How to Expand Storage on Your Android TV: Expert Guide to Internal and External Options

Not all Android TV devices come with ample internal storage—some offer just a few gigabytes, limiting your apps, games, and media. If you're running low on space, don't worry. As experienced Android TV users and tech experts, we've tested numerous devices and storage solutions to help you reclaim and expand capacity effectively.

Android TV Storage: The Basics

You can boost your Android TV storage in two proven ways:

1. Optimize your existing internal storage.
2. Add external storage via USB drives, SD cards, or hard drives.

Delete Unused Apps and Games

The simplest first step is uninstalling apps and games you no longer use. On stock Android TV:

1. Power on your device and access the home screen.
2. Navigate to Settings (gear icon).
3. Go to Apps under the general settings section.
4. Select See all apps.
5. Highlight the app, select it, then choose Uninstall > OK.

Stick to apps in the Installed apps list—avoid system apps to prevent crashes. Pre-installed apps like Google Play Games can't be uninstalled but can be disabled, which hides them without freeing space.

Android TV External Storage

Android TV supports FAT-formatted external storage, including USB flash drives, external HDDs, and microSD cards (with adapters if needed).

Check your device's ports first—not all boxes have USB or SD slots. Adapters can help expand compatibility.

Internal Storage vs. Removable Storage

External drives can be formatted as either internal (adopted) or removable storage.

• Adopted internal: Becomes part of your device's core storage for apps/games, but can't be safely removed or used elsewhere without breaking dependent apps.
• Removable: Ideal for media files like APKs, photos, or videos—eject anytime without issues, but apps can't be moved there.

Choose based on your needs: adopted for app expansion, removable for flexible media access.

How to Set Up Adopted Internal Storage on Android TV

For removable use, just plug in and go. For adopted internal:

1. Connect your external drive and power it if needed.
2. Open Settings.
3. Select Device Preferences > Storage.
4. Choose your drive > Format as internal > Confirm.
5. Wait for formatting to complete.

Most devices support only one adopted drive. (If prompted on plug-in, skip to step 5.)

How to Move Apps to Adopted External Storage

Once set up: Go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Storage used, then select the new storage.

Note: Not all apps support moving—this depends on developer implementation.

Expanding Storage on Smart TVs

Android TV-powered smart TVs from Sony, Philips, Sharp, Hisense, etc., follow the same steps (USB port required). For non-Android TVs like Samsung, consult the manufacturer's guide.

More Android TV Storage Tips

For removable storage, install a trusted file manager from Google Play Store—Android TV lacks a built-in one, making APK and file access essential.

Learn More About Android TV

Mastered storage? Explore adding more apps to unlock your device's full potential.