How to Create a Bootable USB Drive Using Android

Creating a bootable USB drive is one of the easiest ways to install an operating system on a computer or laptop. Usually, this task is performed using software on a PC, but what if you only have an Android smartphone at your disposal? In this guide, I will show you how to make a bootable USB drive using just your Android device, without needing a computer.

What You Will Need

  • An Android smartphone or tablet.
  • OTG cable (if your phone does not support direct USB connection).
  • A USB flash drive (recommended capacity of at least 8 GB).
  • An app for creating bootable USB drives (such as EtchDroid, ISO 2 USB, or Rufus for Android).
  • An ISO file of the operating system (Windows, Linux, etc.).

Step 1: Prepare Your Smartphone and Install the App

First, make sure your Android device supports OTG (On-The-Go), as you won't be able to connect a USB drive without it. If you are unsure, you can check OTG support using a dedicated app.

Download one of the following apps for creating bootable USB drives from the Google Play Store. Popular choices include:

  • EtchDroid – User-friendly interface with support for most ISO formats.
  • ISO 2 USB – Simple and minimalistic design, easy to use.
  • Rufus for Android – A mobile version of the popular PC software.

Step 2: Connect the USB Drive to Your Android Device

Use an OTG cable to connect the USB flash drive to your Android phone. Once connected, your phone should recognize the USB drive, allowing you to use it for ISO file recording.

Step 3: Select the ISO File and Write It to the USB Drive

Open the app you installed and grant it any necessary permissions. Then, follow these steps:

  1. Select the ISO file you want to write to the USB drive. Typically, the file will be stored in your device’s memory.
  2. Choose the USB drive as the target device for the ISO file.
  3. Tap the Write or Start button and wait for the process to complete.

The writing time will depend on the size of the ISO file and the speed of your USB drive. It usually takes between 5 and 20 minutes.

Step 4: Test the Bootable USB Drive

Once the writing process is finished, it's important to test the USB drive. Connect it to any computer and try booting from it. If everything was done correctly, the PC should detect the bootable USB drive and offer to install the chosen operating system.

Tips and Recommendations

  • Use high-speed USB drives (USB 3.0 or higher) to reduce the time needed for creating the bootable drive.
  • Make sure the USB drive does not contain any important data before writing, as the formatting process will erase all files.
  • Do not disconnect the USB drive from your phone during the writing process to avoid errors or file corruption.