Plug a FAT32-formatted USB stick into your Samsung 2024–2026 QLED, insert the show you want to record, press Rec on the remote, pick the show, set the end time, and hit Start Recording.
What’s happening here?
Your smart TV’s USB port isn’t just for playing movies—it doubles as a mini DVR. Pop in a USB drive formatted as FAT32 (or exFAT on 2025+ models), and the TV lets you schedule and save over-the-air or streaming programs straight to the stick. Samsung calls this feature “USB Recording.” If the drive doesn’t appear or the Rec button stays grayed out, nine times out of ten it’s a file system or port issue.
How do I actually record a show to a flash drive?
- Start with the hardware. Power down the TV, plug the USB stick into the side or rear port nearest the power button, then turn the TV back on. If the stick wiggles around, swap in a different cable or try a shorter USB extension.
- Double-check the formatting. On Windows 11 (2026 update), open File Explorer, right-click the USB drive → Format… → pick FAT32 (or exFAT if you own a 2025+ QLED). Leave the allocation unit size at default and click Start. On macOS 14, fire up Disk Utility → View → Show All Devices → select the USB → Erase → Format: MS-DOS (FAT) or exFAT.
- Make sure the TV sees the stick. Press Source on the remote, choose USB. If you get “No device,” unplug and reseat the stick. Got dust in the port? Blast it out with a can of compressed air.
- Hit record. Tune to the channel or app source, open the program guide, highlight the show, press the Rec button on the remote, set the end time, then select Start Recording. The clip lands on the USB as a .TS file.
