Last updated on February 2nd, 2024 at 12:45 am
MP4 is a popular video format that is supported across many multimedia platforms.
You can play it over a smartphone, computer, or tablet. It is also a format that is supported by online streaming services.
MP4 files can easily be copied to a pen drive or an external hard drive and played over a computer.
But how do you play MP4 videos on TV with USB?
TV with USB Ports
If you have an HDTV that comes with USB ports, then you’ll have no problem playing your MP4 videos on TV with USB.
All you have to do is plug the pen drive or external hard drive into a spare USB port.
Then, with your TV remote control, select the USB port as your video input source. This will display your MP4 files on the TV screen, much like it would over a computer.
Just select the MP4 file you wish to play and hit the OK button on your remote.
The above are just general instructions. You would have to refer to your TV manual for detailed instructions.
How to Play MP4 Videos on TV without USB
What if your TV doesn’t come with USB ports but with HDMI ports?
If you have an older HDTV model, it may not have come with a USB connection. Such models usually support only HDMI but not USB.
If such is the case, is there a way to play MP4 videos on TV with USB?
Yes, there’s a workaround.
Use a TV Box as a USB Port Substitute
The cheapest way to play your MP4 videos on TV with USB is through a TV box.
A TV box works very much like a smartphone. You can install mobile apps on it and get them to do what you want on a TV screen.
The most affordable TV box to buy is an Android TV box.
Now, why do we need a TV box with a USB to play MP4 videos on TV?
There are two reasons. First, a TV box comes with a built-in MP4 player. Second, a TV box has at least 1 USB port.
You can plug your USB pen drive or external hard drive into a TV box through the USB port.
The main attraction of a TV box is it comes with an HDMI port. You can connect it to your HDTV HDMI port.
Then, play your MP4 video on the TV box player. A TV box usually comes with a default MP4 player.
If you don’t fancy it, there are dozens of MP4 or media players that you can install into it, including the VLC Media player.
TV without HDMI and USB Ports
What if you have a TV that doesn’t have an HDMI connection? Maybe it’s an analog TV.
A TV box will still work in this instance.
You can use the analog video port (marked AV) to connect to your TV, then plug in your USB drive and play your MP4 file after selecting the TV box as the AV source on your TV through your remote control.
Play Your MP4 Videos with a Digital TV Converter Box
If you already have a digital TV converter box, you can use it as an MP4 player.
A digital TV converter box is one that you use to watch OTA (Over-The-Air) TV broadcasts.
It allows you to watch local television programs for free and record them to a pen drive or an external hard drive through its USB port.
You can also use the USB port to plug in your pen drive to play MP4 files to your TV.
So, if you have a digital TV converter box, you don’t have to worry about playing your MP4 videos through USB.
You have seen how you can play MP4 videos on TV with USB. Now, choose the method which works best for you and give it a try.
