If you have an old hard drive or SSD lying around in a drawer, now's your chance. With very little expense and a bit of know-how, you can connect it to a Smart TV, a TV with Android TV or Google TV, or even a Chromecast with Google TV to gain storage and unlock a wealth of useful features. Here you'll find a complete guide to preparing it, choosing the right enclosure, formatting it without any hassle, and getting the most out of it with apps like Kodi. In more than one case, that "thing" can become a brutal extension of memory to install apps, save movies, music, and even record digital terrestrial television (DTT).
Let's get down to brass tacks: it doesn't matter if the hard drive is from a laptop or desktop, mechanical or solid-state, old with an IDE interface or more modern with SATA; there's a solution for everyone. Furthermore, with a simple USB-C hub, you can turn your Chromecast into a media center that supports memory cards, flash drives, and hard drives, expand its internal storage for apps, and connect it via Ethernet cable if the Wi-Fi is weak. And yes, Forget about formatting to FAT32 if you don't want to: there are better alternatives. and also tricks for mounting NTFS or exFAT using apps.
What do you need to use an old hard drive with Android TV, Google TV, or a Smart TV?
The key is to get the hard drive to "talk" to the TV via USB. If the drive is already external, you're almost there: all you need is a cable. However, if you're using an internal computer hard drive, you'll need to mount it in an external enclosure. This accessory acts as a bridge between the hard drive's connector and the TV. TV's USB port. Without that casing, an internal hard drive cannot be connected via USB.
Before buying anything, check two things: the physical size and the interface. The most common sizes are 2,5 inches (laptops) and 3,5 inches (desktops). Cases are specific to each size, so choose the one that corresponds. As for the interface, it can be SATA (common in newer computers) or IDE (in very old models). There are cases available for both sizes and for IDE or SATASo don't worry, just choose the right type.
- If your hard drive is 2,5 inches, A 2,5″ enclosure is usually powered by USB itself. and it's more compact.
- For 3,5-inch hard drives, look for an enclosure with an external power supply: These models require additional power..
- Check that the enclosure offers USB 3.0 if you plan to transfer large files: Better speed and less waiting.
- If you're going to buy online, remember that prices change often and some stores include affiliate links; Don't be surprised if you see commission notices.
Mounting the hard drive in its casing: a process of just a few minutes
With the enclosure in hand, you'll follow a simple process: open it, insert the disc into the internal connector, and close it. Depending on the model, you'll use screws or a system of tabs. The crucial thing is that it fits firmly into the enclosure's connector and is properly aligned. Take a moment to read the manufacturer's instructions.Although it's simple, each case can have its own trick.
Once assembled, you can connect the enclosure via USB to your Android TV/Google TV, a TV Box, or a Smart TV. The process is different with Chromecast and Google TV: You will need a powered USB-C hubBecause you need to power the Chromecast at the same time as you connect the drive. Below you'll see the recommended setup.
Formatting: why, when, and in what format
If that hard drive was used in a computer, it probably has a file system that the TV doesn't understand, or you might simply want to keep it clean for multimedia and recordings. First of all, make a backup: Formatting erases absolutely all data.Unless your TV offers direct formatting, you'll find it easier to do it from your PC or Mac.
Which format is best? Generally, exFAT and NTFS are the most practical choices: they support large files and usually work well with Android TV/Google TV and many modern Smart TVs. FAT32, while highly compatible, limits the maximum file size (4 GB), which is a nuisance for high-quality movies. If your Android TV doesn't format the disk, try exFAT or NTFS. from the computer.
- In Windows: open File Explorer, right-click on the drive and choose “Format…”. Select exFAT or NTFS and confirm.
- On macOS: open Disk Utility, select the volume, and click "Erase". Choose exFAT for maximum compatibility with Android TV/Google TV.
- Some TVs allow you to format from their own menu to adapt it to the recording. Check the option first on your TV system.
Note: Different Smart TV manufacturers have compatibility nuances. If your model is unusual, try exFAT first, and if that doesn't work, Switch to NTFS or use apps that mount file systems (You'll see a method for Chromecast below).
Connectivity and uses on Android TV/Google TV versus Chromecast
On TVs and TV boxes with Android TV or Google TV, you usually just need to plug the hard drive into the USB port and let the system recognize it. You can then browse its contents using a file explorer or apps like Kodi or VLC. If you want to record TV, check your model's menu. Some require formatting the disk from the TV itself. to allow the recording of broadcasts.
Chromecast with Google TV offers more possibilities, but also a key requirement: a USB-C hub with Power Delivery (PD). This accessory allows you to connect USB-A/USB-C, Ethernet, and simultaneously power the Chromecast via the USB-C port. Without a powered hub, the drive will not function reliably. because the Chromecast does not provide enough power on its own.
USB-C hub configuration type on Chromecast with Google TV
A working setup combines a USB-C hub with USB-A ports and a powerful external power supply (e.g., 18W), a good USB-C cable, and the external hard drive connected to the hub's USB-A port. The setup is as follows: Chromecast HDMI to TV; Chromecast USB-C to the hub; power to the hub's power port; hard drive to the hub's USB-A port. This topology powers both the Chromecast and the hard drive. and allows you to add more accessories (cards, USB drives, etc.).
Choose a robust hub: some very cheap models have stability problems or don't supply enough power. If you're running low on power, you'll notice disconnections when fast-forwarding/rewinding videos or copying files. Providing sufficient power prevents outages and power cuts.
Expand Chromecast app memory by unifying storage
One of the weaknesses of Chromecast with Google TV is its limited internal storage (8 GB in many models). The good news is that you can format an external drive as system storage and migrate data to gain usable space. Go to Chromecast Settings, and follow the usual steps: System > StorageThere you will see the external drive; select “Erase and format as device storage” And when it's finished, press “Migrating data to this storage”From then on, internal and external will work as a single unit. It's a very clean solution for installing more apps.
Using discs, USB drives and cards: recommended browsers and players
If you prefer to keep the drive as portable storage (without merging it with the internal drive), a file explorer will suffice to access the content. Kodi, with the best addons for KodiIt's an excellent option because of its combination of browser and player; VLC also performs very well. With these apps you can turn your Chromecast into a media center that reads from the disk, card or USB drive.
Is your hard drive formatted as NTFS or exFAT and your Chromecast won't mount it? There's a solution: the MLUSB Mounter app. When you open it, select "MLFS Mount" and choose your drive to mount. The app supports NTFS out of the box and, via in-app purchase, Enables exFAT without having to resort to FAT32Once mounted, you will be able to open the files from other applications.
Dolby Vision FEL and Just Player: real results
To play Dolby Vision Profile 7 (FEL) rips, many users employ Just Player on Chromecast with Google TV. In tests with MKV files of popular titles, playback is generally smooth, although aggressive fast-forwarding/rewinding can cause occasional freezes in certain files. Keep this in mind when skipping long sections of the video.especially with very heavy content.
In quick tests with productions such as Aquaman, Bumblebee, Scream 2, The Summit Fever or Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, the system performed very well; in a specific case such as 1917, there were pauses when “jumping” through the timeline, but linear playback was stable. Performance depends on the file, bitrate, and hub/power supply..
Wired internet on Chromecast: more stability with Ethernet
If your Chromecast is far from the router and the Wi-Fi signal is weak, the USB-C hub itself usually offers an Ethernet port. Connect a network cable to the hub, and then connect the hub to the Chromecast. The difference is noticeable with large streams and file transfers from the hard drive. Using a cable reduces cuts and pulls and we squeezed the connection to the maximum.
Power the Chromecast from the TV's USB port
Another practical option is to power the Chromecast via the TV's USB port, provided it delivers sufficient power (ideally USB 3.0 or higher). To ensure everything works smoothly, in some cases it's recommended to enable USB debugging in the Chromecast's developer options. To enable this, go to Settings > System > About and tap "Build number" several times until Developer mode appears. Enable USB debugging if your setup requires it and check the stability.
Real-world uses: recording digital terrestrial television, installing apps, and building your own media library
Once the hard drive is recognized, a range of possibilities opens up. If your TV supports PVR (recording), you can schedule and record broadcasts to the hard drive; depending on the resolution, you'll need considerable space for long Full HD sessions. Alternatively, you can avoid using the internal memory of your Android TV or Google TV. install applications on external storage when the system allows it.
The other great use is as a multimedia "vault": photos, music, and videos, all organized with Kodi or VLC and ready to play on the big screen. Kodi shines especially for its format support and its way of cataloging the library. With a good player, it's almost all a matter of dragging and dropping and enjoying..
Capacity, formats and small details that make a difference
Consider your hard drive capacity in relation to your needs. For high-quality recording and video, files take up a lot of space; 1 or 2 terabytes fill up faster than you might think. For 2,5-inch USB-powered hard drives, consider power consumption: some older models require more current and may disconnect if your TV's USB port isn't powerful enough. With 3,5-inch drives, you'll almost always need an external power source. (comes with the case).
Regarding file systems: if you're going to move the disk between Windows and Android TV/Google TV, exFAT is usually the best option. For large volumes locked to an Android/Windows environment, NTFS is a solid choice. Leave FAT32 as a last resort due to its limitations. And always, always back up your data before formatting..
Fine compatibility on Smart TV: what you should check
Each Smart TV manufacturer has its own quirks. On some models, the recording function requires formatting the hard drive directly from the TV, and then that recording only works on that specific TV. On others, you can play it back without problems as long as the hard drive format is compatible. If you connect it and it doesn't appear, Try exFAT first and NTFS laterIf not, use players that include their own controllers or mounting apps.
If your Android TV doesn't offer a formatting option, do it from your computer and verify that the TV recognizes the drive. In many cases, the system will prompt you to format it upon detection. This method is convenient because It automatically adjusts to the requirements of the TV itself..
Common mistakes when using an old hard drive and how to avoid them
- Insufficient HubIf the USB-C hub doesn't deliver enough PD power, you'll experience disconnections. Choose one with sufficient amperage and use an 18W or higher charger.
- Inadequate casingDo not mix sizes or interfaces. A 3,5″ drive requires a specific enclosure and power supply; IDE requires an IDE enclosure, SATA enclosures will not work.
- Format without copyIt seems obvious, but it happens. Make a backup if there's anything to save; formatting erases everything permanently.
- FAT32 and large filesAvoid FAT32 if you handle large movies; exFAT or NTFS are the solution for large files.
- Abrupt rewindsWith very demanding files, long forward and backward movements can cause crashes. Moderate jumps are better. buffer enough.
- Prices and linksIf you buy accessories online, remember that the price may change and that some stores have affiliate links; Don't let it catch you by surprise.
Quick FAQs about using an old hard drive
Can I reuse a disk with an IDE interface? Yes. IDE enclosures are available in both 2,5" and 3,5" form factors. They are less common than SATA enclosures, but they can still be found.
My Android TV doesn't recognize the disc? Try formatting it to exFAT/NTFS from your computer. If it still doesn't work, check the power supply (it's mandatory for 3,5" drives) and try a different port/cable.
Is it possible to expand the app storage on Chromecast? Yes. Using a powered USB-C hub, format the drive as device storage and migrate the data from Settings > System > Storage.
Is FAT32 required? No. It's the most limited format. exFAT or NTFS are better; and if you need to mount NTFS/exFAT on Chromecast without changing the format, apps like MLUSB Mounter will do the trick.
Is an SSD recommended over an HDD? For playback and browsing, an SSD offers lower latency and zero noise. For massive recording or cold storage, a large HDD can be more economical per terabyte. Choose according to your needs and budget..
Can I connect the Chromecast via cable? Yes, with a USB-C hub with an Ethernet port. You'll gain stability and speed, ideal for heavy streams from the drive.
Giving a second life to an old hard drive is much more than just "using what you have at home": with a suitable enclosure, a well-chosen format, and, if you use Chromecast, a USB-C hub with good power, You'll have a media center and extra storage for apps.Ready to play almost anything with Kodi or VLC, record broadcasts on your TV and enjoy more stable connections with Ethernet; a simple, cheap and tremendously useful project to get the most out of your Smart TV, Android TV or Google TV. Share this information with other users so they know what to do with their old hard drive.