Five Unexpected Uses for Your TV's USB Port

For most of us, once our smart TV is set up, it tends to fade into the background of daily life. Thanks to apps on our phones and handy remote controls, there's often no need to interact with it directly. However, there's an inconspicuous USB 2.0 port hiding alongside those essential HDMI connections on the back or side of your TV that offers untapped potential.

USB ports on televisions are a common sight but are frequently overlooked. However, they can be incredibly versatile. Here's a look at five creative ways you can utilize these ports to maximize your TV's functionality.

1. Create a Visual Gallery or Media Station

Most modern TVs feature multiple USB ports, including the fast-transferring 3.0 variant. With a potentially larger screen than your computer, your TV can become an impressive gallery for photos or a player for your video library.

At a recent family gathering, I saw a 65-inch screen used to display a slideshow of scanned pictures and home videos, effortlessly accessed via a plugged-in USB drive.

Virtually any USB-compatible external storage device can be plugged into your TV, mimicking the ease of connecting them to a laptop. This setup allows immediate access to images and video files without a hitch.

Even better, you can set up a slideshow that kicks in during idle times, ensuring your media never clogs your TV's memory as it's being read directly from your USB stick.

This means you save the hassle of transferring files, keeping your TV's performance optimal by not bogging it down with unnecessary uploads.

2. Build a Budget-Friendly Workstation

Do you find your computer monitor buried beneath spreadsheets, documents, and graphics? You're not alone.

While a standard 27-inch monitor is popular among professionals, investing in multiple or larger screens is a costly affair. By opting for a large TV screen, say 55 inches, you can use a Bluetooth adapter to hook up a wireless mouse and keyboard, expanding your digital workspace without breaking the bank.

Enjoying the extra screen real estate allows for multitasking across numerous applications, keeping every window in sight. Simply connect your USB peripherals and get to work.

3. Upgrade Older TVs for Streaming

Older TVs sometimes need a helping hand to access streaming services like Prime Video and HBO Max. Often, these require a separate power source, but some devices, such as earlier Fire Sticks and Chromecast, can draw power from the TV's USB port.

On my older TCL TV, a Roku Streaming Stick uses an HDMI cable for data and a USB cable for power, meaning it remains untethered from wall sockets.

While this setup isn't perfect and might lead to overheating or interruptions, it provides a viable, cord-free solution for making a TV smarter.

4. Emergency Charging Station

In a pinch, your TV's USB ports can charge devices—albeit slowly. Similar to a laptop USB charge, the power from your TV is limited, meaning it will take time to top up even a gaming controller or smartphone.

However, if you're without alternatives, knowing your TV can step in as a charger is a handy little trick to have up your sleeve.

These ports offer quick access to media or power to peripheral devices, enhancing what your TV can do, even behind the scenes.

5. Keep Software Up to Date

It may not seem glamorous, but regularly updating your TV's software is vital, especially if it lacks internet connectivity. You can easily handle updates by downloading files onto a USB and plugging it into your TV.

Manufacturers routinely release updates to improve performance and add features. To ensure you're running the latest software, find your TV's support page, download the latest update to a USB drive, and simply connect it to your TV.

You might need to reboot your TV once the update is complete, but it's a straightforward way to keep it running smoothly.