Help library: Help library: LG TV - TV Won’t Recognize USB Flash Drive or External Hard Drive

LG TV - TV Won’t Recognize USB Flash Drive or External Hard Drive

Troubleshooting TVS/SOUNDBARS 08/27/2026

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<p class="info-subject">Why is my TV not recognizing the USB storage device?</p>

<h3 class="sub-tit">Your TV may not be recognizing the USB storage device (USB flash drive, external hard drive) due to an incompatible file system, or insufficient power supply to the hard drive, or other reasons.</h3>

<li>USB storage devices with built-in autorun programs or proprietary drivers may not be recognized.</li>

<li>Some USB storage devices may not function or may not operate smoothly.</li>

<li>Using a USB extension cable may cause the device to malfunction or operate improperly.</li>

<li>Only use USB storage devices formatted with FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS file systems provided by Windows.</li>

<li>
For external USB hard drives, it is recommended to use devices with a rated voltage of 5V and a rated current of 500mA or less.<br/>
Devices exceeding these ratings may not function properly due to insufficient current.
</li>

<li>It is advisable to use USB hubs and USB storage devices that connect to an AC adapter for power supply.</li>

<li>If a USB hard drive with a power-saving feature does not operate correctly, turn the power off and on again. Refer to the user manual of the USB hard drive for more details.</li>

<li>Data on USB storage devices can be damaged, so back up important files elsewhere. Data management is the user's responsibility, and the manufacturer is not liable for data loss.</li>
</ul>

<h3 class="sub-tit">How to safely eject or format a USB storage device.</h3>
<p>※ Before formatting, ensure to back up important files, as all data on the USB storage device will be deleted.</p><p class="info-desc">Ejecting the USB Storage Device</p>

<li class="txt-idt">1. Press the Home 
[<img style="vertical-align: middle" src="https://gscs.lge.com:/gscs/support/fileupload/downloadFile.do?fileId=sYo0Zrjpm0TOQ1IqBvv5OQ&amp;portalId=P1" alt="home button image"/>] 
button on the remote control to launch Home Hub.<br/>
If your remote has no Home
[<img style="vertical-align: middle" src="https://gscs.lge.com:/gscs/support/fileupload/downloadFile.do?fileId=sYo0Zrjpm0TOQ1IqBvv5OQ&amp;portalId=P1" alt="home button image"/>] 
button, long press the Input [<img style="vertical-align: middle" src="https://gscs.lge.com:/gscs/support/fileupload/downloadFile.do?fileId=MKUrWxyojRrAGPSpr2zg&amp;portalId=P1" alt="input button image"/>]
button to launch Home Hub.
</li>

<li>2. Select the USB storage device you wish to remove.</li>

<li class="txt-idt">3. Choose <strong>[Eject]</strong> to safely remove the USB storage device.<br/> 
Note: If the device is removed without following these steps, errors may occur on the TV or the storage device.
</li>
</ol>
<p class="info-desc">Formatting the USB Storage Device</p>    <p>
If you connect a USB storage device with an unsupported file system, a message will appear indicating that the USB device requires formatting.<br/> 
To use the USB storage device, it will need to be formatted.<br/> 
When formatted, all data saved on the USB storage device is deleted and the file system is formatted to FAT32, exFAT or NTFS.
</p>

<li class="txt-idt">1. Press the Home 
[<img style="vertical-align: middle" src="https://gscs.lge.com:/gscs/support/fileupload/downloadFile.do?fileId=sYo0Zrjpm0TOQ1IqBvv5OQ&amp;portalId=P1" alt="home button image"/>] 
button to enter Home Hub.<br/>
If your remote has no Home
[<img style="vertical-align: middle" src="https://gscs.lge.com:/gscs/support/fileupload/downloadFile.do?fileId=sYo0Zrjpm0TOQ1IqBvv5OQ&amp;portalId=P1" alt="home button image"/>] 
button, long press the Input [<img style="vertical-align: middle" src="https://gscs.lge.com:/gscs/support/fileupload/downloadFile.do?fileId=MKUrWxyojRrAGPSpr2zg&amp;portalId=P1" alt="input button image"/>] 
button to launch <strong>Home Hub</strong>.
</li>

<li>2. Select the USB storage device you wish to format.</li>

<li>3. Choose <strong>[Format]</strong> to format the USB storage device. </li>
</ol>
<p class="info-desc">Additional information:</p>    <p>
When connected, the USB device may create temporary files and folders for service purposes such as saving or loading thumbnail images.<br/>
Remote control buttons and functions may vary by model and region of purchase.
</p>

<div class="img-only"><img src="https://gscs.lge.com:/gscs/support/fileupload/downloadFile.do?fileId=mtuFkcISfg2bOeJVpYZCDA&amp;portalId=P1" alt="Screenshot of an LG TV Home Hub menu showing the options eject and format USB device. "/></div>
<p class="mobile-txt">Move left or right to check the contents.</p>
<p class="help-txt">This guide was created for all models, so the images or content may be different from your
product.</p>  </div>

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LG TV - TV Won’t Recognize USB Flash Drive or External Hard Drive

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