When you connect a USB device like a flash drive or external hard drive to your Android tablet, you should always safely disconnect it before unplugging it.
Improperly removing a USB device can lead to data loss or corruption.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the proper steps to eject a USB device on an Android tablet.
Safely Disconnect USB Storage
Here are the steps to safely remove a USB device from your Android tablet:
1. Unmount the USB Storage
The first step is to unmount the USB storage, which detaches it from the operating system. This ensures all writes to the drive are completed.
On Android, open the Notification Panel by swiping down from the top of the screen. Look for the “USB for file transfer” notification. Tap on it, then tap “Eject”. This will unmount the drive.
2. Disconnect the USB Device
Once the USB drive is unmounted, it is safe to disconnect it from your tablet. Simply unplug the USB cable or remove the flash drive.
Do Not Pull Out Abruptly
Never unplug the USB device without unmounting it first. Pulling out the drive while it’s still mounted can lead to file corruption or loss of data.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you get an error message when trying to eject the USB device, here are some things to try:
Close Apps Using the Drive
Close any apps that may be accessing files on the USB drive. This includes file manager apps, music/video players, etc.
Reboot Your Android Tablet
If closing apps doesn’t work, reboot your Android tablet. This will force-close all apps and allow you to eject the USB device.
Use Safe Eject Apps
Try using a dedicated app like USB Mountr that is designed to safely eject USB drives.
FAQs
Why should I eject a USB properly?
Forcing ejection can lead to file corruption or data loss. Unmounting the drive ensures all writes are complete.
Can I just pull out the USB?
You should never abruptly disconnect a USB device as it could be still writing data. Always eject it first.