Add Storage to Android TV: Apps & Games

Expanding Storage on Your Android TV

Android TV represents a superb platform for set-top boxes; however, a significant number of currently available units are characterized by severely limited storage capacity. As the range of applications available for ATV continues to broaden, users will increasingly desire the ability to install a greater number of apps, even aside from the newer, more storage-intensive games. Fortunately, it is indeed possible to augment the storage capabilities of your Android TV box.

Prior to detailing the process, let's outline the necessary components:

A USB OTG cable: Not every Android TV device necessitates this, so a preliminary inspection of your unit’s rear panel is required. If your device possesses only a single microUSB port – as is the case with the Nexus Player, for instance – an OTG cable will be essential. If a full-size USB port is present (like on the NVIDIA SHIELD), it won’t be needed.
A hard drive: While a flash drive is an option, it’s advisable to avoid drives smaller than 32GB. For maximizing storage potential, an external hard drive – a 500GB model should provide ample space – is recommended.

Having acquired the required hardware, the expansion process can begin. Although described as such, the procedure is surprisingly straightforward. This tutorial will utilize the SHIELD Android TV, but the process has been verified on the Nexus Player running Android 7.0 and found to be almost identical.

Initially, connect the USB OTG cable if required, and then connect your storage drive. Alternatively, if your device has a standard USB port, simply plug the drive directly into it. A menu may appear, depending on your specific ATV device, allowing for drive manipulation without complications. If this occurs, skip ahead four paragraphs. Otherwise, continue reading.

With the drive connected, navigate to the Settings menu on your Android TV – locate the cog icon at the bottom of the screen and select it.

From within Settings, select the “Storage & reset” option.

Your newly connected drive should now be visible. As this is its initial connection, it will likely be recognized as removable storage – suitable for photos, videos, and similar files. However, to utilize it for applications and games, conversion to internal storage is necessary. Scroll to the drive and select it.

A menu will appear presenting options such as “Eject” and “Set up as internal storage.” Choose the latter.

A warning message will be displayed, informing you that the drive’s existing contents will be erased during the re-formatting process for internal storage. If you accept this, click the “Format” button.

The formatting duration will vary depending on the drive’s size. Allow the process to complete uninterrupted.

Upon completion, you’ll be presented with “Move now” and “Move later” options, relating to existing apps and games. Data must be moved to begin utilizing the expanded storage. Select your preferred option; be aware that transferring data can take considerable time if your device’s current storage is nearly full.

Returning to the Storage & reset menu, the drive should now be listed as “Device storage,” indicating successful conversion.

Should you ever wish to remove the drive, the following steps are required:

Relocate all apps and games back to the device’s internal storage. This must be done individually, as there is no bulk transfer option.
Erase & format the drive. Once all data has been moved, the drive can be wiped within the “Storage & reset” menu.
Eject. After formatting, the drive can be ejected.

The process is now complete, and the drive can be safely removed.

The Benefits of Expandable Storage

The ability to expand storage on Android TV, and to treat an external drive as internal storage, is a significant advantage for a positive set-top box experience. As the available TV content library grows, the capacity of your device should grow alongside it. Google’s foresight in providing this functionality is commendable.