Connect portable hard drive directly to phone

[Rgarner]

I have a Toshiba 2 gb portable hard drive and a Moto G 5 g running Android 14. How do I connect them to each other without having to use a computer or other such device? Do I need an extra cable, my head examined, etc.?

 

[mikedt]

So it's a real HDD, not an SSD? If so, the phone on its own battery may not be able to supply enough power to spin a HDD from USB-OTG. You might need an extra source of power. If it's an SSD, it should be no problem.

 

[ocnbrze]

 

[Rgarner]

Do I need an otg cable? Is that expensive? How do I find out if the Moto G has otg? Is there a problem with formatting the drive? Am I wrong to assume that a phone about a year old has a type c connector?

 

[Fox Mulder]

The internet says it supports OTG and has a type C connector (but you can just look at the phone to verify that).

The main issue as already stated would be power, a phone can power a USB flash drive or maybe an SSD but not a spinning drive. You may need to use a powered USB hub to make it work.

 

[Rgarner]

I sure don't have that. How do I get ir? How much does it cost? Is it obvious how to use it?

 

[Fox Mulder]

You've never seen a USB hub?

It's not a big deal but I probably wouldn't buy one just to do this.

 

[Milo Williamson]

https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-USB-Hubs/zgbs/pc/17387627011

 

[Milo Williamson]

Do I need an otg cable? Is that expensive? How do I find out if the Moto G has otg? Is there a problem with formatting the drive? Am I wrong to assume that a phone about a year old has a type c connector?

4 Best USB OTG "On The Go" Cables (2024 Updated)

Ever needed to connect USB devices to your phone or tablet? OTG (On-The-Go) cables make this possible. These cables allow your mobile devices to act as USB hosts, enabling you to connect peripherals like keyboards, mice, or flash drives directly to them. In our hands-on exploration, we’ve tested...

nerdtechy.com

 

[Milo Williamson]

Do I need an otg cable? Is that expensive? How do I find out if the Moto G has otg? Is there a problem with formatting the drive? Am I wrong to assume that a phone about a year old has a type c connector?

Mine forever lasts..

 

[Dannydet]

Why. Just why?
You obviously don't have the knowledge of any of these things mentioned or how they work.
Go to YouTube and do a search for what you want to accomplish, at least you'll get a video of what you can do to achieve this

 

[ocnbrze]

Do I need an otg cable? Is that expensive? How do I find out if the Moto G has otg? Is there a problem with formatting the drive? Am I wrong to assume that a phone about a year old has a type c connector?

yes,https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Female-Thunderbolt3-Compatible-MacBook/dp/B0DNZGHZH3/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=8FDO5VX45HZB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.D13N9Cq8L2_OrGliP9PU1-Frz9wx6D2zXzfoNRjDVOJayWL-L-iVdr3qn1JvoCCsiXZFMlyOzNUnjOhfaGcf8gPKAcDSHP2elwBeRJz6v8CCJt6sA0_KMr9wQLBy-nO3oGZRo3gVE44CucpDh7wtUj3R-ea5J7FShqpZcZcH0R-8vywdYRcJQNYfDzrI9Qhdqc39Gjdrjqhz81sLGQBtjecOwKDReCHUlzmMVkTXOo8.GzP1R_sSffNTWquKsRWIMVPleEImI_gxPlH9TPM8CEc&dib_tag=se&keywords=otg+cable&qid=1740200045&sprefix=otg,aps,214&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

problem? you will need a pc to format the drive to fat32. we can help you with that if you need it.

your moto g 5g uses usb type c

I sure don't have that. How do I get ir? How much does it cost? Is it obvious how to use it?

you most likely do not have a hard drive that spins. most external hard drives are portable and most likely solid state (ssd). spinning, portable hard drives are pretty rare. a spinning hard drive requires power. most portable hard drives are ssd and do not need extra power.