Samsung TV: How do I Play Media Files in USB Devices?

Last Update date : Jun 26. 2023

Please Note: The information on this page is for New Zealand products only. Sequences or settings will vary depending on location and/or where the product had been purchased. To be redirected to your local support page please click here.

Newer TV models have a USB port to play media files stored in USB devices. 
  
Before connecting your device to the TV, please back up your files to prevent them from damage or loss of data. 

1 Please plug a USB storage device into a USB port at the back of your TV or the Mini One Connect of your TV
usb

In QLED, SUHD and Full HD TVs, a pop-up message appears and lets you move easily to the multimedia content list on the device. Then, you can select an item to play from the list. 

2 Press the Source button on your remote

Then select USB Device USB

usb

OR

Press the HOME button on your remote, navigate to Source and choose USB Device / Connected Device

source
3 Select the media file you want to play
select
4 Press the Enter button to show the control panel
enter

If you want to play another media saved in your USB device, press Return button on your remote and it will return to the MY CONTENT page. 

Notes:

  • QLED and SUHD TVs support MSC (Mass Storage Class) USB devices only. MSC is a class designation for mass storage devices. Types of MSC devices include external hard drives, flash card readers, and digital cameras. (USB hubs are not supported.)

 

These kinds of devices must be connected directly to the USB port. The TV may not be able to recognize a USB device or read the files on the device if it is connected with a USB extension cable.  

 

Do not disconnect USB devices while they are transferring files. 

 

For Full HD TVs, Media Play only supports USB Mass Storage Class (MSC) devices. MSC is a Mass Storage Class Bulk-Only Transport device. Examples of MSC are

Thumb drives, Flash Card Readers (USB HUB are not supported). Devices should be connected directly to the TV’s USB port. 

 

  • When connecting an external hard drive, use the USB (HDD) port. We recommend that you use an external hard drive with its own power adapter.
  • If there are multiple USB devices connected to the TV, the TV might not be able to recognize some or all the devices. USB devices that use high-power input should be connect to the USB [5V, 1A] port. 
  • If a USB device connected to the TV is not recognized, the list of files on the device is corrupted or a file in the list is not played, please connect the USB device to a PC, format the device and check the connection.  
  • QLED and SUHD TVs support FAT, exFAT, and NTFS file systems.Full HD TVs support NTFS (Read Only), FAT16 and FAT32. 
  • In QLED and SUHD TVs, after sorting files in the Folder view mode, the TV can display up to 1,000 files per folder. If the USB device contains more than 8,000 files and folders, however, some files and folders might not be accessible. 

 

In Full HD TVs, if the number of files and folders saved on a USB storage device is approximately over 4000, the files and folders may not appear and some folders may not be opened. 

 

  • UHD Video Pack contents are not supported with 2017 Samsung UHD TVs. 
  •  MP3 files with DRM that have been downloaded from a non-free site cannot be played in Full HD TVs. 
  • A USB device that requires high power (more than 500mA or 5V) may not be supported on Full HD TVs. 
  • Some files can't be played. This problem may occur with high-bitrate files. Most files can be played back, but you might experience problems with high-bitrate files. 

If you want to play another media saved in your USB device, press Return button on your remote and it will return to the MY CONTENT page. 

audio

Certain digital cameras, audio devices and some USB/digital camera devices may not be compatible with the TV.
 
When playing a video over a network connection, the video may not play smoothly because of data transmission speeds.
 
The ReadlAudio 10 lossless is not supported on the Chinese and Hong Kong models.
 
The TV might not work properly with unlicensed multimedia files.  

If you want to play another media saved in your USB device, press Return button on your remote and it will return to the MY CONTENT page. 

video

Certain digital cameras, audio devices and some USB/digital camera devices may not be compatible with the TV.
 
When playing a video over a network connection, the video may not play smoothly because of data transmission speeds.
 
The ReadlAudio 10 lossless is not supported on the Chinese and Hong Kong models.
 
The TV might not work properly with unlicensed multimedia files.  

You can download the user manual from our Manuals & Downloads page. For all other queries or further technical assistance, please call Samsung Customer Care on 0800 726 786 or Live Chat with our Technical Team online, services are open 24 hours, 7 days.

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