How to expand your firestick storage and add external devices

The expand your firestick storage has revolutionized the way we consume digital content. Its compact structure and effortless design make it famous for streaming movies, TV shows, and music. Nevertheless, one of the critical constraints of the Firestick is its storage capacity. With only 8GB of internal storage, it can quickly become filled with apps and media files, leaving little room for anything else. 

Fortunately, there are ways how to expand your Firestick storage and add external devices. This article will explore unique methods to help you get the most out of your Firestick and enhance your streaming experience.

What is the problem with the storage?

The Firestick is a powerful streaming device that provides access to a vast selection of movies, TV shows, and music. Nevertheless, one of the most important problems with the Firestick is its limited storage capacity. The device comes with only 8GB of internal storage, which can quickly fill up with apps, games, and media files.

One of the main reasons for the limited storage capacity of the Firestick is its small size. The device is created to be compact and movable, making it perfect for use on the go or in small spaces. However, this also means it must sacrifice storage space to maintain its size and form factor.

Another reason for the limited storage capacity is that the Firestick is a streaming device. Unlike a traditional media player, the Firestick is designed to stream internet content rather than store it locally. This means that it only requires a little storage space to function. However, as users download more apps and media files, limited storage can become a problem.

Luckily, there are a lot of methods to expand the storage capacity of the Firestick. One popular method is to use a microSD card, which can be inserted into the device to provide additional storage space. 

Another option is to use an external hard drive or USB drive, which can be connected to the Firestick utilizing the device’s USB port. By expanding the storage capacity of the Firestick, users can enjoy more apps, games, and media files without running out of space.

How to add more storage to Firestick

If you’re running out of storage space on your Firestick, don’t worry! There are several ways to add more storage and expand the device’s capacity.

Here is a detailed direction on how to add more storage to your Firestick:

Insert a microSD card into your Firestick:

• Turn off your Firestick and unplug it from your TV.
• Find the microSD card slot on the flank of the gadget.
• Insert a compatible microSD card into the slot. Make sure it’s adequately inserted and secure.
• Plug in your Firestick and turn it on.

Format the microSD card:

• Once your Firestick is on, go to “Settings” from the main menu.
• Select “Device” and then “Storage.”
• Click on the “Format SD Card” button to format the card for use with your Firestick.
• Wait for the formatting process to complete.

Move apps and media files to the microSD card:

• From the “Storage” menu, select “Internal Storage.”
• Click on the app or media file you want to move to the microSD card.
• Select “Move to SD Card” and wait for the transfer to complete.

Use an external hard drive or USB drive:

• Attach your external hard drive or USB drive to the Firestick’s USB port.
• Stay for the gadget to recognize the external storage.
• From the “Settings” menu, choose “Device” and then “Storage.”
• Click on the external storage device and select “Format as Internal Storage” to format the device for use with your Firestick.
• Wait for the formatting process to complete.
• Move apps and media files to the external storage device using the same steps as above.

Expanding the storage capacity of your Firestick can help you enjoy more apps, games, and media files without running out of space. By pursuing these actions, you can effortlessly add more storage and optimize your Firestick’s performance.

Firestick internal or external storage 

The Firestick is a popular streaming device that provides access to a vast selection of movies, TV shows, and music. However, the device’s limited internal storage can quickly fill up with apps and media files, leaving users with little room for anything else.

Fortunately, it’s possible to use an external USB drive as internal storage to expand the Firestick’s capacity.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set your USB drive as internal storage:

Insert your USB drive into the Firestick:

• Connect your USB drive to the Firestick USB port.
• Wait for the device to recognize the external storage.

Format the USB drive:

• From the Firestick home screen, go to “Settings” and select “Device.”
• Select “External Storage” and click on the USB drive.
• Choose the “Format as Internal Storage” option to format the USB drive as internal storage.
• Wait for the formatting process to complete.

Move apps and media files to the USB drive:

• From the “Settings” menu, select “Applications.”
• Click on the application you like to push to the USB drive.
• Select “Move to USB Storage” and wait for the transfer to complete.
• Replicate the procedure for all the applications and media files you like to move.

Restart the Firestick:

• Once you have moved all the apps and media files to the USB drive, restart the Firestick.
• The device will now use the USB drive as internal storage.

By setting your USB drive as internal storage, you can expand the Firestick’s capacity and enjoy more apps, games, and media files without running out of space. Just remember that once you format your USB drive as internal storage, it will no longer be recognized by other devices, so be sure to use a dedicated USB drive for this purpose.

Workarounds to the problem

If you’re struggling with limited storage on your Fire TV or Firestick, there are a few workarounds you can try to make the most of your space. 

Here are a few suggestions and schemes to assist you to optimize your device’s storage:

Clear cache and data:

• From the Firestick home screen, go to “Settings” and select “Applications.”
• Hit on the application you like to remove cache and data for.
• Select “Clear cache” and “Clear data.”
• Replicate the procedure for all the applications you like to free up space.

Uninstall unused apps:

• From the “Applications” menu, select “Manage Installed Applications.”
• Hit on the application you like to uninstall and select “Uninstall.”
• Replicate the procedure for all the applications you no longer use.

Use cloud storage:

• Sign up for a cloud storage service like Amazon Drive, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
• Upload your media files to the cloud and stream them from there instead of storing them locally on your device.

Use a streaming app instead of downloading media files:

• Instead of downloading movies or TV shows, use a streaming app like Netflix or Hulu to watch them online.
• This will release space on your gadget and prevent it from becoming cluttered with media files.

Use an external hard drive or USB drive:

• Connect your external hard drive or USB drive to the Firestick’s USB port.
• Move apps and media files to the external storage device using the steps outlined in the previous section.

Using these workarounds, you can optimize your Firestick storage capacity and prevent it from becoming cluttered with unused apps and media files. Whether you choose to clear cache and data, uninstall unused apps, use cloud storage, stream media files, or use an external storage device, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your space.

How to add the external device to the Firestick

Adding an external device to your Firestick can expand its capabilities and allow you to access more content. Fortunately, connecting an external device to your Firestick is easy and can be done in just a few simple steps. 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to add an external device to your Firestick:

The type of gadget you like to link:

• Firestick supports various external widgets, including USB drives, external hard drives, and SD cards.
• Be sure the gadget you like to link is compatible with Firestick.

Connect the device to your Firestick:

• Insert the USB drive, external hard drive, or SD card into the right port on your Firestick.
• Stay for the gadget to be identified by the Firestick.

Access the device from your Firestick:

• From the Firestick home screen, go to “Settings” and choose “Applications.”
• Click on “Manage Installed Applications.”
• Select the app you want to use to access your external device, such as VLC or ES File Explorer.
• Give the app authorization to enter your external device.

Use the external device:

• Once you have granted the app permission to access your external device, you can use it to access the content stored on the device.
• Using the app, you can transfer files between your Firestick and the external device.

Adding an external device to your Firestick can expand its capabilities and access more content. Whether you want to watch movies from a USB drive, store media files on an external hard drive, or access photos on an SD card, connecting an external device to your Firestick is easy.

Also Read: How to Optimize Your Firestick for Better Video and Audio Playback

Conclusion

This blog on how to expand your Firestick storage and add external devices can significantly enhance your Firestick experience. Increasing your device’s storage capacity allows you to download more apps, store more media files, and access more content. Connecting external devices such as USB drives, hard drives, or SD cards can help you access even more content and media files.

With the steps outlined in this article, expanding your Firestick storage and connecting external devices has never been easier. Whether you use an external device as internal storage, connect a USB drive to store media files or stream content from the cloud, there are many ways to make the most of your Firestick’s capabilities.

Remember, managing your Firestick storage and keeping it clutter-free is essential for optimal performance. So, try the tips and tricks outlined in this article to make the most of your Firestick and enjoy seamless streaming and media playback.