Learn How to Play Videos from USB on TCL Fire TV 2025 guide
Have you ever been excited to watch your favourite videos from a USB drive on your TCL Fire TV, only to feel stuck because it just won’t work?
Don’t worry you’re not alone.
I’ve been there, fumbling with file formats and figuring out the right steps.
The good news? Playing videos from a USB drive on your TCL Fire TV isn’t that hard once you know the process. Let’s break it down.
Step-by-Step Guide to Play Videos from USB on TCL Fire TV
1. Check for a USB Port
Most TCL Fire TVs come with a USB port, but double-check to be sure.
Usually, it’s located on the side or back of the TV. If you’re unsure, refer to your TV’s user manual.
Pro Tip 💡 : Not all USB ports are the same. Ensure it’s a standard USB port, and avoid using faulty or damaged USB drives.
2. Format Your USB Drive Correctly
TCL TVs have specific requirements for USB drives. If your USB isn’t working, the formatting could be the issue.
Supported Formats:
- FAT32
- exFAT
- NTFS
To format your USB:
- Plug it into a computer.
- Right-click on the drive and select “Format.”
- Choose one of the supported formats, then click “Start.”
3. Check Video File Compatibility
Not all video formats are supported by TCL Fire TVs.
Supported Video Formats:
- MP4 (H.264 or H.265)
- MKV
- AVI
If your file isn’t playing, you might need to convert it using tools like HandBrake or VLC Media Player.
4. Insert the USB Drive
- Plug your USB drive into the TV’s USB port.
- A prompt should appear on your screen, allowing you to browse the drive’s contents.
- Use your remote to select and play the video file.
If No Prompt Appears: Navigate to the TV’s Media Player app and manually browse the USB drive.
5. Use an External Media Player App
If your TCL Fire TV doesn’t natively support a specific file, try installing a media player like VLC or MX Player.
These apps support a wider range of video formats and can be installed directly from the Amazon Appstore.
How to Install an App:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Go to the Appstore and search for VLC.
- Download and install the app.
FAQs: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Why Is My TCL TV Not Reading My USB?
- Reason 1: The USB drive isn’t formatted correctly.
- Reason 2: The USB port might be faulty.
- Fix: Try a different USB drive or reformat it using a compatible format like FAT32.
What Video Formats Can TCL TVs Play?
- TCL TVs support common formats like MP4, MKV, and AVI. If your file isn’t playing, use a converter to adjust the format.
Why Won’t My USB Play Movies on My TV?
- Issue: Unsupported video format or corrupted files.
- Solution: Ensure your video files match the supported formats and are not corrupted. Use apps like HandBrake for conversion if needed.
How Do I Update My TCL Fire TV Using USB?
- Download the firmware update from TCL’s official website.
- Copy the update file to your USB drive.
- Plug the USB into your TV, and follow the on-screen instructions to update.
Why Is My TCL TV Not Reading My USB?
Possible Causes:
- The USB drive isn’t formatted correctly (not FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS).
- The USB port on the TV might be faulty.
Solution:
- Reformat the USB drive using a compatible format like FAT32 or exFAT.
- Test with a different USB drive or port.
Why Won’t My USB Play Movies on My TV?
Possible Issues:
- The video format isn’t supported.
- The file is corrupted.
Solution:
- Ensure the file matches the supported formats.
- Verify the file’s integrity by testing it on another device.
- Use a video converter to adjust the format.
How Do I Update My TCL Fire TV Using USB?
Steps:
- Visit TCL’s official website and download the latest firmware update for your model.
- Transfer the update file to a USB drive.
- Insert the USB into your TV.
- Follow the on-screen instructions for the update.
Quick Comparison: USB Formats and Their Benefits
| Format | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| FAT32 | Universal compatibility | File size limit of 4GB |
| exFAT | Large files (4GB+) | May not work on older TVs |
| NTFS | Windows systems, large files | Limited Mac support |
External Resources for Further Help
For more detailed guides, check out these resources:
So there you have it! Playing videos from a USB on your TCL Fire TV can be smooth sailing if you follow these steps.
From ensuring proper formatting to using external apps like VLC, you’re now armed with the know-how to troubleshoot and enjoy your media hassle-free.
Ready to dive into your favourite videos? Grab your popcorn, plug in that USB, and let the movie night begin!
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