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Fire TV not Recognizing USB – Complete Fix Guide

ByKevin Wood Hours Updated on19 August 2022
fire tv not recognizing usb

If you’re wondering why Fire TV not recognizing USB, it’s important to note that USB interface on the Fire TV often stops working when the debugging option is enabled.

This setting will come enabled by the manufacturer, and it will make you unable to connect any external devices through the USB port.

You will thus miss out on your favorite shoes until the error is corrected.

There are simple ways to correct the Amazon fire tv not recognizing USB errors. These include disabling the debugging option in the settings, ensuring your device receives the right power wattage as required by the manufacturer and ensuring the drive is supported by the Fire TV.

Being unable to connect external storage and watch shows on your Five TV can be frustrating. It will only leave you with lesser options to choose from.

Why Is The Fire TV Not Recognizing USB?

Amazon has created the best alternative for many homeowners through Fire TV.

It lets users stream shows and other programs or connect external storage and watch from it.

In addition, it offers Alexa integration for better convenience. Your USB can, however, fail to get recognized on Fire TV sometimes.

There are several reasons why this could happen, such as;

  • Incorrect settings on your remote. This makes it difficult to select and thus use your USB.
  • Fire TV does not support the USB
  • The USB is corrupted and contains malware that can damage the Fire TV.
  • USB debugging option is enabled on the Fire TV settings

Regardless of the causes of the Amazon Fire TV not recognizing USB error, there is a solution around it.

Understanding the problem will also help you understand the solution and prevent future occurrences. Read on to learn how you can correct the Fire TV not recognizing USB.

How To Make USB Recognized On Fire TV – Solutions

fix fire tv not recognizing usb

Before trying out these solutions, ensure that your Fire TV is connected to the right power wattage recommended by the manufacturer.

Different models have various power requirements. Once you have tested the power input and ensured it is correct and that the device is powered, you can use the below methods;

Solution #1 Turning off USB Debugging

debugging usb

When the USB debugging option is enabled, the Fire TV will not recognize any connected devices.

Since the option is only reliable when writing apps, it will bring the Fire TV USB storage not recognizing errors.

You can change it in the settings;

  1. Press the ‘Settings” option on the remote
  2. Scroll down to the “System” option and click on it
  3. Select “Developer Options” and identify the USB debugging option
  4. Toggle the USB debugging option to “Off” and restart your system

Once the system has restarted, you can plug in the USB device, and it will get recognized. You can thus access its content without any challenges.

NOTE: The debugging option often comes disabled from the manufacturer as it is meant for developers.

Method #2 Force Resetting the Remote

Resetting the system is usually a proper solution when you encounter any problem with the Fire TV.

It will restore the system to its previous state from the manufacturer and revert any recent changes.

Follow the steps below to reset your remote;

  1. Identify the “Select” and “Play” buttons on your remote
  2. Press them simultaneously until the resetting process begins.
  3. Wait for the screen to display the Fire TV logo for the process to complete.

This process will reset any recent changes you made to your device. It will, however, not clear any data saved to the USB.

It is simple and convenient, and you can reinsert the USB once more. It will get recognized, and you can use it.

Solution #3 Format The Drive

format the usb

If your USB drive contains malware, the Fire TV will not recognize it. The virus present could damage the system once it begins to read it, thus avoiding that.

The solution for this is formatting the USB and storing new and safe materials in it. You will, however, need a computer for this.

Follow these steps to format it;

  1. Insert the USB into your Windows PC and wait for it to get recognized.
  2. Click on “This PC” and find the inserted USB
  3. Left-click your mouse under the USB and select the “Properties” option
  4. Find the “Format” option and select the “FAT32 file system” option.
  5. The format should take a short while. Unplug once it is complete.

NOTE: Formatting the driver ensure your Fire TV is safe from malware attacks. You can thus store new and safe content to it and reconnect it to your Fire TV. You can now proceed to watch your shows.

Solution #4 Ensure your Drive is Supported

This problem is also available on some Fire TV models. They are designed to only support USB 2.0 or those with lower storage spaces. You should check your USB to ensure it is compatible with the system.

A mismatch will bring up the Amazon Fire TV not recognizing USB error.

You can find dongles with a USB 2.0 option to connect to your Fire TV. This will solve the problem and allow you access to the stored content.

Solution #5 Proper Power Supply

check power supply

Every Fire TV model comes with its minimum power requirements. The information is available in the user guide.

Once you connect a USB, however, the power requirements will increase to accommodate its adapters.

A low power connection will make the USB unrecognized. You should thus get a power block that has a high wattage, and that provides more power.

This will ensure the system is well powered, and your USB connection will get recognized.

Solution #6 Disabling your Ethernet Connection

Sometimes, the Fire TV not recognizing USB error comes from an Ethernet connection. This problem is, however, available in specific Fire TV models.

In this case, you will have to disconnect your Ethernet connection. Unplug the Ethernet cable and use a WiFi connection instead. Fire TV offers a long-range connection option, and your WiFi will get recognized from a far distance.

NOTE: This problem often arises when the Fire TV isn’t receiving enough power supply to power the USB and Ethernet adapters.

Since the Ethernet was connected first, it will receive priority. Disconnecting it will ensure your USB is recognized.

FireTV Still Not Recognizing USB?

You have tried out all these methods, and your USB is still not getting recognized. What should you do in this scenario?

In this scenario, the right option would be to get in touch with Amazon for assistance. They will help you with more technical solutions or send in their technicians to help you fix it.

You can also inquire from the manufacturer on the right dongle options to ensure your USB is compatible with the particular model you are using. Amazon will ensure your system is back working as it should.

Read Next: Why Fire TV Remote App Keeps Disconnecting?

Final Thoughts

The Amazon Fire TV is a great solution for your streaming needs. It is small and compact and will not take up much room.

It is also simple to use and convenient. However, some errors like Fire TV not recognizing USB are likely to occur that make it hard to connect USB devices.

To help you out, we have provided a step-by-step guide to fix the problem. The detailed guide will have your system working as well as it should.

kevin wood
Kevin Wood

Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.

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