What Are the USB Ports Behind the TV Used For? 4 Little-Known and Useful Tips. (Page 3 ) | March 29, 2025

2. To connect a mouse and keyboard to the TV

What is the point of connecting computer peripherals (keyboards, mice) to a TV USB port?

Well, this is especially useful if you have a smart TV with built-in apps.

You will understand.

Modern televisions increasingly integrate applications such as Google, Facebook, You Tube, etc.

Connecting a keyboard to the TV  allows you to better navigate these applications.

Like when you are in front of your computer.

For example, when entering a password, it is better to do it with a keyboard than with the remote control.

It’s easier, isn’t it?

The mouse allows you to scroll through web pages better.

Try surfing Google with a remote control and you’ll see…it’s not intuitive at all.

While by connecting these devices, the TV offers the same experience as on a computer.

Finally, know that you can even connect a webcam.

It lets you take video calls right from your couch!

3. To charge your smartphone and PlayStation controller

Yes, your TV must be plugged into a power source to work.

But did you know that  the USB ports on your TV can also power other devices?

I am thinking first of all of your iPhone or Android smartphone (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.).

Plug the charger cord into the TV’s USB port to charge it.

It also allows you to connect any other device that needs a power source.

Take LED strips for example.

These are backlights that come in the form of strips and stick to the back of your television.

Basically, they create a colorful ambiance that makes your TV easier to watch.

Well, you don’t need an electrical outlet nearby to run this strip.

Plug it into the TV’s USB port and voila. You get the backlight.

Another very useful possibility for PS4, PS5 or Xbox players.

When you are a console gamer, you always encounter the same problem.

Our controllers run out of battery quickly.

The problem is that we don’t have enough USB ports on the console to charge them at the same time.

Well, feel free to plug your controller’s wire into the TV’s USB port.

That gives you one more recharge option; smart, isn’t it?

Depending on the manufacturer and model, a TV can supply up to 5V and 500mA of power to small devices.

If it is an input indicating 5V 2A or 2.1, the port can even provide more amperage.

In concrete terms, this means that you can charge your mobile phone faster.

4. To update the TV software

Firmware, firmware, update…

What are these few words?

Well, you don’t need to work at Fnac to understand what it’s all about.

Just know that your TV is equipped with firmware.

It’s kind of the program that makes it work.

Above all, it allows the TV to evolve (via updates) by integrating new functionalities.

And that’s where USB ports come in handy.

Because to update this firmware, there are 2 ways.

Either you can update the TV firmware via internet.

But that means the TV has to be connected.

Either you can download the latest firmware for your TV model to your computer.

From the manufacturer’s support website, download the latest firmware version.

Then transfer the file to a USB drive and connect it to your TV.

A pop-up window will then open asking if you want to update the TV.

Click yes.

Your TV automatically locates the update file and begins the upgrade process.

And there you have it.

Without having to connect the TV to the internet, you have just updated the firmware like a pro.

Conclusion

And there you have it; now you know what the USB ports behind your screen are for.

You see, it’s not just the HDMI inputs that are useful.

Plus, these tips work on all brands of TVs.

Hisense, huawei, TCL, Sony, Samsung, Toshiba, Thomson, Panasonic, Philips…

So from now on, don’t hesitate to use your USB ports!