How to Use USB on Insignia Fire TV: A Quick Guide
If you have an Insignia Fire TV, you may have encountered storage issues when trying to download new apps or games.
The limited internal storage can quickly fill up, leaving you with no choice but to delete existing content to make room for new downloads.
However, did you know that you can use a USB flash drive to extend your Insignia Fire TV’s storage capacity?
By adding a USB flash drive to your Insignia Fire TV, you can store additional apps, games, and media content without worrying about running out of space.
Not only does this provide a convenient way to expand your smart TV’s storage capacity, but it also allows you to keep all of your stuffs in one place.
In this guide, I will show you how to use a USB flash drive on your Insignia Fire TV, step-by-step. Whether you’re a tech-savvy user or a beginner, you’ll find our guide easy to follow and implement.
Without any further dawdling, let’s get started.
Does Fire TV Support USB?
Yes, Fire TV supports USB drives. You can connect a USB drive to your Fire TV to expand its storage capacity or to watch movies, TV shows, and other media files stored on the drive.
However, there are a few things you need to know before you connect a USB drive to your Fire TV. First, Fire TV only supports USB drives that are formatted in the FAT32 file system.
If your USB drive is formatted in NTFS or exFAT, you will need to reformat it to FAT32 before you can use it with Fire TV.
Second, the maximum storage capacity that Fire TV supports for USB drives is 128 GB. If you connect a USB drive that is larger than 128 GB, Fire TV may not recognize it or may not be able to access all of its storage capacity.
Third, Fire TV does not support all types of USB devices.
For example, it may not work with USB hubs, USB card readers, or USB devices that require more power than the Fire TV can provide. Although, you can also wire it with an adapter.
How to Use USB on Insignia Fire TV
Connecting a USB drive to your Insignia Fire TV is quite easy than you might imagine, here is howbto go about it.
- Locate the USB ports at the back of your Insignia Fire TV.
- Plug in the USB flash drive into one of the USB ports.
- Wait for the TV to detect the USB drive.
- If the TV doesn’t detect the USB drive, try using a different USB port or a different USB drive.
- If the USB drive is detected, you will see a notification on the TV screen.
To use the USB drive as additional storage, you need to format it as internal storage. To do this;
- Go to Settings
- Scroll way down and click on My Fire TV.
- Select USB Drive from the options.
- Now click on Format as Internal Storage.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to format the USB drive.
Once the USB drive is formatted, you can start using it to install apps, store photos and videos, and more.
Keep in mind that formatting the USB drive as internal storage will erase all existing data on the drive. So, make sure to back up any important files before formatting the drive.
Also, not all USB drives are compatible with Insignia Fire TV. It’s recommended to use a USB 3.0 drive with at least 16GB of storage capacity.
Some users have reported issues with certain brands of USB drives, so it’s best to test the drive before formatting it as internal storage.
In addition, some apps may not be able to be moved to the USB drive.
If you’re running out of storage space on your Insignia Fire TV, you can try uninstalling unused apps or clearing the cache of existing apps to free up space.
Curious about moving apps to your USB Drive? Dive into the next section for insights.
How to Move Apps to USB on Insignia Fire TV
If you’re running out of storage space on your Insignia Fire TV, you can move some of your apps to a USB drive. Here’s how:
- First, make sure you have a USB drive plugged into your Insignia Fire TV.
- From the home screen, go to Settings.
- Scroll down and select Applications.
- Select Manage Installed Applications.
- Scroll down and select the app you want to move to the USB drive.
- Select Move to USB Storage.
- If the app is already on the USB drive, the option will say Move to Internal Storage instead.
Please note that not all apps can be moved to a USB drive. Only certain apps that are designed to be movable can be moved.
If the app you want to move doesn’t have the option to move to USB storage, it means it’s not movable.
Moving apps to a USB drive can help free up space on your Insignia Fire TV and improve its performance.
Just make sure the USB drive you’re using is compatible with your Insignia Fire TV and has enough storage space to accommodate the apps you want to move.
How to Fix Insignia Fire TV Not Recognizing USB
In case your Insignia Fire TV is not recognizing your USB drive, don’t worry. This is a common issue that can be fixed easily. Here are some steps you can follow:
Step 1: Check the USB Drive
Firstly, make sure that your USB drive is in good condition and compatible with your Insignia Fire TV.
Check if the USB drive is properly formatted and has enough space to store your files. If the USB drive is not compatible, try using a different one.
Step 2: Check the USB Port
Secondly, check if the USB port on your Insignia Fire TV is working properly.
Try plugging in another USB device to see if it is recognized. If the port is not working, try using a different port or restarting your Insignia Fire TV.
Step 3: Restart Your Insignia Fire TV
If the above steps do not work, try restarting your Insignia Fire TV. This can help refresh the system and fix any software issues that may be causing the problem.
Step 4: Update Your Insignia Fire TV
If your Insignia Fire TV is not recognizing your USB drive, it may be due to an outdated software version.
Check if there are any available updates for your Insignia Fire TV and install them. This can help fix any bugs or glitches that may be causing the issue.
Step 5: Reset Your Insignia Fire TV
If none of the above steps work, try resetting your Insignia Fire TV to its factory settings.
This will erase all your data and settings, so make sure to back up your important files before doing this. To reset your Insignia Fire TV, go to Settings >> My Fire TV >> Reset to Factory Defaults.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix the issue of your Insignia Fire TV not recognizing your USB drive.
If the problem persists, you may need to contact Insignia customer support for further assistance.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, using a USB on your Insignia Fire TV is a great way to expand your storage capacity and enhance your viewing experience.
With the ability to download more apps, store more games, and save more media, you can make the most out of your Fire TV.
Remember, before using a USB drive, it’s important to format it to the FAT32 file system. You can use a free tool like EaseUS Master Free Edition to do this.
Once the drive is formatted, you can connect it to your Fire TV and use it as additional storage.
Keep in mind that not all apps can be moved to the USB drive. While some apps, like Kodi, have the option to move to USB in their settings, others may not.
However, you can still download new apps and games directly to the USB drive to save space on your Fire TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Insignia Fire TV have a USB port?
Yes, Insignia Fire TV has a USB port. You can use it to connect external storage devices like USB flash drives, external hard drives, and memory cards.
Where is the USB port on my Insignia TV?
The USB port on your Insignia TV is usually located on the side or back of the TV. You can refer to the user manual or check the TV’s specifications to find the exact location of the USB port.
What is the purpose of the USB port on my Fire TV?
The USB port on your Fire TV allows you to expand the storage capacity of your TV.
You can connect external storage devices to your TV and use them to store apps, games, and other media files. You can also use the USB port to play media files directly from your external storage device.
Why is my TV not reading my USB?
There could be several reasons why your TV is not reading your USB. Here are some possible causes and solutions:
- The USB drive is not formatted correctly: Make sure that your USB drive is formatted in a compatible file system like FAT32 or exFAT. You can format your USB drive using your computer or use a formatting tool like EaseUS Master Free Edition.
- The USB drive is not compatible with your TV: Some USB drives may not be compatible with your TV due to their size, speed, or other factors. Try using a different USB drive or check the TV’s specifications to see the supported USB devices.
- The USB port is not working: If your TV is not reading any USB drive, there may be an issue with the USB port. Try connecting the USB drive to a different USB port or restart your TV.
- The media files are not supported: Your TV may not support certain media file formats or codecs. Make sure that your media files are in a compatible format and try playing them again.
Related Articles
