Jump to Key Sections
With the advancement of technology, smartphones can perform multiple tasks like surfing the internet, making phone calls, sending text messages and even taking high-quality photos. A vast majority of Android phones in recent years have stopped featuring a microSD slot, which can be a big issue for many users who enjoy taking pictures and recording videos. Fortunately, this problem can be solved by using a USB card reader. A USB card reader allows you to transfer data from your microSD to your phone to free up space easily. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to use USB card reader on Android.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Use USB Card Reader on Android
Your Android phone’s storage might get filled up with various media files, including photos and videos and, as a result, will slow down the phone and provide a below average usage experience.
An external USB card reader can come in very useful as it provides you with the ability to transfer files to and from your smartphone. It is also an essential tool that makes managing files and data much easier as you can transfer and store them on an SD card, making your device faster and freeing up space.
Method 1: Using a USB Card Reader Connected Directly to Your Phone
An excellent way to use a USB card reader on an Android phone is by using an OTG cable that helps to connect your USB card reader directly to the device. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Get the right equipment for your device:
There are various types of OTG adapters in the market, so ensure to get one that complies with your phone operation system and has the right USB connector.
Step 2: Connect your USB Card reader and OTG cable:
Connect your USB card reader into one of the USB ports on the OTG cable. Afterwards, insert the OTG adapter into the micro USB port of your phone.
Step 3: Wait for the Android phone to recognize the USB Card Reader:
Once your device has recognized your USB card reader, it should appear automatically on your screen. If it doesn’t, access it manually by going to the “Files” app and then clicking on the “Storage” button.
Step 4: Transfer files:
Now you can freely browse or transfer data to or from your USB card reader.
Pros:
-Allows you to transfer files more quickly as you do not need to upload the data to cloud or other solutions and it also saves internet data cost.
-Your phone’s memory space is significantly expanded.
-Protects your data as you are less prone to losing it when you back it up.
Cons:
-OTG cables can be a hassle to set up and carry around.
-The reader may be small and easy to lose.
Method 2: Using a Wireless Card Reader via Wi-Fi
Another way to use a USB card reader on an Android phone is by using a wireless card reader driven with Wi-Fi. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Download the relevant application:
Find and download the appropriate app for your phone. The app is usually available on the Google Play Store, and once downloaded, install it.
Step 2: Connect the card reader:
Connect your card reader to the wireless router or the Wi-Fi card. Done right, the LED lights on the device will light up.
Step 3: Follow the app guide:
Follow the instructions on the application, complete its set-up, and enter your wireless card reader’s password so the mobile phone can be introduced to your wireless card reader.
Step 4: Transfer files:
Once the application has established a working connection between your phone and wireless card reader, you can transfer files or browse the files stored on the SD card.
Pros:
-Allows you to wirelessly transfer files over long distances
– Saves on the time taken to reconnect devices after each transfer.
– Can handle a high amount of data, making it useful if you need to transfer large files or many files at once.
Cons:
-You need a wireless router or new Wi-Fi card.
-The transfer rate of wireless transfer is slower than USB transfer.
Method 3: Using a USB Card Reader with a MicroUSB to USB-C Adapter
This method is an excellent option for devices that have USB-C ports or don’t support USB OTG connections. Here’s how it’s done:
Step 1: Purchase a USB-C Adapter:
You will need to buy a USB-C to MicroUSB adapter, which can be found online or in most electronic stores.
Step 2: Connect Adapter:
Connect your USB-C to MicroUSB adapter into your Android device’s type-C port.
Step 3: Plug in your USB Card Reader:
Connect your USB card reader to the Micro-USB side of your adapter through a USB cable.
Step 4: Start Transferring Files:
Wait for your Android device to detect your USB card, then you’ll be able to browse and transfer files stored on the SD card easily.
Pros:
-It’s easy to use, and the adapter can be used with other MicroUSB devices.
-You don’t need to download additional apps to use it.
-Inexpensive investment
Cons:
– May be not cross-compatible with newer Android and devices that only use type-C ports.
– The transfer speed may be slower than other methods.
What to Do If You Can’t Use a USB Card Reader with Your Android
If you can’t use a USB card reader with your Android device, there is a way around it:
-Before purchasing any external equipment, make certain that your mobile device has USB-OTG support;
-Quit apps and clear cache data to free up the phone’s memory.
-Consider using Google Photos or Google Drive to store files in the cloud rather than on your device.
-Consider upgrading your Android device/smartphone if the device doesn’t support USB OTG connections.
Bonus Tip
Keep in mind that if you are using a wireless card reader to transfer data, you may need to keep the device near your Android as the transfer speed may be slower than using a cable. In addition, for optimal performance, make sure to disengage unrequired applications as to speed up your Android’s processing speed.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can all Android phone models utilize USB OTG?
A: No, many Android devices do not have built-in USB support. Before purchasing a USB card reader or OTG cable, verify first that the Android device has OTG capability support.
Q2: Are USB OTG cables and adapters expensive?
A: Usually not. Popular marketplaces and online shopping stores feature many affordable options, and you can buy one for significantly less than $10.
Q3: Can I connect my USB-C Android phone to a MicroUSB Card Reader?
A: Yes. You would need to purchase a USB-C to MicroUSB adapter for this.
Q4: How can I check my smartphone’s support for USB OTG?
A: You can check by visiting your smartphone maker’s official website or contacting their customer care services.
Q5: Can I shift files automatically to my USB Card reader using my Android device?
A: Although this is not an inherent feature of the phone, many third-party applications can be used to sync and run backup files for Android devices.
Final Thoughts
Using a USB card reader for your Android device helps expand your device’s internal storage and allows for better file management, more space, and a more efficient experience for the phone. By implementing the methods and tips detailed in this article, you can get the most out of your Android device while also managing your files more efficiently.