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Article ID : 00198184 / Last Modified : 09/13/2022Print

Can I use an external hard drive on my Android TV?

    Before you start

    • You can use an external USB hard disk drive (HDD) for file playback or app storage if it meets the specifications for use on your Android TV™. Compatibility with all HDD devices is not guaranteed.
    • This feature is available for TVs with the Android™ 6.0 Marshmallow operating system (OS) and later. Manuals are posted on your model support page.
    • A HDD can be formatted to file systems that will allow use with both Microsoft® Windows® or Apple® Macintosh® computers. Be sure to check the operation manuals or documentation for details on hard disk drive or OS compatibility.
    • For X74H_X75H series, refer to the What types of USB HDDs (hard disk drives) are compatible with Android TV (X74H_X75H series)? article.

    Maximum HDD size for playback and App storage

    Check the maximum HDD size and storage capacity for the supported file system.

    File systemMaximum HDD size for playback (videos, photos, and music)Maximum HDD capacity for App storage
    FAT162GB2GB
    FAT322TB256GB
    exFAT and NTFS16TB256GB

    Notes:

    • For the FAT32 file system, the file size for each app saved is limited to 4GB.
    • To use a HDD for storage (apps only), it must be formatted on the TV before use. It will then work exclusively on the TV for app storage.
      • It will not work with a computer, etc., after formatting on the TV.
    • TVs with the Android 6.0 OS must use a HDD that is 256GB or smaller.
    • TVs with Android 7.0 OS or later can use a HDD that is 256 GB or larger, but the usable capacity is restricted to 256 GB.

    USB port type and maximum power output

    USB port typeMax. power outputPort labelPort image
    USB 3.1 Gen 1900 mAUSB 3.1 port labelUSB 3.1 port
    USB 2.0500 mAUSB 2.0 port labelUSB 2.0 port

    Revolutions per minute (RPM) and Read/Write speed

    No conditions.