Read external /external SD card

[missouriexile]

My note 3 was able to access a second SD card through the micro USB port.
I just tried to access an external hard drive that way. (with my LG g4)
No luck so far. The G4 just doesn't see the hard drive.
Am I barking up an impossible tree?

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[SpookDroid]

It depends on the drive. If the hard drive needs a powered USB port (most do!), your phone will not be able to use it because it just can't output that much power. With the SD Card reader, the power needs are usually less (although there ARE powered readers that won't work) and therefor you can use them with the phone. For the hard drive to work you'd need a power USB splitter, basically supplying data to your phone through one end, and receiving an external power source from another.

 

[missouriexile]

It depends on the drive. If the hard drive needs a powered USB port (most do!), your phone will not be able to use it because it just can't output that much power. With the SD Card reader, the power needs are usually less (although there ARE powered readers that won't work) and therefor you can use them with the phone. For the hard drive to work you'd need a power USB splitter, basically supplying data to your phone through one end, and receiving an external power source from another.

Wow! A great answering post.
Many thanks,.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[SpookDroid]

No problem! Anytime if we can help, we'll help