The process of preparing a USB storage device for use with Android-based systems involves configuring its file system and partition scheme. This ensures compatibility, allowing the Android device to recognize and access the data stored on the external drive. For example, a common use case is reformatting a USB drive previously used with a computer (Windows, macOS) to a file system such as FAT32 or exFAT, which are generally supported by Android.
Properly structuring the USB storage device allows for expanded storage capacity on Android devices. This is especially relevant for transferring files like videos, photos, or large documents to and from an Android phone or tablet. Historically, storage limitations on internal memory made external storage options like USB drives essential; while internal storage has increased, the convenience and portability of USB drives still make them valuable.