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A TV’s USB port is most reliably useful for playing local photos, music, and videos from a compatible USB drive. Some TVs also support selected keyboards, mice, gamepads, cameras, or model-specific adapters—but the connector alone does not guarantee compatibility. Check your exact TV model’s manual for supported devices, file formats, power limits, and standby behavior.
What can you plug into a TV’s USB port?
What works depends on the television’s model and software. The most common documented use is connecting USB storage for local media playback. Some manufacturers also support particular input devices or proprietary adapters on selected models.
| Device | What to expect |
|---|---|
| USB flash drive or external storage | May let you browse and play supported photos, music, and videos from the TV’s media interface. The TV’s file-format and storage requirements apply. |
| Keyboard, mouse, or gamepad | May work on supported TV models, but compatibility and input can vary by device, app, and screen. |
| Wireless device with USB receiver | May work if the TV supports the device and its receiver; this is different from connecting a Bluetooth device directly. |
| Camera or camcorder | Some TV categories list these as intended device types, but support is model-specific. |
| Wireless adapter | Use only an adapter confirmed compatible with the exact TV model. A USB plug does not make a generic adapter compatible. |
Play movies, music, or photos from a USB drive
On supported TVs, connect a flash drive or other compatible storage device, open the TV’s media or USB interface, browse folders, and select a file. Sony’s USB playback guide describes browsing and playing photos, music, and movies from USB storage. LG’s USB connection guidance describes connecting a drive to an available port and receiving a prompt on supported setups. The exact interface and behavior differ by model.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchA file can fail even if its format seems to be supported. Check the TV’s official list for supported containers, codecs, and storage requirements; Sony cautions that playback may not be possible for some files even when they use supported formats. If the drive is not recognized, confirm you are in the correct media screen, check the supported storage and file-system requirements in the manual, and try a direct connection if the manual calls for one. Do not reformat a drive without a backup: formatting can erase its contents, and the accepted file system varies by TV.
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- MAKE YOUR TV SMARTER - Enhance any TV with the ability to play videos, music, and photo slideshows from a USB drive or MicroSD Card! It’s so simple and intuitive - anyone can use it. The Micca 4K is amazingly compact and affordable, get one for each TV in the house!
- PLAYS 4K ULTRA-HD VIDEOS - Works with TVs old and new! Smoothly plays videos up to 4096x2304@30fps over UHD 4K/60Hz HDMI output. Sharp and clear video and audio in pure digital format, compatible with 4K and 1080p TVs, projectors, and monitor displays. Composite AV output for use with analog TVs or for sending sound to a stereo system.
- DUAL USB AND MICRO SD READER - Play media files from USB flash drives and USB hard drives up to 8TB, or microSD cards up to 1TB. Supports FAT/FAT32, exFAT and NTFS file systems. Compatible with wireless air mouse remotes for non-line-of-sight control so that the player can be hidden away!
- SIMPLE DIGITAL SIGNAGE - Automatic video playback with endless repeat and looping, and the ability to resume from the last stopping point. Configurable 90/180/270 degree video output rotation. Great for digital signage applications such as restaurant menu boards, lobby welcome videos, art and museum installations.
- MEDIA FORMAT SUPPORT - Videos: MKV, MP4/M4V, AVI, MOV, MPG, VOB, M2TS, TS files encoded with H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, MPEG1/2/4, VC1, up to 4096x2304, 30fps, 200mbps. Subtitles: SRT, PGS, IDX+SUB. Music: MP3, WAV, FLAC. Photos: JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG
External hard drives can require more power than a flash drive. Check the port label and the model’s published specifications; some ports may be marked for HDD use. If the drive has its own power supply, use it as its manufacturer directs. Sony’s guide for the covered TV family also says USB hubs are not supported, but that limitation should not be assumed for every TV.
Do not remove a drive while the TV is accessing it. Sony warns that doing so can corrupt stored data.
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- 【Versatile HDMI RCA Output & Multi-Media Playback】Featuring standard HDMI output, the player can be easily connected to TVs, monitors, projectors and more display devices. 4K media player supports direct playback of local videos, background music, photo slideshows and business presentations via USB drives or SD cards, meeting your daily entertainment and office demonstration needs.
- 【Large Storage Support & Broad System Compatibility】Digital media player supports USB hard drives up to 8TB and SD cards up to 1TB, and is fully compatible with mainstream file systems including FAT32, exFAT and NTFS. Supported formats include: H.265/HEVC (MKV, MOV, AVI), MPEG, FLV, RM, 3GP, MP4, WMV, RMVB, DAT, MPG, TS, M2TS, JPG, JPEG, BMP, GIF, PNG, MP3, OGG, FLAC, APE, AAC, WMA, etc.
- 【Smart Custom Playback Modes & Screen Orientation】Packed with practical playback functions: auto-play on power-up, resume playback from last stopped point, repeat/loop playback, sequential photo/video display and random music playback. It supports both horizontal and vertical screen display, perfectly fitting customized advertising broadcast and daily playback demands.
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Use a keyboard, mouse, or gamepad
Some televisions accept USB keyboards, mice, or gamepads, but support is selective. LG’s peripheral compatibility guidance applies to supported Smart TV models released after 2012 and recommends checking its tested-device information. Examples it lists include Logitech K360, K400, and K750 keyboards, the LG MKS-1200, and selected gamepads such as the Logitech F310 and Microsoft Xbox 360 wired controller. These are LG-specific examples, not universal recommendations.
For a wireless keyboard or mouse that comes with a USB receiver, connect the receiver to the TV as instructed for that model. A receiver is not the same as a Bluetooth connection: check whether your TV supports the connection type your device uses. Even a recognized keyboard or mouse may not work in every app or on every screen. LG specifically notes these limitations.
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- 【4K/UHD VIDEO PLAYBACK】- Stunning HDMI video quality up to 2160p/60Hz with support for the latest video formats such as H.265/HEVC. Feeds digital surround sound to home theater receivers for a cinema-like movie experience. Includes analog AV output for connecting to an older TV or for sending audio to a stereo system.
- 【READS USB DRIVES AND SD CARDS】- Reads USB flash drives and hard drives up to 8TB and SD cards up to 1TB. Supports FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS file systems. Automatic playback, continuous looping and repeat, and the ability to resume video playback from the last stop point.
- 【TRIGGER SENSOR INPUT】- Ability to loop one video continuously and play a different video when triggered by an optional push-button or motion sensor. Build an interactive digital signage display, art gallery or museum on-demand video player, or a Halloween special effect in just a few steps. Push-button and motion sensors sold separately.
- 【MEDIA FORMAT SUPPORT】 - Video: MP4, MKV, AVI, TS/TP, MOV, VOB, and M2TS files using H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC, VC1, or MPEG2/4 codecs, up to 4096x2304p@30fps, 10-bit color, and 200mbps. Photos: JPG, JPEG, BMP, GIF (non-animated), PNG. Music: MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, APE, AAC
Connect a camera or wireless adapter
Sony’s overview of USB ports for a stated Android/Google TV category identifies cameras, camcorders, and storage media as intended device types. That is an example of supported uses for that category, not confirmation that every TV can read every camera or access its features. Check the model’s manual before connecting one.
LG documents AN-WF-series Wi-Fi/Bluetooth dongles for particular TV models and says the dongles are designed for specific models. Use the compatibility information for your exact television before buying or connecting one. The available guidance does not establish that generic Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, or streaming adapters will work through any TV’s USB port. See LG’s dongle connection information and the relevant product compatibility details.
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- LOCAL 4K MEDIA PLAYBACK: Enjoy smooth playback of your personal video, music, and photo collection directly from USB flash drives, SD cards, SSDs, or external hard drives. Simply connect your storage device and start enjoying your personal media collection
- AUTO PLAY & RESUME PLAYBACK: Automatically starts playback when powered on and remembers the last playback position for both videos and music, allowing you to continue exactly where you left off with every use
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- WIDE FORMAT & STORAGE SUPPORT: Supports popular video formats including MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, TS, MPG, VOB, and M2TS with H.264 and H.265 (HEVC) decoding. Compatible with FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS file systems for flexible media storage
Can a TV USB port charge a phone or power an accessory?
The port may supply power, but there is no single output rating or standby behavior that applies to all televisions. Do not rely on it as a universal phone charger or as a dependable power source for an accessory. Check the port label and the specifications for your exact model, then compare them with the device’s power requirements. If a drive or accessory requires external power, follow its manufacturer’s instructions.
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Can you update a TV’s software from USB?
USB update procedures are model- and software-specific; there is no universal method established across TV brands. Find the support page for your exact TV model and follow its official update instructions. Do not download arbitrary firmware to a flash drive or assume that a file intended for another model is safe to install.
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- HDMI media players can play videos, photos and music from USB drives/micro SD cards, which enables you to enjoy 4K@60Hz video quality via HDMI/AV output by connecting TV/monitor/projector and enjoy stereo surround sound by connecting speakers
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- The media player can read micro SD cards up to 1TB and USB drives up to 8TB. Compatible with wireless remote controls with non-visible pointing, allowing you to hide your device. Supported file systems include FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS
- Supports automatic playback and can resume video playback from the last stop point and shuffle playback with repeat. Videos and photos can be played in sequential orders, while music can be played in random orders. The USB media player is compatible with horizontal and vertical screen
- Connect this 4K media player to the commercial digital signage and then you can customize advertising subtitles. Suitable for digital signage applications, home theaters and office work. It is easy to carry and made of zinc alloy with better protection
What to check when a USB device does not work
- For a storage drive: Check the TV manual for supported storage types and file systems, connect the drive directly if instructed, open the correct media screen, and verify the file’s format details.
- For a drive that disconnects or will not start: Check the TV port’s published power specification and use the drive’s external power supply if its manufacturer requires one.
- For a keyboard, mouse, or gamepad: Verify compatibility with the TV model, confirm whether it connects by cable or USB receiver, and check whether the current app or screen accepts input.
- Before changing a drive’s format: Back up its contents and confirm the TV supports the intended file system; reformatting erases data and is not guaranteed to fix recognition problems.
For any device, identify the TV’s exact model and consult its official manual. USB connector shape alone does not establish data support, compatibility, available power, or behavior when the TV is in standby.
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