Why the TV does not see the flash drive: causes and solutions

Modern TV models, for example, Samsung, Philips, LG, are equipped with the ability to additionally connect memory cards or, more simply, flash drives. However, users often face the fact that the flash drive is not readable. This is due to unsupported formats or file systems of drives, large amounts of memory, and other factors. Below is why the TV does not see the flash drive, and how to fix it.

How to connect correctly

Before looking for complicated solutions and manipulating the flash drive, make sure that the connection is made correctly.

1. On the back panel (sometimes on the side) you should find a USB output. This is a rectangular connector with a gray or blue tongue. It is better to choose the second option, because blue means USB 3.0 version. It is faster and supplies more power, which can make a difference when connected.
2. A flash drive or cable from a hard drive is inserted into the selected slot. It is worth taking a close look at the plug — there is only one position in which it will enter.
3. When connected correctly, a message about the connected drive will automatically appear on the screen. Sometimes this does not happen, then using the remote control you need to open «signal sources» and select the USB connector to which the drive is connected.

Initial check

If everything is connected correctly, then you should take the following steps.

1. You need to check the flash drive on another device, if it is displayed on the PC, then the reason is definitely in the TV.
2. At using an extension cord or hub it is worth excluding that the reason is in them — to do this, connect directly.
3. It is worth checking the performance of the flash drive in all USB connectors, perhaps one of them is simply broken.
4. Sometimes ports can be used for service work (software update, firmware installation, etc.). They are usually signed by Service or RemoteControl. If so, then such a connector will not read the flash drive.
5. If possible, you should check the port with another USB drive.
6. Sometimes unplugging the TV from power for a few minutes fixes glitches that could prevent the flash drive from being read.

New TV does not see the drive

If the TV is new and the flash drive is being used first time, then first you should read the instructions for the TV, maybe there are some features that were not taken into account when connecting. Consider the main points why in this case the TV does not see the flash drive.

File system incompatibilities

Almost every TV is programmed to use additional memory cards of a certain format, or rather the file system. It is this feature that quite often becomes the reason that the TV does not see the USB flash drive. If the TV is configured to read devices with the NTFS file system, and the USB flash drive is formatted under FAT32, then, of course, you will not be able to use them together. Therefore, before connecting removable media, you should look at the “preferences” of the device in the instructions.

Memory card size

Another feature of modern TVs is the presence limited amount of flash drivesthat can be used in the device. In this case, the instructions will also come in handy. It is in it that the features of memory cards that can be used are indicated. If there are no restrictions on the volume, then the reason should be sought in the mismatch of formats or their conflict.

Format conflict

Very often there are situations when information on a flash drive is partially reproduced. For example, music plays perfectly, photos are viewed, but when it comes to video, the device refuses to play it. This problem can be easily solved. To do this, you should find in the instructions what files the TV can read, and then on the computer using a special program to produce converting media files.

The flash drive is not readable after repeated use

The TV does not see the card that was previously playing? This problem is also not uncommon. It seems that quite recently everything was in order: they watched their favorite films, listened to information. But now the flash drive began to stop being detected by the device. There may be several reasons.

Most likely, the TV stopped seeing the flash drive because the file system was worn out or bad sectors appeared on the media. If the damage is not significant, and the reason is in the file system, then media formatting. But it is worth remembering that such a procedure destroys all data on the flash drive. And when formatting, you should choose a file system that is compatible with the TV.

There are situations when a memory card simply failed — it also does not last forever. Sometimes the reason is file viruses. A good antivirus product can help here, and again, formatting. When using a memory card with various devices and downloading files from the Internet, the likelihood of a virus penetrating the media is high.

It is worth noting that sometimes many TVs do not accept files whose names are written in Russian. Therefore, it is better if all the names are typed in Latin.



Connecting a flash drive through third-party devices

If the flash drive is working, but not readable on TV, then you can view content from it using other devices.

1. Blu-ray player, digital receiver, media player and more. Here, the flash drive is connected to the USB connector of the device, and it itself is connected to the TV. Usually HDMI or tulips are used for this, but there may be less convenient options. On TV, the selected device is turned on by the signal source. Such a technique always has its own interface, so the files on the flash drive are managed through it using the remote control.
2. Laptop or computer. Connection is possible in two ways: by analogy with the above or through the network environment via DLNA. The last option is relevant for smart TV. In such a situation, control occurs through special utilities on the TV itself.
3. The flash drive can be inserted into router, which, like a PC, connects via DLNA to a TV. In this case, through the TV interface, you can access the flash drive, which will be displayed as just a third-party drive in a network environment.

If, after checking each of the points, the memory card has not been determined, but at the same time it opens perfectly on any other device, then the conclusion suggests itself that it is necessary to look for the problem in the TV itself. Most likely just USB port not working. You can try to repair the TV with your own hands, or use another device as a storage medium. For example, you can connect an external hard drive. You can also watch movies directly from your laptop by connecting it to your TV.