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To transfer selected files from a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, connect a supported external drive through a compatible USB OTG cable or adapter, then use the My Files app to copy or move them to USB Storage. Samsung says an external hard drive must use FAT or exFAT to be recognized, and some drives need their own power supply.
Choose the right transfer method
| Method | Best for | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| My Files | Copying or moving specific documents, photos, videos, or folders | Select items and place them in a folder on USB Storage. |
| Smart Switch | Backing up supported categories of data or restoring them to a Galaxy device | Choose external storage as the backup destination, select categories, and run the backup. Supported content depends on the connected device and selected categories. |
Use My Files when you want direct control over individual files and folders. Smart Switch is a category-based backup and restore workflow, not a way to browse and copy arbitrary files. Samsung’s instructions for managing Galaxy files and using Smart Switch with external storage describe these separate approaches.
Check drive and connection compatibility
- Galaxy support and port: Confirm that your particular Galaxy phone or tablet supports USB OTG. Identify its charging-port type and match it to the drive using a suitable cable or adapter. Some newer phone models do not include an OTG adapter; Samsung’s USB Type-C cable and adapter guidance explains its adapter support, but does not guarantee compatibility with every device or drive.
- Drive format: Samsung says, “External hard drives must be formatted as FAT or exFAT to be recognized by Galaxy devices.” See Samsung’s Smart Switch and external-storage guidance.
- Power: Some external hard drives require an external power supply. If the drive is not detected, disconnects, or fails during copying, check its power requirements as well as the connection.
- Device variation: Support varies by Galaxy model. Not every phone or tablet supports microSD, and storage devices that draw excessive power may not work with every device.
Copy or move files with My Files
- Connect the drive. Attach it to the Galaxy charging port using a compatible OTG cable or adapter. If prompted by a USB notification, choose Transferring files or MTP.
- Find the items. Open My Files and browse to the files or folders in internal storage. Touch and hold an item to select it; select additional items if needed.
- Choose the operation. Tap Copy or Move. Copy is the safer choice when you want a backup because it leaves the originals on the phone. Move removes the items from their source after transfer.
- Choose the drive destination. Return to the My Files home screen, open USB Storage, and navigate to the folder where the items should go. Tap Move here to complete the selected operation. Menu labels can vary with software versions. Samsung’s file-management instructions cover locating and managing files on Galaxy devices.
- Verify and disconnect safely. Open the destination folder and confirm the copied or moved items appear. In My Files, open the options beside the external storage device and choose Unmount before unplugging it.
Back up or restore with Smart Switch
Smart Switch is useful when you want a supported data backup on external storage or intend to restore supported data to a Galaxy device. Open Smart Switch, choose its external-storage option, select USB storage as the backup destination, select the data categories, and start the backup. On the receiving Galaxy device, use Smart Switch to restore from that external storage. The categories available depend on the device and what you select; do not assume this creates a complete copy of every file or app datum.
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If the backup will not fit, Samsung advises deselecting some items and transferring the remaining items later. Smart Switch also offers external-storage encryption options: password, Samsung account, or no encryption. If you encrypt the backup, the receiving device needs the password or access to the relevant Samsung account. Details are in Samsung’s guides to Smart Switch external-storage backups and Smart Switch settings.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Rank #4
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SANDISK 256GB Ultra Dual Drive, USB-C & USB-A, Up to 150MB/s Read Speeds
- The flash drive for USB Type C devices
- Easily transfer files between smartphones, tablets and computers
- Free up space on your Android smartphone (mobile device requires USB Type C port and on the go (OTG) support)
- Retractable design with a reversible USB Type C connector and a traditional USB connector
- High speed USB 3.1 performance of up to 150MB/s read speeds (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)
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Lexar D40E 128GB Dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Jump Drive, Champagne Silver
- 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
Rank #2
Samsung Type-C USB Flash Drive 128GB, USB 3.2 Gen 1, Up to 400MB/s
- 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
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- 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
#1 Best Overall
Samsung Type-C USB Flash Drive 256GB, USB 3.2 Gen 1, Up to 400MB/s
- 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
Troubleshoot a drive that is missing or disconnecting
- USB Storage does not appear: Check that the Galaxy model supports OTG, the adapter matches the phone and drive ports, and the drive uses FAT or exFAT.
- The drive connects and then drops: Check whether it requires external power and whether the phone can supply enough power for the connected storage.
- A transfer fails or the backup does not fit: For a My Files copy or move, check the connection and drive power. For a Smart Switch backup that exceeds available space, deselect some categories and transfer the rest later.
- You are unsure about compatibility: Check the exact Galaxy model and drive specifications. Samsung’s adapter guidance describes supported connections, but compatibility depends on the specific device, adapter, and drive.
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