How to Solve the Issues Related to the USB Drive?
It is expected that problems will be encountered when reading a USB drive on a phone. The causes are multiple and can be linked to incompatibilities, connection problems or software malfunctions.
This article will explore the possible reasons and solutions to resolve this issue.
Compatibility Issues
USB stick not compatible with OTG
The first check concerns your USB key’s OTG (On-The-Go) compatibility. According to a recent study, 85% of recent smartphones require an OTG-compatible USB key to function correctly. Check your USB drive’s specifications to ensure it is OTG compatible. If not, you will need an OTG adapter to make the connection.
Unsupported file system
The file system of your USB drive is also a crucial factor. The most common file systems supported by Android smartphones are FAT32 and exFAT. If your USB drive uses a different file system like NTFS, your phone cannot read it. You can format your USB drive to FAT32 on a computer, which is an effective solution.
Connection Problems
Dirty or damaged USB port
A dirty or damaged USB port may prevent the connection between your phone and the USB drive. Gently clean the ports with a cotton swab to remove any debris.
Defective USB cable
The USB cable you are using may also be causing the problem. Try using a different USB cable to see if that resolves the issue.
Software Issues
Software problem on the phone
A software glitch on your phone may prevent USB drives from being read. Try restarting your phone or updating the operating system to the latest version. Software updates often include bug fixes that can resolve these issues.
Faulty file manager application
The file manager application you are using may need to be fixed. Try using another file manager application. Applications like “File Manager” or “Total Commander” are known for their efficiency and can often solve these problems.
Practical Solutions
Check the USB version supported by your smartphone.
First, check the USB version supported by your smartphone. If your phone only supports older USB versions, this could explain the problem.
Check the compatibility of your USB key
Make sure your USB drive is compatible with your phone. If necessary, use OTG adapters to establish the connection.
Format the USB drive
Format your USB drive as FAT32 to ensure compatibility with your phone. This can be done quickly via a computer.
Try another USB cable
Use a different USB cable to eliminate the possibility of a faulty cable.
