Since you bought it, your tablet has become a trusted ally for work, allowing you to carry out most of the operations you need at any time of day and from anywhere. Lately, however, you’ve noticed that your internal memory is starting to suffer , this due to the large number of files you’ve saved over time: therefore, you’ve started wondering how to free up some space and wondered if it’s You can copy files from the device memory to a USB stick.
Well, I’m happy to announce that the answer to your question is yes: it is possible to transfer files from tablet to USB stick using a series of methods that are not only quick to apply, but also very simple to use. Don’t worry: whatever the operating system on your tablet, Android , iPadOS or Windows , I will now explain how to do it and you will be able to achieve your goal without any problems.
So what are you waiting for to take action? Take some free time for yourself, make yourself comfortable and read all the instructions I have to give you to transfer important files from your tablet’s memory to the USB stick: I’m sure that, after reading carefully, you’ll be perfectly able to choose the method that best suits your needs and to apply it to the fullest. Having said that, I can only wish you a good reading and a good job!
Index
- How to transfer files from android tablet to usb stick
- How to transfer files from iPad to USB stick
- How to transfer files from windows tablet to usb stick
- Other methods to transfer files from tablet to USB stick
How to transfer files from android tablet to usb stick
The vast majority of modern Android devices are able to effectively manage external sticks and disks, thanks to USB OTG technology : available on almost all modern Android devices, it allows the operating system to use external USB devices, whether they are storage or pointing, using a series of drivers suitable for the purpose.
For everything to proceed smoothly, first check which charging port is present on your tablet: if it is a USB-C port , you can connect a USB stick equipped with the same connector to it, or a standard USB-type stick -A, to which however a specific adapter must be applied.
Adattatore Apple da USB‐C a USB
See offer on Amazon
Apple USB-C to USB adapter USB-C to USB adapter
See offer on eBay
Syntech Adattatore da USB C a USB [2 pezzi], Adattatore USB Type C, Co…
See offer on Amazon
Syntech Adattatore da USB C a [2 pezzi], Type C, Gray
See offer on eBay
Sandisk Ultra Dual USB Drive Type-C 64 GB, USB 3.1 Type C, Nero/Argent…
See offer on Amazon
SanDisk Ultra Dual USB flash drive 64 GB USB 3.1 / USB-C SDDDC2-064G-G…
See offer on eBay
SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go, Unità USB Flash Type-C, 64 GB
See offer on Amazon
SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go, Unità USB Flash Type-C, 64 GB, Nero (A5e)
See offer on eBay
If, on the other hand, your tablet is equipped with a microUSB charging port , you need to get an OTG adapter equipped with a microUSB connector, which must still be applied to the key on which to copy the files.
iJiZuo 2 in 1 USB C/Micro to USB Adapter, USB Micro and Type OTG Cable …
See offer on Amazon
NIMASO Micro USB OTG Cable [2 Pieces 20CM], Micro USB Male Adapter…
See offer on Amazon
Pack Of 2, 2-In-1 Type-C/Micro To Usb Adapter, Adapter Cable…
See offer on Amazon
Another important aspect to take into consideration is the file system in use on the USB drive: although Android is able to read NTFS , FAT32 and exFAT formatted keys without problems , it is possible to write files only if one of the last two file systems is in use mentioned, due to some restrictions due to the license to use NTFS. Therefore, if you haven’t already done so, remember to format the USB stick in FAT32 or exFAT: I explained how to do it in my specific guide on the subject.
Having clarified this, let’s see together how to proceed. First, connect the USB stick to the appropriate adapter and insert the connector coming from the latter into the tablet’s charging port (or, if possible, connect the stick directly to the tablet).
To manage the contents of the stick, you can use any file manager for Android : from now on, I will expressly refer to the one pre-installed on almost all devices equipped with Google services, called Google Files . However, the steps are easily replicable also on other applications of this type.
Therefore, once the key is connected to the tablet (with or without adapter), start the application mentioned above and, if necessary, press the Continue and Allow buttons and move the lever corresponding to the wording Google Files to ON , so to allow full access to memory. If you have been asked to carry out the above steps, after completing them, close the Files application completely and reopen it: this step is essential for the application to be able to acquire full access permissions to files, folders and external memories.
Back on the Files home screen, tap the Browse tab (on the side), locate the Storage devices box , press on the wording Internal memory and reach the folder that contains the file (or files) to transfer; in this regard, I point out that the photos and videos captured using the device’s camera reside in the DCIM folder . Subsequently, make a long tap on the element of your interest and, if you intend to proceed with a multiple selection, tap on the previews of all the other files to be sent to the key.
Now, tap the ⫶ button located at the top right, select the item Copy to or Move to from the menu that opens, tap the name of the USB flash drive that appears at the bottom of the screen and finally press the Copy here/Move here button , visible below. I recommend: once the transfer is complete, remember to unmount the key before physically disconnecting it, to avoid errors due to incomplete writing.
To do this, call up the Android notification area , expand the USB memory / USB storage device message and touch the wording Unmount , Remove or Disconnect , located inside it. It was really very simple, don’t you think?
How to transfer files from iPad to USB stick
With the advent of iPadOS (and iOS 13 ), Apple introduced support for USB sticks and, in general, for external storage devices. This means that, with the necessary precautions, you can move one or more files from the tablet to the USB drive very easily, simply using the File app .
Clearly, for everything to go smoothly, you must first get what you need to put the two devices in communication: if you have an iPad equipped with a USB-C port and you want to connect a key equipped with a standard USB-A connector to it, you must get a dedicated USB-C adapter or hub to use for the purpose.
Adattatore Apple da USB‐C a USB
See offer on Amazon
Apple USB-C to USB adapter USB-C to USB adapter
See offer on eBay
Syntech Adattatore da USB C a USB [2 pezzi], Adattatore USB Type C, Co…
See offer on Amazon
Syntech Adattatore da USB C a [2 pezzi], Type C, Gray
See offer on eBay
UGREEN USB C Hub, 4 USB 3.0 Ports, USB C Power Port, Adapted …
See offer on Amazon
Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid using an adapter, you can get a USB-C type stick , or one equipped with both of the most commonly used USB connectors.
Sandisk Ultra Dual USB Drive Type-C 64 GB, USB 3.1 Type C, Nero/Argent…
See offer on Amazon
SanDisk Ultra Dual USB flash drive 64 GB USB 3.1 / USB-C SDDDC2-064G-G…
See offer on eBay
SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go, Unità USB Flash Type-C, 64 GB
See offer on Amazon
SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go, Unità USB Flash Type-C, 64 GB, Nero (A5e)
See offer on eBay
Lexar Chiavetta USB 64 GB, Pen Drive USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB C & USB A, Vel…
See offer on Amazon
The situation is a little different if, on the other hand, your iPad is equipped with a Lightning port : also in this case you will need to purchase a dedicated adapter but, to avoid reading/writing problems due to poor power supply from the iPad, it is good the Lightning-USB adapter is equipped with a USB 3.0 (or later) port and a second Lightning input , through which it can be connected to the mains.
On the market there are different types of adapters of this type, suitable for all budgets and needs; however, in order to avoid problems due to incompatibility between the devices involved, my advice is to opt for an original Apple adapter or, at least, one with official MFi certification .
Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter
See offer on Amazon
Apple accessory MK0W2ZM/A Lightning to USB 3 camera adapter
See offer on eBay
Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter
See offer on Amazon
Adattatore per Fotocamere Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter white
See offer on eBay
IVSHOWCO USB Camera Adapter for iPhone [Apple M Certified…
See offer on Amazon
To avoid problems due to the impossibility of the iPad to copy files to the key, I recommend that you first format the latter with the FAT32 file system , or exFAT : if you don’t know how to proceed, take a look at the thematic guides available on my site.
Once you have everything you need, all you have to do is put the iPad in communication with the USB stick: to do this, insert the stick directly into the USB-C port of the iPad or, if the solution you have chosen also involves an adapter, connect the latter device first to the storage drive and then to iPad , using the dedicated connector.
Once this is done, start the iPad File app , navigate to the folder that contains the file to be transferred and make a long tap on it to call up the management options; then, tap the Copy option or the Move option , visible in the menu that opens; if you need to transfer multiple files, first touch the Select item located at the top right, touch each of the files of your interest (or slide your finger on the respective thumbnails, if they are close) and then select the Move item , or the More > Copy [X] items items , depending on the operation you intend to carry out.
At this point, locate the name of the USB stick in the left sidebar (found in the Positions section ), tap on it, press on an empty spot in the further panel that opens and tap the Paste item , located in the menu displayed context.
Note : there are also USB flash drives equipped with a Lightning connector and specifically dedicated to transferring photos and videos from iPhone and iPad: however, these generally require the use of a dedicated app (almost always available at no cost on the App Store ), via which to start the data transfer. Before proceeding with the purchase, however, I advise you to carefully read the reviews left by other users, to make sure that the device you have chosen works correctly.
How to transfer files from windows tablet to usb stick
Have a Windows tablet at your disposal and wondering how to transfer files to a USB stick? Nothing simpler! First, check for standard USB ports on board and, if there are, immediately connect the key to transfer files to.
Otherwise, I suggest you buy the most suitable adapter for your tablet, or a USB-C type stick (if the tablet is equipped with the latter connection port), exactly as I suggested in the section relating to tablets Android .
Once the USB stick is connected (possibly together with the adapter), you have to carry out the same procedure that you would use for the computer, with a few small “modifications” to make it easier to select via touch-screen: start a File Explorer window by clicking on the yellow folder icon placed in the application bar, then touch the View item located at the top and put the check mark on the Items check boxes , located in the panel that opens; if you use Windows 11 , you must instead press on the menu View> Show and then tap on the wording Checkboxes items .
Now, go back to the File Explorer Home tab (if necessary), go to the folder that contains the file to be moved and tap the boxes corresponding to the files that interest you; subsequently, touch the item Cut or the Scissors symbol located at the top, do so on the item This PC / Computer visible on the side and then on the name of the USB stick; finally, press the item Paste , or the button of the pasted notes , to complete the procedure.
How do you say? Can’t see the File Explorer icon on your Windows 10 desktop? Don’t worry, you can make it appear in a very simple way: long tap on an empty spot on the application bar and select the item Show app icons from the new menu proposed: in no time at all, the icon will appear on the bar!
Other methods to transfer files from tablet to USB stick
If, for some reason, you are unable to connect your USB stick directly to the tablet, you can transfer data by connecting both devices to a computer: in this case, you will simply have to access the Android or iPadOS memory using the Windows File Explorer, the macOS Finder, or the iTunes or Android File Transfer software, to then copy the files of your interest and immediately paste them directly onto the USB stick.
Alternatively, you can also send the files of your interest to your computer wirelessly (using, for example, transfer systems such as Snapdrop or AirDrop ) and transfer them later to the USB drive . I know, it’s a bit cumbersome procedure, but if you don’t have any viable alternative… it’s always better than nothing!
How do you say? Have you never had access to the tablet’s memory, starting from the computer, and don’t have the faintest idea of how to do it? In this case, my guides on how to connect Android smartphones and tablets to the computer and how to connect iPad to the computer will come in handy , in which you will find all the information on what to do.