Why does my Roku streaming device not recognize my external USB drive?
Some Roku® streaming devices include a USB port to which you can connect an external USB drive for playing locally stored photo, audio, and video files. If you have a Roku TV™ system, then you can also use a USB drive to pause live television.
USB drive issues can be caused by an unsupported file system format or insufficient power. This article will help you determine why your Roku device cannot detect your USB drive.
You may also see error message "This USB device requires more power. Use power adapter if available. For more help, visit go.roku.com/USB".
How to fix USB drive filesystem format issues
USB drives can be formatted with different file systems. Roku devices support USB drives that are formatted with the FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, EXT2, EXT3, exFAT, and HFS+ file systems.
If you don’t know which file system is used, insert the USB drive into an available USB port on your computer. When the drive appears on the desktop, right click on the icon with your mouse and select Properties on your PC, or Get info on your Mac.
- Note: If you are using the USB drive to pause live television on a Roku TV system, then the filesystem format does not matter as you will be prompted to reformat the drive.
How to fix USB drive power issues
The most common reason the Roku device may fail to detect the USB drive is that USB drive requires more power than the Roku device can provide. If your USB drive comes with an external power adapter, then connect it to a power outlet. If your USB drive does not come with an external power adapter, you will need to use a powered USB hub.
If the USB drive has indicator LEDs, they may also turn red or flash to indicate insufficient power.
Connect your USB drive to a powered USB hub
Some powered USB hubs require a specific “order of operation” to work correctly. If after following the instructions provided with your USB hub, the USB drive is still not recognized, we suggest trying the following methods:
Method 1:
- Connect the USB hub to the USB port on the powered up Roku device
- Turn on the power to the USB hub
- Connect the USB drive to the USB hub.
Method 2:
- Connect the USB drive to the USB hub
- Turn on the power to the USB hub
- Wait 10 seconds
- Connect the USB hub to the USB port on the powered up Roku device
Troubleshooting a non-powered USB hub
If you have a non-powered USB hub connected to the USB port in the Roku device, then you should try the following:
- Remove the hub and connect the USB drive directly to the Roku device
- Reduce the number of devices connected to the USB hub
- Replace the non-powered USB hub with a powered USB hub
Pro Tips
The tips below are of a technical nature and are provided for advanced users.
- In general, USB 3.0 drives will work in USB 2.0 mode on Roku devices. However, some USB 3.0 drives may not work on TCL Roku TVs if you plug them directly into the USB port of the TV. You can use a USB 2.0 extension cable or USB 2.0 hub to get around this restriction.
- When using Ext2 or Ext3 Linux filesystems, it is important that files are created with permissions set for all to read.
- The following table lists the approximate maximum amount of current that different Roku devices can supply. Compare the value with the amount needed by your nonpowered USB devices being connected to the Roku device.
| Device | Max Current (mA) |
|---|---|
| Roku Plus Series 4K TV | 1500mA |
| Roku Select Series 4K TV | 1500mA |
| Roku Select Series HD TV | 1000mA |
| Roku Streambar SE | 500mA |
|
Roku Ultra (model 4800 and 4802) |
1170mA |
|
Roku Ultra (models 4670, 4660, and 4661) |
1100mA |
|
Roku Ultra (model 4640) |
500mA |
| Roku 4 | 900mA |
| Roku 3 | 650mA |
| Roku 2 XS | 650mA |
If you need additional information about power specifications of a TV made by another manufacturer contact the manufacturer directly for assistance.