With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, people tend to access their files stored on external hard drives from their Android devices. But it is not a straightforward process, especially for people who have little technical knowledge. In this blog, we will discuss how to access the Hard Drive connected to a router on an Android device.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Access Hard Drive Connected to Router on Android
Most people store their important files on external hard drives for backup and easy access. But carrying these bulky hard drives everywhere can be inconvenient and risky. Moreover, if you want to access the hard drive from multiple devices, then you will always have to connect the drive to the device to access the data.
However, by connecting the hard drive to a router, you can easily access the drive from any device on the same network, without physically connecting it. This can be done by setting up a network-attached storage (NAS) or a media server. This article will guide you through the methods that you can use to access the hard drive connected to a router on an Android device.
Method 1: Via ES File Explorer
ES File Explorer is a popular file manager app for Android that can be used to access files on a network drive. Here is how to use it for accessing the hard drive connected to a router:
1. Download and install ES File Explorer from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and tap the menu button on the top-left corner of the screen.
3. Select "Network" from the menu, and choose "LAN."
4. Tap the "+" icon on the bottom-right corner of the screen to add a new LAN connection.
5. Enter the server information of the router, including the server IP address, server name, and port number. If you are not sure about the details, you can find the information by logging into the router’s admin interface.
6. Once you have entered the server information, tap on "OK."
7. The router’s connected drive will now appear in the list of LAN resources, and you can access the files by tapping on the drive name.
Pros:
– ES File Explorer is a free, easy-to-use app that comes with a variety of features.
– You can access your files from anywhere on the network.
– It supports a wide range of file formats, including videos, music, and documents.
Cons:
– While it is a useful app, it has a few limitations when compared to dedicated media server apps.
– It requires basic technical knowledge to set up the app.
Method 2: Via VLC for Android
VLC is a popular media player that can be used to access media files on a network drive. Here is how to use it for accessing the hard drive connected to a router:
1. Download and install VLC for Android from the Google Play Store.
2. Open VLC and tap the "Browse" button on the bottom-right corner of the screen.
3. Select "Local Network" from the dropdown menu.
4. Tap on "Universal Plug and Play" to initiate a UPnP scan, which should locate your router and the connected hard drive.
5. Once the hard drive is detected, you can select it to access the files in the drive.
Pros:
– VLC for Android is a free app that supports a wide range of file formats.
– It is easy to use and set up, even for beginners.
– It comes with advanced features like subtitle support, equalizer, and more.
Cons:
– It might not be the best option for accessing large files or a large number of files.
– The app doesn’t have features like backup and syncing.
Method 3: Via Airdroid
Airdroid is an app that allows users to access their Android devices from another device. Here is how to use it for accessing the hard drive connected to a router:
1. First, you need to set up Airdroid on your Android device and create an account.
2. Once you’ve signed in to your account, look for a menu on the left-hand side of the app and scroll down to "Tools."
3. In the Tools section, look for the LAN feature and click on it.
4. When you tap on "Scan," Airdroid should detect your router’s connected hard drive.
5. Click on the "Connect" button.
6. You can now access the files stored on the hard drive by tapping on the drive name.
Pros:
– Airdroid is useful for accessing files from a remote location.
– It is a free, no-fuss app that is easy to use.
– It comes with other features like file transfer, notification mirror, and more.
Cons:
– The app requires an internet connection; hence, it might incur data charges.
– It may not work correctly on some Android versions.
What to Do If You Can’t Access Hard Drive Connected to Router on Android
Accessing the Hard Drive connected to the router on Android can be a bit tricky for people with no technical knowledge. Here are some fixes:
1. Make sure your Android device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the router.
2. Check the router settings to ensure that the connected hard drive is set to share files.
3. Try rebooting the router or resetting the router to the factory settings.
4. Update the firmware of the router, which might resolve compatibility issues.
5. Try using a different app to access the hard drive.
Bonus Tip
To access the hard drive connected to the router on Android, you can use dedicated media server apps like Plex, Emby, or Universal Media Server. These apps come with advanced features like transcoding, backup, and syncing, improving the user experience. You can choose the app based on your requirements.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I access the hard drive connected to a neighbor’s router?
A: No, you can’t access the hard drive connected to someone else’s router without their permission, as it is a violation of their privacy and illegal.
Q2: How can I find the IP address of the router?
A: You can find the IP address of the router by logging into its admin interface or by using an IP scanner app.
Q3: Can I access the hard drive connected to the router on Android while traveling?
A: No, you can’t access the hard drive connected to the router on Android while traveling, as you need to be connected to the same network as the router.
Q4: Which app is best for accessing the hard drive connected to router on Android?
A: It depends on the user’s requirements. ES File Explorer is the most straightforward app, VLC for Android is the best app for playing media files, while Airdroid is the best app for remote access.
Q5: Can I access the external hard drive connected to another device on the network?
A: Yes, you can access the external hard drive connected to another device on the network if that device is sharing the drive and you have the permission to access it.
Final Thoughts
Accessing the hard drive connected to a router on Android can be tricky, but it is not impossible. With the right app and some technical knowledge, you can access the files stored on the hard drive from your Android device without physically connecting it. This article has outlined a few useful methods, and we hope it has helped in resolving the issue.