This article will tell you if it is possible to use an external hard drive with an Android device. You might have got an external hard drive that has data on it, and you might be wondering if there is a way to connect it to your Android device, Android Smartphone or Tablet so that you can access the files on it.
The answer is yes and no, both. Some requirements need to be met for this to happen. You need the correct type of external hard drive and the right cables. The good news is that you can find all of these things in one kit for your convenience at a relatively low price.
Can You Connect External Hard Disk Drive (HDD)?
If you are a bit Technical, you must be aware that the hard disk in tries has got mechanical parts inside them that move when data is read on it. It needs a little extra power to work.
When connected to a smartphone, it does not get enough power for the data to be read on the HDD.
Another hurdle is, mostly all the HDD I have got USB type a connection. This can be solved by getting an OTG cable, but the power delivery is still an issue.
Thankfully, there are some Hybrid Hard Disk Drives available in the market, like the ones from Western Digital.
These are compatible with Android devices and can be connected to an Android smartphone using an OTG cable. The new products also come with Type C cable in the package, so there might not be any need for an OTG cable at all.
Also, these Hybrid Hard Drives can be connected to SmartTVs with Android TV support, if there’s a USB input on the TV.
Go for SSDs instead
If you’re looking for the answer before making a Purchase Decision, I suggest you go for SSDs.
Now, the SSDs are a little expensive compared to the hybrid HDDs, but not only do they give you faster read and write speeds, up to 5x the speed than HDDs, they are also relatively small and light in comparison.
I have been using T5 SSD with 500GB capacity, and it has got two cables with it. One is Type A to Type C, and the other is Type C to Type C. It can be connected to Android smartphones, Android tablets, iPad Air, iPad Pro, and Laptops with Type C Input.
I’ve even written a review of it, it was so impressive to me. Read the review.
Get Samsung T5 from AmazonThis article will tell you if it is possible to use an external hard drive with an Android device. You might have got an external hard drive that has data on it, and you might be wondering if there is a way to connect it to your Android device, Android Smartphone or Tablet so that you can access the files on it.
The answer is yes and no, both. Some requirements need to be met for this to happen. You need the correct type of external hard drive and the right cables. The good news is that you can find all of these things in one kit for your convenience at a relatively low price.
Can You Connect External Hard Disk Drive (HDD)?
If you are a bit Technical, you must be aware that the hard disk in tries has got mechanical parts inside them that move when data is read on it. It needs a little extra power to work.
When connected to a smartphone, it does not get enough power for the data to be read on the HDD.
Another hurdle is, mostly all the HDD I have got USB type a connection. This can be solved by getting an OTG cable, but the power delivery is still an issue.
Thankfully, there are some Hybrid Hard Disk Drives available in the market, like the ones from Western Digital.
These are compatible with Android devices and can be connected to an Android smartphone using an OTG cable. The new products also come with Type C cable in the package, so there might not be any need for an OTG cable at all.
Also, these Hybrid Hard Drives can be connected to SmartTVs with Android TV support, if there’s a USB input on the TV.
Go for SSDs instead
If you’re looking for the answer before making a Purchase Decision, I suggest you go for SSDs.
Now, the SSDs are a little expensive compared to the hybrid HDDs, but not only do they give you faster read and write speeds, up to 5x the speed than HDDs, they are also relatively small and light in comparison.
I have been using T5 SSD with 500GB capacity, and it has got two cables with it. One is Type A to Type C, and the other is Type C to Type C. It can be connected to Android smartphones, Android tablets, iPad Air, iPad Pro, and Laptops with Type C Input.
I’ve even written a review of it, it was so impressive to me. Read the review.