Most Android TV boxes come with limited storage which sometimes needs to be expanded.
It is easy enough to do with with a flash drive, external hard drive, or an SD-card.
While any three options will work, often the best method is a low cost SD-card since it is out of the way and easy to remove if necessary.
SD-cards come in three sizes Standard, Mini, and Micro SD-card.
Here is a Micro SD-card on the left and Standard size on the right.
Most Android TV boxes use the Micro SD-card size, but be sure to look at the unit or read the documentation.
Also be sure to see what the max supported size the box can use.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow and above allows a SD-card to extend the internal storage of a box.
A SD-Card can still be used as an external portable storage as with previous Android versions if wanted.
Being able to extend the internal storage is a nice option for a unit with limited internal space.
To setup an SD-card to add internal storage (after being installed) swipe from the top with mouse or other controller and go to the setup option.
An easy to follow guide will come up be sure to select “Use as Internal Storage”.
How To Use an SD-Card with an Android TV Box
- Find the SD-Card slot on the Android TV box and plug in the correct sized card.
- Go to File Browser
- The SD-card will show up as External Storage Card
- Be sure the card is inserted fully and not partially sticking out.
- Older Android versions such as 4.4 KitKat limited how a user installed apps or could access the external SD card.
- Some boxes running Android 5.0 will crash if SD-card does not have a disk label name.
Android 6.0 and higher the card can be setup to extend the internal storage if needed.
Possible Problems and Troubleshooting
Most of the time an SD-card can simply be plugged in and will start working, occasionally there can be problems.
Here are some things to check if there is a problem
If you run into this problem the box may need updating.
Most SD-cards have a label name but if this happens to you it is simple to put the SD-card into a computer and give it a name.
Summary
Adding more storage to an Android TV box is easy with an SD-card.
Keep in mind a flash drive or external hard drive can also be used by most units.
A flash drive is a good option to transfer files quickly or as a quick fix when no SD-card is available, but since it sticks out so far it is usually not a good long term solution.
A hard drive is good for a large storage library such as when many movies need to be stored or music files.
An SD-card is a good long term solution to add to a unit and be out of the way since it is inserted into the box.
I want to add more storage to my super box pro 3…. Is this possible?
Are there any boxes that will support a 256 micro sd card? It needs to have an Amlogic s905 chip as I want to run EMUelec.
I have a Mxq pro box what can of sd card can I use to extend my storage . Please let me know the best method to use .
yes ive got a sunvell t95 z pluse with android 7.1.1.i want to use an sd card to expand my memory but i cant fig, out how large it will take or what speed to use i do some retro gaming but not anthing to large.if you can help with this i thank you
Did you figure it out if so please let me know. I have the t95Q box and want to use a sd card for internal storage thanks
Trying to use a 32 gb SD card for internal storage on an Abox IMAX media player with Android 7.1.2 it will not let me do it. It gives me the option but when I try to install it as internal it corrupts the card and I have to put it back in my computer and reformat the card. It allows me to install as removal storage but not internal. Just so you know I’ve been working with computers for 40 years. Is there a chance that there may be a glitch in Android 7.1.2 software? The SD card is fine put it in my phone w/ 6.0 software and it works. Can someone test this out and post back
It is crashing possibly bc this is not internal storage…it is external storage…I believe there is some storage on t boxes themselves so when u r trying to place t sd card as storage it may have corrupted ur internal storage of t box…this is a possibility..
I have the MX10 version 8.1 Android device. Can I use a external hard drive? My external drive is a 3 Tb.
I have a nexsmart D32 and want to know if I can use the micro SD card to upgrade the memory. And what firmware would be best to upgrade system.
Thank you for your time and help
I want to add sd card as additional internal storage for my evpad pro 4k, how do I make it? Please help . Thank you.
Can I use a thumb-drive?