Most people set up their smart TV and never touch it again. With remotes, apps, and wireless connections, there’s little need to. But your TV has at least one USB port on the back or side panel. It’s easy to forget about, but it can be surprisingly useful. Here are four ways to make the most of it.
1. Play Photos and Videos on a Big Screen
Many modern TVs have USB 2.0 and even USB 3.0 ports for faster data transfer. Instead of watching videos or viewing pictures on a small computer screen, use your TV.
Simply plug in a USB flash drive or external hard drive, and your TV will detect it. You can browse media files and even set up a slideshow to play when your TV is idle. Unlike transferring files to the TV’s internal storage, keeping them on a USB drive prevents your TV from slowing down.
2. Use Your TV as a Workstation
Need a bigger screen for work? Instead of buying a large monitor, connect your TV and use it as an extended display. A 55-inch TV gives you more screen space to manage multiple apps, spreadsheets, and designs.
To work efficiently, you’ll need a Bluetooth adapter to connect a mouse and keyboard via USB. While the resolution may not match professional monitors, it’s a cost-effective solution for multitasking.
3. Power a Streaming Device
Older TVs don’t always have built-in streaming apps. If you use a Fire Stick, Chromecast, or Roku, you usually plug it into an HDMI port and connect it to power.
Some streaming devices can draw power from the TV’s USB port instead of a wall socket. For example, an Amazon Fire Stick or Google Chromecast can run directly from USB power.
However, this method isn’t perfect. Streaming devices need power to run smoothly, and a TV’s USB port might not supply enough energy. This could cause overheating, slow performance, or interruptions. But in many cases, it works fine.
4. Charge Small Devices
Your TV’s USB port can charge phones, controllers, and other gadgets in an emergency. It works just like a laptop’s USB port for charging.
However, TV USB ports deliver low power, so charging will be very slow. It’s best for low-energy devices like gaming controllers or wireless headphones. But if you’re in a pinch, it’s a useful backup.
Final Thoughts
Your TV’s USB ports aren’t just extra features—they serve a purpose. Whether you use them for media playback, work, streaming, or charging, they can make your TV more useful than you thought. Try these tricks and get more out of your smart TV today!
