatibility page. A work or school Chromebook may also have administrator restrictions on devices or files.
What to do if the drive does not appear
Check the connection and file system
- Make sure the drive is firmly connected and the Chromebook port matches the drive’s connector. Use an adapter only if the specific devices require one.
- Check whether the drive uses a filesystem in Google’s supported list above.
- Check for a ChromeOS update, then reconnect the drive and look in Files again.
Recover files from an unsupported drive
If the drive remains unsupported, connect it to another computer that can read it, copy or upload the files to a cloud storage service such as Google Drive, and then open that service on the Chromebook. Google describes this as an alternative when external storage is unsupported.
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Consider formatting only after backing up
If a drive is not recognized or a partition will not mount, formatting may be offered as a troubleshooting step. Formatting erases files on the storage device. Copy anything you need to another location before proceeding. If you have chosen to format it, open Files, select the storage device, and choose Format. The precise menu wording can differ between ChromeOS versions and Google help pages.
What to do if a file will not open
A drive can be mounted and working normally even when ChromeOS cannot open one of its files. Check whether the file type is supported. If it is not, try saving or uploading the file to Google Drive or another web application that can open that format. Google’s troubleshooting guidance covers both unsupported file types and external storage issues on its file-system compatibility page and external-storage help page.
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USB4 and Thunderbolt accessories
USB4 and Thunderbolt accessories have additional compatibility conditions that do not generally apply to an ordinary USB flash drive. Google says both the Chromebook and accessory must support the relevant standard, and ChromeOS security requirements can limit which accessories work. If one of these accessories is not working, wait briefly and reconnect it, then review the relevant USB4 or Thunderbolt access setting. See Google’s USB4 and Thunderbolt guidance.
Quick Recap
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- Large Compatibility: The USB 3.0 Connector is compatible with USB 3.0 & USB 2.0 backward USB 1.1 devices, such as Laptop, Desktop, Car Audio, Tablet, TV, Speakers, Projector. USB-C port is compatible with all Android Smartphones
- Expand Storage: Good performance in storing, transferring and sharing digital data with families, friends, colleagues, customers. It can expand the capacity of smartphone, you can watch movies or share pictures when you go on vacation with your family
- Note: Make sure your smartphone is equipped with OTG function and need to open OTG function in Settings when you plug memory stick, then you can transfer easily data bewteen different devices
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
