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Yes—you can add removable physical storage without an SD card. Connect a compatible USB-C flash drive or portable SSD to your phone, then use a supported file app to copy or manage files. This gives you a place to store files externally; it does not generally increase the phone’s built-in capacity or let you install apps on the drive.
What adding storage without an SD card actually means
A USB drive or SSD provides extra space for files you move or copy to it, such as photos, videos, and documents. You can connect it when needed and remove it afterward. That is different from increasing the phone’s internal storage: the support instructions for iPhone and Android describe accessing and managing files on an external device, not turning it into built-in capacity for apps.
If your goal is to make room on a nearly full phone, move files you do not need to keep locally to the external drive, then confirm the copies open before deleting the originals. A connected drive can also be useful for moving files between devices, subject to each device’s connector and file-format support.
Which option should you choose?
| Option | Best suited to | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C flash drive | Portable file offload, photo and video copies, or moving files between devices | Phone compatibility, connector, file-app support, drive format, and whether an adapter is needed. It stores files externally rather than upgrading internal storage. |
| Portable external SSD | Larger files or a bigger removable file library | Phone and connector compatibility, format, adapter needs, and power. Some drives may need external power. |
| Cloud storage | Accessing or syncing files across devices without carrying a drive | Internet access, service terms, and possible subscription fees. Cloud storage is not a physical drive attached to the phone. |
For a straightforward physical option, look for a USB-C flash drive intended for phone use. SanDisk describes one USB-C Phone Drive product family as offering capacities up to 1TB; that is the manufacturer’s stated maximum for that product family, not a general limit or an independently tested result. See the SanDisk USB-C Phone Drive data sheet.
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
How to use a USB drive with an Android phone
Google says USB storage can be accessed through Files by Google on devices running Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later. Its workflow includes copying and moving files between the phone and connected storage. The exact connection and menus can vary by phone.
- Check your phone maker’s guidance to confirm that the phone supports USB storage and determine whether you need an OTG adapter for the phone’s charging port.
- Connect the flash drive or SSD, using an adapter if required.
- Open Files by Google and look for the USB storage device. Follow the app’s prompts to browse, copy, or move files.
- Open a few copied files from the drive to verify the transfer before removing the originals from the phone.
Google’s stated Android 7.0 threshold applies to accessing USB storage through the Files by Google workflow; it is not a promise that every Android phone, drive, adapter, or file format will work. Samsung also describes connecting a USB flash drive or SSD to a phone’s charging port and notes that an OTG adapter may be needed. Check the instructions for your specific handset.
Rank #2
- 2 in 1: USB C + USB 3.0, 32GB usb c flash drive has dual ports, usb 3.0 port is applied to all devices which have usb 3.0 interface and usb c port is widely used in all Android smartphones with OTG function
- High Speed USB 3.0: Read speed up to 90 MB/s, Write speed up to 30 MB/s, the speed of USB 3.0 interface is faster than USB 2.0, save time to wait, increases work productivity. Note: Speed will be limited if you use the USB key in the USB 2.0 interface
- 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
How to use an external drive with an iPhone
Apple says supported apps, including Files, can access files on connected external storage. The drive must have a single data partition and use a supported format: APFS, encrypted APFS, macOS Extended (HFS+), exFAT (FAT64), FAT32, or FAT. A compatible connector or adapter may also be necessary.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →- Check the iPhone’s port and confirm that the drive and any required connector or adapter are compatible with that model.
- Make sure the drive has a single data partition and uses one of the file systems Apple lists.
- Connect the drive, then open Files or another supported app to browse and manage its contents.
- Verify copied files before deleting the originals from the iPhone.
Apple notes that external hard drives often require an external power source when used with iPhone. In some USB-C setups, Apple describes using a powered hub. This is a possibility to check, not a requirement for every drive. Apple’s instructions are in its external storage guide for iPhone, which is versioned for iOS 27.
Rank #3
- The 2-in-1 flash drive with a reversible USB Type-C and a traditional Type-A connector.
- Seamlessly move content between your USB Type-C smartphone, tablets and Macs and USB Type-A computers(2) | (2) Mobile device requires USB Type-C port and On-The-Go (OTG) support. See the official SanDisk website for a list of compatible devices.
- Free up space on your USB Type-C smartphone(2)
- Automatically back up photos with SanDisk Memory Zone app(3) | (3) Download and installation of SanDisk Memory Zone app required.
- High-performance USB 3.1 Gen 1 drive with 150MB/s read speeds(1) | (1) Read speeds up to 150MB/s. Write speed lower and vary by capacity. USB Type-C port with USB 3.1 Gen 1/ USB 3.0 support required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB = 1,000,000 bytes.
Check compatibility before buying
USB-C on its own does not guarantee that a particular drive will work with a particular phone. Check the phone maker’s support information and the drive maker’s compatibility notes for the exact model and intended task. Review these points:
- Phone and port: Confirm that the handset supports external USB storage and identify its connector. An adapter may be required.
- File system: Check that the phone can read the drive’s format. Apple lists supported formats for iPhone; follow the phone maker’s guidance for other devices.
- Power: Larger external drives may need power beyond what the phone supplies. Apple specifically warns that external hard drives often require an external power source with iPhone.
- Purpose: File offload and playback are not the same as recording directly to an external drive. Confirm support for the specific app or recording feature you intend to use.
- Capacity and portability: Choose a size and form factor that suit the files you plan to carry; a drive’s advertised capacity does not establish compatibility with your phone.
Compatibility can vary even within one product category. SanDisk’s compatibility information, current as of March 18, 2026, lists supported iPhone 15, 16, and 17 series models for certain drives and notes that format and feature limits apply. Treat that as product- and model-specific information, not a guarantee for every iPhone or drive. Check the SanDisk iPhone compatibility page for its current listing.
Rank #4
- USB-C STORAGE ON THE GO: This sleek drive is supported by Samsung NAND flash and is incredibly compact to fit in the palm of your hand; Count on reliable performance and fast transfer speeds while staying compact
- PERFORMANCE WITH SPEED: No need to choose between performance and reliability; Experience a fast, powerful flash drive that transfers 4GB files in just 11 seconds with up to 400MB/s USB 3.2 Gen 1 read speeds and is backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 63,730 photos or maximum 12 hours of 4K video; With up to 256GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
When cloud storage is a better fit
Cloud storage can make files available across devices without carrying a physical drive, but access and syncing depend on the service and internet availability, and fees may apply. It is a different trade-off from a USB drive: it provides service-based access to files, not additional physical storage connected to the phone. Apple describes external storage, file servers, and cloud services as file-access or transfer options in its file-transfer guidance.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Easily move files off your device, freeing up valuable space so you can store your favorite photos, movies, music, games, and more.
- Say goodbye to emailing photos between devices. Once they’re on your SanDisk Phone Drive, read speeds up to 100MB/s let you transfer files fast. (1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors. USB Type-C port with USB 3.2 Gen 1 support required.)
- AUTOMATIC BACKUP. Automatically back up your latest photos, videos, music, documents, and contacts with the SanDisk Memory Zone app. (Download and installation required. Set up automatic backup within app settings. See official SanDisk website for Memory Zone details.)
- DATA RECOVERY. Recover deleted files with the included RescuePRO Deluxe software.(Registration and download required; terms and conditions apply. See RescuePRO page on SanDisk site.)
- CONVENIENT DESIGN. Attach your drive to your keyring to help keep it secure so you can have storage wherever you are, whenever you need it.
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