Expand FireStick Storage & Move Apps: In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to expand storage and move apps on your FireStick. These steps are also compatible with other Fire TV devices, including the FireStick 4K, FireStick 4K Max, and FireStick Lite.
FireStick Storage Issues
While the FireStick is a fantastic streaming device for cord-cutters and entertainment lovers, it does come with its limitations—most notably, limited internal storage. One of the biggest frustrations for FireStick users is its small storage capacity. Most models come with just 8 GB of internal storage, with the exception of the FireStick 4K (3rd Gen), which has 16 GB. However, even this isn’t entirely usable—around 3 GB is already taken up by the Fire OS and preinstalled apps.
That leaves users with very limited space to install additional apps, download media, or use addons. As a result, FireStick owners frequently deal with storage warnings and slow performance. Low storage can lead to various issues like app crashes, buffering, freezing, and even blank screens. Although deleting files and apps can help free up space, it’s not always the best solution—you may end up removing content or apps you actually need.
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The Solution: Expanding Fire TV Storage
Thankfully, Amazon Fire TV devices offer the ability to expand storage, giving users the flexibility to add up to 128 GB of external storage. This extra space can be used for apps, media, downloads, and more—helping you avoid low-storage issues and keep your device running smoothly.
What You’ll Need to Expand FireStick Storage
To increase your FireStick’s storage capacity, you’ll need the following components:
A Compatible Fire TV Device
To expand storage, your device must run Fire OS 7 or later. Supported models include:
- FireStick Lite
- Fire TV Stick 3rd Gen
- New FireStick 4K
- New FireStick 4K Max
A USB 3.0 Flash Drive
You’ll need a flash drive with at least 4 GB of space, but you can use one up to 128 GB, which is the maximum supported by FireStick. For best results, opt for a USB 3.0 drive for faster read/write speeds. If your USB drive is new or unused, there’s no need to pre-format it—your FireStick will handle that during the setup process.
A Micro USB OTG Cable (Y-Cable)
To physically connect the USB flash drive to your FireStick, you’ll need a Micro USB OTG Y-cable. This special cable allows you to power your device while simultaneously connecting external peripherals like USB drives.
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How to Expand Storage on FireStick
Once you have all the necessary components ready, follow the steps below to increase your FireStick’s storage capacity.
Step 1: Make Sure Your FireStick is Running the Latest Version
Before anything else, ensure your Fire TV device is running Fire OS 7 or higher. Here’s how to check and update your FireStick:
- From the Fire TV home screen, go to Settings.
- Select My Fire TV.
- Click on About.
- Look for the Software Version listed on the right-hand side. If it says Fire OS 7, you’re good to go. If not, update your device to the latest version available. If your FireStick is up to date but still shows a version lower than Fire OS 7, your device unfortunately does not support storage expansion.
- To check for updates, select Check for Updates or Install Update, if available.
Step 2: Connect the USB Flash Drive to Your FireStick
Once your FireStick is compatible and updated, follow these instructions to connect the flash drive:
- Plug the male micro-USB end of the OTG Y-cable into the power port of your FireStick.
- Insert your FireStick’s power adapter into the female micro-USB port on the Y-cable.
- Connect your USB flash drive to the USB-A port of the OTG cable.
Now that everything’s plugged in, continue with the on-screen steps:
- On your FireStick, navigate to Settings > My Fire TV.
- Select USB Drive from the menu.
- Choose Format to Internal Storage.
- Wait for the FireStick to complete formatting the USB drive.
- Once finished, you’ll see a confirmation message. Click OK to finalize the setup.
And that’s it! Your FireStick now has expanded storage, giving you more space for apps, media, and files.
Move Apps to External USB OTG Storage
Before you begin moving apps, ensure your USB drive is properly formatted and ready to store apps from your FireStick. To confirm this, go to Settings > My Fire TV > USB Drive. If the option shows Format to External Storage, your device is set up correctly and ready for the next step.
How to Transfer Apps from FireStick’s Internal Storage to a USB Drive
Follow these steps to move apps to your external USB storage:
- Open Settings from your FireStick home screen.
- Navigate to Applications.
- Select Manage Installed Applications.
- Find and select the app you’d like to move.
- Choose Move to USB Storage.
Wait a few seconds while the FireStick transfers the app to the flash drive.
Important Notes When Using External Storage
- Once your USB drive is connected and formatted, any new movable apps you install will be stored on the external drive by default.
- Not all apps can be moved to USB. You’ll only see the Move to USB Storage option for apps that are eligible.
- After moving an app, a USB icon will appear next to it in the list, indicating it’s running from external storage.
- Even for apps moved to USB, some data and cache remain in the internal memory. Apps installed directly to the USB drive will also store cache internally.
- To save the most space, prioritize moving larger apps to the USB drive.
- If you disconnect the USB drive, the apps stored on it will disappear from your FireStick temporarily—but they’re not deleted. Once you reconnect the USB, those apps will reappear, as long as the drive remains intact and unformatted.
Wrapping Up
And that’s how you expand FireStick storage and move apps to an external USB drive. If you’ve followed the steps correctly, your Fire TV device should now have extra storage space, giving you more room for apps, downloads, and media content. This upgrade is especially useful for users who run several apps or stream high-quality video that quickly fills up the default internal storage. Have questions or need help troubleshooting? Drop a comment below—I’m happy to help!
FAQs
How do I know if my USB drive is ready to move apps on FireStick?
You can check this by going to Settings > My Fire TV > USB Drive. If you see the option Format to External Storage, it means your USB drive is formatted correctly and ready for app transfers.
Can all apps be moved to external USB storage on FireStick?
No, only certain apps can be moved. The Move to USB Storage option appears only for apps that support being transferred to external storage.
Will app data and cache also move to the USB drive when transferring apps?
No, even after moving apps to USB storage, the data and cache for those apps remain in the FireStick’s internal memory.
What happens to apps stored on USB if I disconnect the drive from my FireStick?
Apps saved on the external USB drive will disappear from your FireStick interface temporarily but won’t be deleted. Once you reconnect the USB drive, the apps will reappear.
Does FireStick automatically install new movable apps on the external USB storage?
Yes, when a USB drive is connected and formatted as external storage, any new apps that can be moved will be installed on the USB drive by default.
How can moving apps to USB storage help improve FireStick performance?
By moving large apps to an external USB drive, you free up internal memory, which can reduce issues like freezing, buffering, and improve overall device responsiveness.
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