How to Expand Firestick Storage with a USB Drive

🧰 Equipment Needed

OTG Adapter (Y-cable)
Splits the Firestick’s micro-USB into power + USB data. Needed to connect a flash drive while keeping power to the Firestick.

USB Flash Drive
Use FAT32 or exFAT format. Go with USB 3.0 if possible (up to 128GB is supported).

Power Cable
The original Firestick power adapter plugs into the OTG adapter.

(Optional)
Powered USB hub or Ethernet adapter if you're connecting more than one device.

🔗 Connecting the USB Drive

1. Insert the USB drive into the full-size USB port on the OTG cable.

2. Connect the OTG cable to the Firestick’s micro-USB port.

3. Plug in power to the OTG’s power input (using the Firestick’s power cord).

4. Turn on the Firestick — it will auto-detect and mount the USB drive.

5. If it's a new drive, the Firestick may prompt to format it.

⚙️ Formatting as Internal Storage 🔸 Fire OS 7 (4K Max, 3rd Gen, Lite)

• Go to: Settings → My Fire TV → USB Drive

• Tap “Format to Internal Storage”

• Confirm — this will erase the USB and combine it with Firestick storage

• Once complete, you’ll be able to move apps to the USB

🔹 Fire OS 6/5 (Older Devices)

• No built-in format tool

• You’ll need ADB commands via PC or Remote ADB Shell to adopt the USB as internal (advanced)

📦 Moving Apps to External Storage

After formatting to internal:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage Installed Applications

2. Select any app

3. Choose “Move to USB Storage” (if available)

❗ Why this matters:
To record or save data to external storage, the app must be installed on the USB. If it's still on internal, it can't write to the external drive.

💡 Common Uses

• Sideloading APKs: Copy APKs to USB → use File Manager or Downloader → install directly.

• Recording (IPTV/TV apps): Set recordings to save on USB — app must also be installed on the USB.

• Media Playback: Open VLC or Kodi → browse USB → play movies, music, or photos.

• File & App Backups: Store backup files or app data on your USB stick.

✅ Recommended Gear

OTG Adapters:

• UGREEN

• HOXIBSL 3-Pack

• AreMe 4-Pack

USB Flash Drives:

• SanDisk Ultra USB 3.0

• Samsung FIT Plus

📺 Watch It Done on YouTube

• Setup Walkthrough (4K Max) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSxySzHP58g

• Expand Firestick Storage – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBgO-kge0Zw

• How to Move Apps – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazmmW3IY2o

⚠️ Always Eject Safely

Before unplugging the USB drive:
Go to Settings → My Fire TV → USB Drive → Eject

This helps prevent corruption or data loss.