OTG-USB & Flash Drive on the Nexus 7

[The Nexus Project]

Picked up an OTG-USB cable and a Flash Drive(USB 3.0) for my Nexus 7 because 16GB just isn't enough storage for my needs.And I must say it works perfectly. You just need to grab Stickmount from the Playstore. This is exactly what I needed to expand the limited local storage on my Nexus 7. Now I can put all my media needs(Movies,Music,etc.) on a Flash drive and not compromise my precious internal storage needed for apps,app data,ROM Backups,etc.

[tsruggles]

If you could maybe write up something as far as how to configure a setup like this, I think a lot of people would be willing to try it. Especially me.

[Babyfacemagee]

There's nothing to really 'configure' tsruggles except for Rooting your tablet and installing 'stickmount'.   Then you buy an OTG cable and a flash drive, plug it in and presto...you have more storage!   If you haven't rooted yet take a look at our step by step guide.

[tsruggles]

So information will automatically be stored to the drive or do you have to move things there manually?

[birdastrompgman]

You should find your answer here.

[tsruggles]

Ah, thanks! Well, sort of...lol! Sure would be nice if it integrated a little more seamlessly. BIG seam!

[frank]

You generally have to move things there manually.  I use mine just for music/movies/photos.

I use this one and love the form factor.  It is slow as a dog though, took about an hour to move 16gb of files onboard.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00812F7O8/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00

[frank]

I was trying to find how to do this with the smallest total length.  Using these I have a 32GB micro-usb thumbdrive that sticks out exactly two inches in length and costs ~$22. 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00812F7O8/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=180924772396&ssPageName=STRK:MERFB:IID#ht_500wt_1414

[2e0bvj]

Hi,
    Theirs no need to root you're nexus 7 tab.On Google play download a app called nexus media importer its about a couple of quid and plug n play virtually no setting up it recognises automatically when a flash drive is inserted & The app is open.I have no connection with the developer but just got it my self and then read this thread.Hope this helps as it certainly won't affect any warranties like rooting would if the tablet goes up the old swany during rooting ect .

[bjs229]

There is a flaw with the unrooted method. The app that you need to use limits the file types that you are able to view and play. You are also unable to write to the thumb drive as far as I know. With stick mount it is just like being attached to my pc.

[John H]

I have an aversion to rooting my Nexus 7. 'Rooting' in NZ is a slang word that (amongst other things) means 'wrecking'!

I use both Nexus Media Importer and Nexus Photo Viewer from the Google Playstore without any apparent problems as far as my purposes are concerned - getting files on to my Nexus 7 (I also use Dropbox for this purpose) or viewing them on the Nexus/showing them to others when I travel, and most of all, for the expansion of the memory capacity of the Nexus 7. I haven't found any limitations thus far.

I bought an OTG-USB adapter - cost just over $US2.00 for a pair, and free delivery to NZ from here: http://dx.com/p/micro-usb-on-the-go-...ter-pair-50774

Everything just worked as soon as I plugged in the adapter and pen drive. So simple, so easy to carry when I travel, no more tangling cords. Of course it works better when working in landscape, but I am not finding any particular difficulty with the combo sticking down towards me when working in portrait mode.

[bjs229]

 I rooted my Nexus because the developer of the two mentioned apps advised me that it was my best option for what I wanted out of my device. I have an extensive karaoke collection. There is no way to play mp3+g files with his app or a way to point the files to an app that can view or play them. Outside of that, his app seems to work great. He is a pioneer so to speak in the unrooted community.

[RALIR]

I was trying to find how to do this with the smallest total length.  Using these I have a 32GB micro-usb thumbdrive that sticks out exactly two inches in length and costs ~$22. 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00812F7O8/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=180924772396&ssPageName=STRK:MERFB:IID#ht_500wt_1414

Frank,

I bought something very similar to your adapter for a very similar price, but it does not seem to work. (MY Nexus 7 is unlocked and rooted).  I have an OTG cable that works fine.  I do not know if an OTG adapter is a "crossed" adapter and what I bought was a straight adapter.  Any ideas? Anyone?

Thank you.

RaliR

[loociddreemr]

I have seen a write-up on a similar issue.  What seems to be the issue is one of the pins on the mico side are not connected on the shorty adapters. I have read that one needs to solder a wire to connect pin 4 and 5.  You may find some useful information here http://tech2.in.com/how-to/accessories/how-to-make-your-own-usb-otg-cable-for-an-android-smartphone/319982