USB thumb drive

<— Return to: https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/file-transfer-0EKEjk5z53

---

—> Next lesson: https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/usb-c-cable-RS6kWWHEnW

Note: we also covered this process in a video tutorial.

Please note that your USB thumb drive either needs to feature USB type-C connection. For USB type-A connections a type-C adapter is required.

Step 1: Connect the USB-C Thumb Drive

• Insert the Thumb Drive:
   Plug the USB-C thumb drive into the USB-C port of the first Android device.

You should see a notification icon towards the top left indicating the newly connected USB device.

If you don't see it, swipe down from the very top and find it in the listed notifications (scroll down if you have many notifcations pending).

 

Step 2: Enable File Transfer

• Open File Manager:
  On the first device, open a file manager app (like Files by Google or any other file manager).
  
  

  
  
  
  Note: On Samsung this is called ‘My Files’
  
  Alternatively, tap on 'Explore' in the notification shown above - this should open the file manager directly.

• Navigate in the file manager:
  If your file manager looks like shown here, tap on the three lines top left to bring out the sidebar.

  
  
  You should see your connected storage listed in the sidebar.
  
  
  
  

• Select Files to Transfer:
  Navigate to the files you want to transfer (photos, videos, documents, etc.).
  
  

  
  
  
  

• Choose Files:
  Long-press on a file to select it. You can select multiple files if needed.
  
  

Step 3: Copy or Move Files to the Thumb Drive

• Copy or Move Files:
  Tap the Copy or Move option (usually represented by icons) after selecting the files.
  
  

  
  
  
   > You may need to tap on the three dots on the upper right to reveal those options.
  
  

• Copy to..  -  Access the Thumb Drive:
  In the file manager, locate and select the USB-C thumb drive (it may be labeled as "USB storage" or similar).
  

  
  
  

• Paste Files:
  Navigate to the desired folder on the thumb drive and tap COPY / Paste to transfer the files.
  

  
  
  

• Monitor progress:
  Swipe down from the very top to find a notification that shows the progress of the current transfer in real time.
  

  
  
  

 

Step 4: Safely Eject the Thumb Drive

• Eject the Drive:
  Go back to the file manager, tap on the thumb drive, and select the option to safely eject or unmount it.
  

  
  
  

• Remove the Thumb Drive:
  Once it’s safe (all transfers completed), disconnect the thumb drive from the first device.
  
  

  
  

Step 5: Connect the Thumb Drive to the Second Device

• Insert the Thumb Drive:
  Plug the USB-C thumb drive into the USB-C port of the second Android device.

(please refer to the screenshots shown above)

Step 6: Access and Copy Files from the Thumb Drive

• Open File Manager:
  On the second device, open a file manager app.
  
  

• Locate the Thumb Drive:
  Find and select the USB-C thumb drive in the file manager.
  
  

• Select Files:
  Choose the files you want to transfer to the second device.
  
  

• Copy or Move Files:
   Tap the Copy or Move option after selecting the files.
   > You may need to tap on the three dots on the upper right to reveal those options.
  
  

• Paste Files:
  Navigate to the desired location on the second device and tap Paste to complete the transfer.

(please refer to the screenshots shown above)

Additional Tips

• File Format Compatibility:
  Ensure that the files you are transferring are compatible with both devices.
  
  

• Check Storage Space:
  Make sure the second device has enough storage space for the files being transferred.
  
  

• Use a Quality Thumb Drive:
  For faster transfer speeds, use a high-quality USB-C thumb drive.