# USB thumb drive **<— Return to:** @[https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/file-transfer-0EKEjk5z53](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](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__***](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/manage-transfer-files-hDDOeAnyRh)***.*** *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.* :::warning ***__Disclaimer:__*** The USB storage will only be recognized if it is in the right **file system format**. Otherwise the phone will tell you '*There's an issue*' and ask you to format / resolve issues, which **__could lead to data loss!__**  If your USB storage is in a different filesystem format, __be sure to backup all your important data from it before you format it!__ ::: :::success  The recommended filesystem format is **exFAT** which is fast, universally compatible and supports large single files. ::: ### **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. ![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My81NTllMWYxMC05YWU3LTQ3MDQtOTlhOS05NWYyZmM4NzkzNGIvdXNiMS1ub3RpZmljYXRpb24ucG5nIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTI5NjExMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzA0NzUwMH0.lgJ8XyeEbkwiepe1-0SaG4ElI9jLIVD3XpmVP_f4SC0 " =171x370") You should see a notification icon towards the top left indicating the newly connected USB device. ![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My9mZmUwMGIwOS1mY2Y5LTQ0ZDAtYTBjYS01ZDhlYjNjNzFmNTIvdXNiMi1ub3RpZmljYXRpb24ucG5nIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTI5NjExMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzA0NzUwMH0.o8nvUvMXIif_9UIta45TKvH-FhroxAFovybEKLFoEgQ " =171x374") 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). ![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My8yZmZiODY4Yi04ZGY3LTRhMmQtYmU2Yy02ZWU4NDNmYzQ1YTgvZmlsZXMtYXBwLnBuZyIsInR5cGUiOiJhdHRhY2htZW50IiwiaWF0IjoxNzkyOTYxMTAwLCJleHAiOjE3OTMwNDc1MDB9.Fc2H3qffsEvvnO5Ij_RdLv3c0GUsj_G3CfBjB4dYEck " =214x477") 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.![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My9iODlhYmFhMS1jZDM2LTRlYTMtYjg3YS1jYjA0Mjc2MzQzOGYvdXNiMy1maWxlZXhwbC1uYXZpZ2F0ZS5wbmciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5Mjk2MTEwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzMDQ3NTAwfQ.Bn2y1kiwkHUUqJQ3ZzJX28oe_UMOSw0TuYYHP2yKOos " =214x468") You should see your connected storage listed in the sidebar. ![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My8zYTNhNmU4Yy1jOTQzLTQzYTAtYWZkOC0wYzI5OWYzZmNiYzEvdXNiNC1maWxlZXhwbC1uYXZpZ2F0ZS5wbmciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5Mjk2MTEwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzMDQ3NTAwfQ.UQeI1I430XGrY-884mKRa7Vru1RrZx-ye45UFbmWMag " =214x468") * **Select Files to Transfer:** Navigate to the files you want to transfer (photos, videos, documents, etc.). ![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My9iODYxZTY0My0wMjYxLTRkYmYtYWE3Zi1lZDExYzNkY2RkZjUvdXNiNS1maWxlZXhwbC1zZWxlY3QucG5nIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTI5NjExMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzA0NzUwMH0.F-rwARTDkNhIk4rZdrK1bINsERcqMBbGnlAwRqbvTXI " =214x468") * **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. ![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My8zYTNhNmU4Yy1jOTQzLTQzYTAtYWZkOC0wYzI5OWYzZmNiYzEvdXNiNC1maWxlZXhwbC1uYXZpZ2F0ZS5wbmciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5Mjk2MTEwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzMDQ3NTAwfQ.UQeI1I430XGrY-884mKRa7Vru1RrZx-ye45UFbmWMag " =214x468")  > 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). ![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My84NWExMmY5MS02OWE1LTRmMzktOTczNi02YmY2YjEyNDdkNzYvdXNiNC1maWxlZXhwbC1uYXZpZ2F0ZS5wbmciLCJ0eXBlIjoiYXR0YWNobWVudCIsImlhdCI6MTc5Mjk2MTEwMCwiZXhwIjoxNzkzMDQ3NTAwfQ.zW40CO9nKz61v6bwFIAQHv8Wbt5AaFKyFIwYVJGATMo " =214x468") * **Paste Files:** Navigate to the desired folder on the thumb drive and tap **COPY** / **Paste** to transfer the files. ![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My81MGEyNGZjNC05YzY3LTRjOTAtYTUwMy00N2FjMTZkY2MzZWYvdXNiOC1jb3B5dG8ucG5nIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTI5NjExMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzA0NzUwMH0.46S2MBKCsKLkEK-VxO58kjQxUVg9mICDo1S9Qul0Q3M " =214x468") * **Monitor progress:** Swipe down from the very top to find a notification that shows the progress of the current transfer in real time. ![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My9kYmViNzE5MC03YWM5LTQ4NDItYjQ4MS0xODU5MTliMGRmNDAvdXNiOS1jb3B5LXByb2dyZXNzLnBuZyIsInR5cGUiOiJhdHRhY2htZW50IiwiaWF0IjoxNzkyOTYxMTAwLCJleHAiOjE3OTMwNDc1MDB9.Nh-kZ7yclW6kUz_Ro1AMh7eKSZhZRdmVNdKaOl7icG0 " =214x468")   ### **Step 4: Safely Eject the Thumb Drive** :::warning * **Ensure all transfers are complete before ejecting** ::: * **Eject the Drive:** Go back to the file manager, tap on the thumb drive, and select the option to safely eject or unmount it. ![](https://learn.above.im/api/files.get?sig=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJrZXkiOiJ1cGxvYWRzL2NhOWNmOTRhLWU0MGEtNDc5YS1iOTlmLTIwMDgzNGNhOTc5My8wNTMxZTZlNC1kZjEwLTRhNDItYjAwMy04YmZjZTEzOTQxYTUvdXNiOWItZWplY3QucG5nIiwidHlwZSI6ImF0dGFjaG1lbnQiLCJpYXQiOjE3OTI5NjExMDAsImV4cCI6MTc5MzA0NzUwMH0.ghzJP-wDOuMOl7UV4lm1vBDq5O76Q-88OAcQjtGi6hw " =214x468") * **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. --- **Documents** - [Getting Started](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/getting-started-2PIp21MpGq) - [Application Guides](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/application-guides-jAjlxuCIBy) - [Above Essentials](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/above-essentials-KkbCdqt7F7) - [Profiles](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/profiles-UiYjt5uT5E) - [Migrating from other devices](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/migrating-from-other-devices-h0cJeSFPOe) - [Backup & Restore](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/backup-restore-8eA0cmjC3G) - [FAQs](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/faqs-HUNU8JOych) - [Privacy Strategies](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/privacy-strategies-uHCZH7KxdC) - [Older Above Phones](https://learn.above.im/s/12aef602-75ec-4367-b619-07ad051e2a6f/doc/older-above-phones-fG3zUVbYnS)