Using a Type-C USB flash drive typically doesn’t require installing additional apps, but in certain situations, installing specific apps may provide more advanced features. Here are the specific scenarios:
No app required: Most Android devices natively support OTG (On-The-Go) functionality. When a Type-C USB flash drive is inserted into the phone, the system automatically recognizes it as an external storage device. Users can directly access, copy, paste, and delete files on the drive using the phone’s built-in file manager, just as easily as interacting with the phone’s internal storage or an SD card. Examples include the Netac U785C Type-C USB drive and the Ugreen Type-C OTG USB drive, both of which are plug-and-play without requiring app installation.
When an app is required: Some Type-C flash drive brands develop companion apps to offer enhanced functionality and improved user experience. For instance, SanDisk’s Type-C mobile flash drives, paired with the SanDisk Memory Zone app, streamline data organization workflows. Users can set up automatic backups for important data like photos and contacts at scheduled intervals, while also gaining clearer visibility into storage usage across both the phone and flash drive. Additionally, when using certain Type-C flash drives with Apple devices, you may need to use Apple’s Files app to import or export files.