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How to add extra storage to the OnePlus 3T and OnePlus 3

Here’s how to get more storage space with the OnePlus 3T or OnePlus 3, two brilliant mobiles that sadly don’t directly support microSD memory cards. From memory card adapters to WiFi drives, these are the best solutions for quickly expanding the OnePlus phones’ memory.

We absolutely adore the OnePlus 3T and OnePlus 3, which offer tremendous value for money, but they aren’t quite perfect sadly. For instance, both phones shun memory cards, which means you’re stuck with the internal storage space for storing your apps, media, photos and other bits. And even with a base option of 64GB, that storage can fill up unnervingly quickly when you start downloading games or shooting 4K video.

Don’t fret though, because it’s actually possible to quickly and easily expand the OnePlus 3T or OnePlus 3’s built-in storage space. All you need is to sign up to the cloud, or choose from a selection of nifty accessories such as Type-C USB storage keys and memory card adapters.

Here’s how to get more storage space on your OnePlus handset.

Read next: How to free up storage space on your phone

How to expand the OnePlus 3T or OnePlus 3’s storage space: Use a microSD memory card adapter

While the OnePlus 3 and 3T don’t have a microSD memory card slot, you can get around this by using a third-party memory card adapter. These adapters plug into the OnePlus 3T or OnePlus 3’s USB port, used for charging the phones. With that done, all you need to do is slot a memory card into the adapter, and the external storage should be recognised by the phone.

However, remember that the OnePlus handsets use Type-C USB, not the bog-standard micro USB of yesteryear. So older memory card adapters won’t work.

One example of an adapter that works with the OnePlus is the HyperDrive USB Type-C Adapter. This handy device adds slots for microSD and full-sized SD cards, as well as a bonus full-sized USB port which allows you to attach a USB flash drive. That’s some impressive flexibility, for quickly and easily transferring files to and from the 3T or 3.

How to expand the OnePlus 3T or OnePlus 3’s storage space: Plug a drive into the USB Type-C port

Another option for adding extra storage to the OnePlus phones is an external Type-C USB drive, which supports Android phones. Just connect the drive to your OnePlus 3T or 3’s charging port and you can carry a massive media collection around, with the ability to transfer files to and from the phone at any time.

Storage guru Sandisk offers portable USB Type-C flash drives which work with handsets, including the sexily-named Sandisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C. The Ultra Dual Drive comes packing up to 128GB of storage space and can read data at up to 150MB/s, thanks to that smart Type-C technology.

How to expand the OnePlus 3T or OnePlus 3’s storage space: Wirelessly transmit your media with a streaming device

If you’re off on your hols or some other long trip and you want to carry a massive selection of music and movies to keep you entertained, one possible solution is a hard drive with built-in WiFi support. This will allow you to stream tunes and flicks direct to your OnePlus wherever you roam, providing there’s a wireless network.

Seagate, Sandisk and a few other manufacturers offer WiFi drives that can quickly and easily connect to WiFi and stream video and audio content direct to a mobile phone. One example is the Seagate Wireless Plus, which boasts a mighty 1TB of space – enough for dozens of high-def movies. In other words, plenty to keep you entertained during that wet weekend in Windsor.

How to expand the OnePlus 3T or OnePlus 3’s storage space: Cloud storage

An alternative solution to carrying around some form of physical drive or adapter is signing up for some cloud storage. The likes of Google offer free cloud backup for your media, through services such as Google Photos and Drive. You’ll need a decent internet connection to access your stored content, of course.

Cloud storage isn’t much use if you want more space for apps and games. But thankfully you can also create your own cloud storage at home, using a NAS drive. Check Amazon for affordable NAS solutions, which connect to your home WiFi and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Providing you have an internet connection, that is.

You can grab the OnePlus 3T from O2 right now from £31 per month.

Read next: How to add extra storage to the OnePlus 5

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