USB Not Working On TV: 4 Ways to Fix It

Most common cause is a dirty USB or an incompatible device

3 min. read

Updated onSeptember 11, 2024

updated onSeptember 11, 2024

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If your TV is not reading your USB, it could be an issue with formatting or physical damage to the hardware. The USB should be a FAT32 for it to work on your TV. Here’s how to make sure you have the right format and a few extra tips for error-free use of your USB on TV.

What can I do if my USB drive is not working on the TV?

Here’s how to fix your TV not recognizing your flash drive:

1. Format USB in FAT32/exFAT

Format your USB drive to FAT32 or exFAT. These are the file systems most TVs can read.

2. Update the TV firmware

Another probable cause that can prevent USB devices from working properly on a TV is outdated firmware. Make sure you have installed the latest firmware on your TV.

Otherwise, look for the updated TV firmware from the manufacturer’s website and refer to theReadmefile.

3. Check the condition of the USB ports on the TV

First, if your TV has multiple USB ports, try inserting your drive in another one. It’s possible the one you’re using is damaged, but the other work fine.

Also, make sure that the ports are free from dust. Sometimes, the build-up of dust on ports can cause minor problems with the connection.

Another thing you can try is to use another USB drive and insert it into the port to make sure the issue isn’t specific to the drive you’re currently using.

Keep in mind that if you have aUSB 3.0 driveand your TV has only 2.0 ports, it might not work because of the power output of your TV. In fact, some TV models likeTechnika won’t turn on.

4. Manually locate the USB drive

Older TV models won’t automatically detect and run your USB. You’ll have to manually go through the menus that access those media files.

Summary

If you know another workaround for a faulty USB device-TV connection, please let us know in the comments section below.

USB Not Working On TV: 4 Ways to Fix It#

What can I do if my USB drive is not working on the TV?#

1. Format USB in FAT32/exFAT#

2. Update the TV firmware#

3. Check the condition of the USB ports on the TV#

4. Manually locate the USB drive#

Summary#