USB OTG Apps Recommendations?

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Acreo Aeneas

Senior Member
Mar 17, 2012
54
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I've noticed that the OTA 4.4.2 update breaks native OTG forcing me to use a file manager app that supports OTG from the Play Store. With that said, does anyone have any recommendations for good file managers with USB OTG support? Preferrably paid with no adds, otherwise paid, but not too expensive (under <$5).

Also does anyone know if File Explorer (fx) supports USB OTG? I've been a long time user but I can't find anything in their documentation that mentions USB OTG support.
 
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helppme

Senior Member
Apr 20, 2011
323
87
Acreo Aeneas said:
I've noticed that the OTA 4.4.2 update breaks native OTG forcing me to use a file manager app that supports OTG from the Play Store. With that said, does anyone have any recommendations for good file managers with USB OTG support? Preferrably paid with no adds, otherwise paid, but not too expensive (under <$5).

Also does anyone know if File Explorer (fx) supports USB OTG? I've been a long time user but I can't find anything in their documentation that mentions USB OTG support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Im pretty sure ES file explorer does and there is a free version. I will test it when I get home.
 
techguyone

techguyone

Senior Member
Mar 5, 2011
686
200
I thought maybe Nexus Media Importer would do it, I couldn't figure out how to copy entire directories from my /SD Card folder to the USB drive though :/


ES File Explorer (under KK) doesn't show the USB Drive like it used to under JB (Storage USB 1.1.1) which is a shame so I too wouldn't mind knowing a file explorer app that works (and allows write to the usb drive without rooting)


Kinda pissed Google broke USB OTG for KK, have you ever seen how slow Airdroid is at transferring big files over wi-fi...
 
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Descendent182

Member
Oct 27, 2013
33
1
techguyone said:
I thought maybe Nexus Media Importer would do it, I couldn't figure out how to copy entire directories from my /SD Card folder to the USB drive though :/


ES File Explorer (under KK) doesn't show the USB Drive like it used to under JB (Storage USB 1.1.1) which is a shame so I too wouldn't mind knowing a file explorer app that works (and allows write to the usb drive without rooting)


Kinda pissed Google broke USB OTG for KK, have you ever seen how slow Airdroid is at transferring big files over wi-fi...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

use stickmount to mount the memory and then use es file manager to acces the files
 
techguyone

techguyone

Senior Member
Mar 5, 2011
686
200
Looks like it needs root, is there a non root solution?

Sent from my Moto G using XDA premium 4 mobile app
 
A

Acreo Aeneas

Senior Member
Mar 17, 2012
54
14
techguyone said:
Looks like it needs root, is there a non root solution?

Sent from my Moto G using XDA premium 4 mobile app
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I would like to know if a non-root solution is possible.

If I have to root it, is there a guide somewhere to know I can root my Moto G? I have the US GSM model (XT1034), 16 GBs, and it has the OTA 4.4.2 applied.
 
CANADOS

CANADOS

Member
Jan 16, 2014
12
2
Vancouver
techguyone said:
On Google+ someone suggested I use Total Commander with the USB plug in (both available from Google Play, and this does work, although the UI is like something from 1990

This solution doesn't need root, give it a go and see if it fits your needs.
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That's true, I can confirm it works but in READ ONLY mode.
To write smth to USB Flash Stick / microSD connected via OTG you still need root.
PS
Read only is more than enough to cover my needs cause you still can copy files/folders from memory stick to internal memory.
 
H

helppme

Senior Member
Apr 20, 2011
323
87
techguyone said:
I thought maybe Nexus Media Importer would do it, I couldn't figure out how to copy entire directories from my /SD Card folder to the USB drive though :/


ES File Explorer (under KK) doesn't show the USB Drive like it used to under JB (Storage USB 1.1.1) which is a shame so I too wouldn't mind knowing a file explorer app that works (and allows write to the usb drive without rooting)


Kinda pissed Google broke USB OTG for KK, have you ever seen how slow Airdroid is at transferring big files over wi-fi...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Yep Techguyone is bang on the money. Tested file explorer and various other usb apps and I can confirm that what worked in JB no longer works. Is this something to do with ART?

I can't understand why they would hobble this feature..... Could it be security related? I remember reading about the 'Fraud docks'. Where people would use a mobile charging hotspot and when they plug their android or iphone in it steals their data.....
 
techguyone

techguyone

Senior Member
Mar 5, 2011
686
200
It's not ART related, google are just gradually locking down their phones more and more which is to be honest, starting to get annoying. It's ridiculous to need root just to be able for example: to turn on/off GPS or Airplane mode. It's getting stupid now. Google are you listening?
 
H

helppme

Senior Member
Apr 20, 2011
323
87
techguyone said:
I thought maybe Nexus Media Importer would do it, I couldn't figure out how to copy entire directories from my /SD Card folder to the USB drive though :/


ES File Explorer (under KK) doesn't show the USB Drive like it used to under JB (Storage USB 1.1.1) which is a shame so I too wouldn't mind knowing a file explorer app that works (and allows write to the usb drive without rooting)


Kinda pissed Google broke USB OTG for KK, have you ever seen how slow Airdroid is at transferring big files over wi-fi...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

techguyone said:
It's not ART related, google are just gradually locking down their phones more and more which is to be honest, starting to get annoying. It's ridiculous to need root just to be able for example: to turn on/off GPS or Airplane mode. It's getting stupid now. Google are you listening?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

If its not security related, then it is probably more of a 'differential pricing' issue. Moto G has been too successful and is probably canablising sales from the Moto X and Nexus 5 more than expected, so they rush out 4.4.2 and lock up USB OTG and other features on the budget handset......
 
Clivectmob

Clivectmob

Senior Member
Apr 23, 2006
273
42
Use Nexus Media Importer, I was using it before the KK update and have continued to use it since getting KitKat. It works for reading and writing both ways without root. I have never rooted either of my G's. This is a fact not a guess as I actually use it.

And, you can copy entire directories both ways too. (edit)
 
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    techguyone
    techguyone
    I thought maybe Nexus Media Importer would do it, I couldn't figure out how to copy entire directories from my /SD Card folder to the USB drive though :/


    ES File Explorer (under KK) doesn't show the USB Drive like it used to under JB (Storage USB 1.1.1) which is a shame so I too wouldn't mind knowing a file explorer app that works (and allows write to the usb drive without rooting)


    Kinda pissed Google broke USB OTG for KK, have you ever seen how slow Airdroid is at transferring big files over wi-fi...
    View
    1
    techguyone
    techguyone
    On Google+ someone suggested I use Total Commander with the USB plug in (both available from Google Play, and this does work, although the UI is like something from 1990

    This solution doesn't need root, give it a go and see if it fits your needs.


    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ghisler.android.TotalCommander

    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.hechler.tcplugins.usbstick
    View
    1
    Clivectmob
    Clivectmob
    Use Nexus Media Importer, I was using it before the KK update and have continued to use it since getting KitKat. It works for reading and writing both ways without root. I have never rooted either of my G's. This is a fact not a guess as I actually use it.

    And, you can copy entire directories both ways too. (edit)
    View

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