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How to Access USB Drive on Android TV
Edited 5 hours ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
USB DriveConnectivitySmart TVAndroidStorageMediaElectronicsGadgetsMultimediaHome Entertainment
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Android TVs are smart televisions that allow you to access a wide range of apps, games, and streaming services right on your TV. A lesser-known but very useful feature of Android TV is that it is able to read media from USB drives. This means that if you have a USB flash drive or an external hard drive containing photos, videos, music, or documents, you can simply plug it into your Android TV's USB port and enjoy the media on the big screen.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to access a USB drive on Android TV. We'll cover the basics of connecting a USB drive, how to navigate its contents, and some common troubleshooting steps if things don't go as planned. Let's get started!
Step 1: Insert your USB drive
The first step to accessing your USB drive on an Android TV is to simply plug it into your TV's USB port. Most Android TVs have one or more USB ports located on the side or back of the unit. If you don't know where the USB ports are located, refer to your TV's manual.
Make sure your USB drive is formatted in a compatible file system. The most supported formats are FAT32 and exFAT. NTFS can work, but it may be difficult with some Android TVs, so it's best to format your USB drive in FAT32 or exFAT so it can work without any problems.
Step 2: Open the File Manager app
Once you've connected your USB drive, you'll need a way to explore its contents. Some Android TVs have a built-in file manager or file explorer application that can be used to browse the files on your USB drive.
If your TV already has such an app, access it using your remote. Open the app, and you'll see your USB drive listed in the storage options. The drive may be listed by its name or simply referred to as "USB" or "External Storage."
Finding a file manager app
If your Android TV doesn't have a built-in file manager or you want a different one, you can always download a third-party file manager app from the Google Play Store. Here are some popular apps that are known to work well with Android TV:
- File Manager by AlphaInventor – This app is known for its user-friendly interface and solid performance.
- ES File Explorer - A popular choice for Android devices, though it can be overwhelming with features that vary in support across different Android TV models.
- NExplorer – Specifically optimized for Android TV devices, supports multiple formats and file operations.
To install any of these apps, open the Google Play Store on your Android TV, search for the app name, and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the app.
Pay attention to permissions
After installing your chosen file manager app, you may be asked to grant some permissions to access the files. Make sure to grant these permissions; otherwise, your app will not be able to access the USB drive.
Step 3: Navigating the USB drive
With the File Manager app ready and your USB drive plugged in, you can now browse the contents of your drive. Open the File Manager app and look for your USB drive in the list of available storage devices. Click on it using your TV remote to open it and explore its contents.
Browsing files
Once you open the USB drive, you'll see a typical folder and file structure just like you see on a computer. You can navigate through the folders using your remote's directional keys or the mouse. Select a file to open it.
Depending on the type of file you're trying to open, your Android TV may need a specific app to handle that file type. For example:
- Video: If the built-in video player is not compatible with some formats, a video player like VLC or MX Player can be installed from the Play Store.
- Music: Music files like MP3s can usually be opened with the default music player. But if you have a favorite player, you can find it on the Play Store.
- Photos: Most Android TVs have a default photo viewer. Alternatively, you can download a photo-specific gallery app from the Play Store for more advanced viewing features.
- Documents: To open documents such as PDFs or Word files, check if you have a suitable viewer app. "OfficeSuite" or "WPS Office" are popular choices.
Step 4: Optional configuration and customization
After successfully accessing your USB drive, you may want to configure some settings related to storage access or app configuration to improve your experience. You can:
Setting as default file manager
If you've downloaded a third-party file manager that you prefer to use instead of the built-in app, you can go into your Android TV's general settings, look for the section for default apps, and set your favorite file manager as the default.
App specific settings
Explore individual app settings for further customization. For example, VLC Player allows adjusting subtitle timing and audio output, while ES File Explorer lets you configure network shares and cloud storage.
Troubleshooting common problems
Sometimes, things may not go smoothly, and you may face problems while trying to access your USB drive. Here are some tips to resolve common problems:
USB drive not recognized
- Check if your USB drive is properly inserted into the USB port.
- Try using another USB port if available.
- Make sure the USB drive is properly formatted. Some Android TVs struggle with NTFS-formatted drives, so a different file system like FAT32 or exFAT may work better.
- Restart your Android TV with the USB drive plugged in.
Files are not opening
- Check if you have a proper app installed that can handle the file type you’re trying to open.
- Make sure that your file manager apps or related media players have the necessary permissions to access files on external storage devices.
- If apps aren't working properly with your files, update them. Developers often release updates to improve compatibility and fix bugs.
Wrap up
Using a USB drive with your Android TV can significantly increase the functionality of your device, giving you access to a world of offline media. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide—connecting your USB drive, using a file manager to access it, and troubleshooting if needed—you can make the most of your USB storage on your Android TV. Whether for displaying family photos, listening to music, or watching your favorite movies, the ability to use a USB drive greatly enhances your viewing experience.
Explore, play and enjoy an expanded multimedia experience on your Android TV!
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