Nowadays, Smart TVs are much more than just devices for watching television. These devices have become true multifunctional entertainment centers where we can enjoy applications, games and multimedia contentHowever, the limited storage capacity that some models usually offer is a major drawback, as it makes it difficult to install new applications and, in general, the need to expand the memory of the Smart TV. This can compromise the proper functioning of the system.
If you've ever encountered an error message stating "insufficient storage" or had to uninstall apps to make space, you've come to the right place. In this article, we're going to explore in detail all the ways you can to expand storage of your Smart TV and optimize its performance, either by freeing up internal space or using external solutions such as USB sticks y hard drives.
How to check the storage space of your Smart TV
The first thing you need to do before trying to expand your Smart TV's storage is to find out how much space you have available. This process varies depending on the brand and model of your TV, but here's a general guide for the most popular models:
Samsung Smart TV
- Press the home button on the controller to open the main menu.
- Accede to Settings and select the category Support.
- Sign in Device maintenance and then select Set up storage.
- You will see the total space and the free space at the top right.
LG Smart TV
- Press the gear button on the controller to open the settings menu.
- Choose All configurations and go to the section General admission.
- Within TV Management, you will find the option TV information, where you can see the available space.
Philips smart TV
- Press the settings button and select All settings.
- Go to Android Settings and access Device > Storage & Reset.
- Here you can see the use of the storage space.
Options to free up space on your Smart TV
If you realize that you don't have enough free storage, the next step is to free up space. Here are several ways to optimize the space you already have:
Delete unnecessary apps
One of the easiest ways to free up space is to uninstall apps and games you don't use. This process is similar for many TVs:
- Access the configuration or settings menu.
- Look for the section Applications o Application management.
- Select the apps you want to remove and choose the option uninstall.
Don't forget to check which apps you haven't used for the longest time. If you haven't opened them for months, you probably don't need them.
Wipe cache
Many applications store data in the cache to improve its performance, but over time this data can take up considerable space. Clearing the cache can be an effective solution:
- Enter the section Applications from the settings menu.
- Select a specific application.
- Look for the option Clear cache and confirm it.
If this option is not available, another alternative is to uninstall and reinstall the application, which will also remove the accumulated data.
Delete junk files
The Temporary files and installation waste that accumulates over time also takes up unnecessary space. To remove them:
- Access the file manager on your Smart TV.
- Go to the folder Downloads.
- Delete all files you don't need.
Expand Smart TV memory with external devices
If freeing up space is not enough, you can expand storage from your Smart TV using external devices such as USB sticks, hard drives or even network storage systems.
Connect a USB flash drive or external hard drive
Most Smart TVs have USB ports that allow you to connect external storage drives. To add memory to your TV:
- Connect a pendrive or hard drive to the USB port on your TV.
- You will receive a message for forma tear the device. Make sure to choose the supported format: FAT32 or NTFS.
- Decide if you want to use it as internal storage or as removable storage.
Please note that if you set the drive as internal storage, you will not be able to remove it without affecting the operation of installed applications.
Using a TV Box
Another practical solution is to purchase a TV Box, a device that acts as a mini-computer connected to the television. These devices have additional internal storage and its own app store. Some notable models are:
- Xiaomi Mi TV Box
- Amazon Fire Stick
- Apple TV (for those looking for a more premium option)
These devices are useful if you want to enjoy more storage without worrying about the limitations of your Smart TV.
Implement a network attached storage (NAS) system
If you already have a NAS at home, you can connect it to your TV to play content directly from it. Some basic steps include:
- Configure a client as plex o DS-Video on your Smart TV.
- Connect it to the NAS via WiFi or HDMI cable.
- Access stored content without occupying internal space on your TV.
This option is ideal for those who have large libraries of photos, videos or music that they want to play on the TV without bloating their storage.
Managing the storage of a Smart TV may seem complicated at first, but with these strategies you can get the most out of your device without restrictions. Expanding the memory of your Smart TV is easier than you think and will allow you to enjoy your favorite content without limits. The solutions are within everyone's reach. Adapt the methods to your needs.