Android TV is basically a smart TV that requires internet connectivity to play content from online services. In many ways, Android TV is not seen as a media consumption device for local files, unlike Kodi Boxes and other digital players. However, that is just the misconception. You can very well play local media files on Android TV, be it a rare video format or an MP3 clip, or an image file. So if you want to access and play local media files on your Android TV then follow this guide point by point.
Here, we have mentioned two methods for media files stored on your Android TV and files stored on another device. Depending on your need, you can click on the link below and follow the guide accordingly.
- Play Media Files Stored on Android TV
- Play Local Media Files From Other Device on Android TV
Play Media Files Stored on Android TV
To play local media files on Android TV you need a file manager or a media player on your Android TV. Since file managers nowadays come with a built-in media player, you will likely not need a separate media player.
- And if you want a dedicated media player then I would recommend getting VLC (Free, offers in-app purchases) on your Android TV. It’s one of the best media players in the Android ecosystem, and can be easily installed from Android TV’s Play Store.
The above guide deals with media files stored on Android TV’s internal storage. If you want to play media files stored on your computer or smartphone on a larger screen then this section will help you out. So here is how to begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can You Play Local Video Files on Android TV Through Mobile Hotspot?
No, you can’t play local video files through a mobile hotspot. To stream local content through Chromecast, you must have a common WiFi access point.
Yes, Chromecast does support internal audio output on Android TV. No matter if you are using a Chromecast-compatible app or simply using screen mirroring, audio output works pretty well.
You can use VLC Media Player on Android TV to seamlessly play local MP3 files.
The above tutorial will work with most of the popular Android TVs. You can find a list of popular Android TVs below. The list is not exhaustive by any means and is only to serve as an example.
Play Local Content on Android TV Without Internet
So that is how you can access and play content on your Android TV without requiring internet connectivity. We have mentioned two methods: for media files stored locally on your TV and for files stored on another device. In any case, you can follow the guide and play the content right away.
