How to record TV using USB on Sony Android TV

A guide on how to record TV programmes on a Sony Android TV using a USB Hard Disk Drive. This guide was more relevant before 2020 Sony Android TV models were released. You had to disable YouView guide to enable recordings, you no longer have to do this in the UK anymore, which is great news. Some older models you may still need to follow my guide on which case watch the whole video. Most of this video can be bypassed for newer models, if you skip to just after I disable YouView the rest of the guide is still pretty relevant.
This guide was carried out on a Sony 65AF9 Master Series OLED TV in the UK and so is a UK centric guide, however, many of the steps are the same globally and may vary from model to model.
This covers the very essentials of recording on a Sony TV. Record, Pause, Rewind, Delete, Scheduled Recording, Series Linking, Timeshift.

[@Theroadkillcrew]

Really good instructional video. Trying to explain to my parents that this is the way forward instead of an old fashioned TV box.

[@ccx3-3658]

Very useful. I have been tearing my hair out over this! This was the only place where the instructions got the desired result. Thanks again.

[@dporsergio]

Amazing work Indy. You just got yourself a subscription plus I will be coming back if I ever need to show it to a customer.

[@warn120279]

Sony website was useless and didn't help at all. Your video has got me all set up and ready to record. Thank you

[@HagaseCiudadano]

Very educational video. Dude, you kick ass and slammed it out of the park. Keep up the great work....👍🏻🙏

[@tommarchant447]

Thanks this has really helped me and the wife. Keep up the good work.

[@iskevosi]

Very clear, very useful. Thanks for this.

[@raulromero585]

I saw features I did not even know existed. Thank you very much Perfect for cord cutting of DVR from cable company.

[@stuartlnicol]

Really useful, clear instructions thanks.

[@darren85i]

Brilliant video, could not find any other review with this info! What I am wondering is, can you pause live TV without first recording it?

[@zuhairnouman73]

Do u know if u can export the recording and perhaps save it to ur photo library on ur phone or iPad? This was a great vid 👍

[@christianwhite8411]

Great video. Do you have to keep YouView switched off once you’ve set up the HDD?

[@TheTribeofVibe]

Thanks for the video. One question, what format is the file that’s recorded onto the hard drive and can I take the hard drive and play the file on my Mac computer?

[@johnlawrence8000]

Great tutorial. Thanks

[@jasonrae6277]

Hey thanks for the video. I'm now on a90j Sony Bravia. Would this work recording apps, like nowtv? Or only general tv?

[@danmcglynn9528]

Can you record 2 programmes at once?

[@vsaunders7521]

Great video, when you exit youview to register the device can you then go back to youview and record programmes going forward from that menu? I prefer youview day to day than staying on the basic menu, thanks

[@jayroland9481]

Very useful, thank you.

[@paulgillard5094]

Do you happen to know the max hdd size one can use on a Sony 55 inch A89 . ?

[@deveshsen6190]

Amazing video, but is this only for TV Programs?

[@gabrielthecatbriel]

Hi. How can I record something like a game being played from a Sony PlayStation 3 on a Sony Android TV similar to yours? What about recording something from an application like KZbin, Netflix, etc.? Or only the screen from TV channels can be recorded? Then, whatever is recorded can be viewed or transferred to a PC when connecting the stick/HDD to the PC?

[@PowerUnbaised]

Can you tell me, how can i turning off the timeshift while i watching tv? I mean hdd recording, i setup that, but the timeshift is always on, its terrible for me.

[@mickbrennan277]

Great informative video, I've been trying unsuccessful to record off youview, thanks. Any chance you could do something on screen capture to use as wallpaper or as a screen saver. I have a sony 9505h and understand it may require installing a button mapper app but which one? Thanks again, Mick

[@InderpreetMatharu]

I have a video on my channel just for you. It's called "Sony the frame tutorial". Take a look, this will address what you're after. There are two parts, part 1 should cover what you're after.

[@tommy4505]

Hello there.. I just bought sony 55x 8000g. So i found like stuck pixel on my tv.. The color stuck pixel is green. So any recomendation for fixed that stuck pixel? Thanks before

[@kieranwright277]

Is there anyway to just hit pause on the TV remote and it start to record the program you're watching and then this data be removed when you turn the TV off or change channel for example, like a traditional DVR box like a Humax or something?

[@qq312qq]

You show setting about recording later hour shows but you didn't mention that do TV need to be on for record that show or can we close the tv after that setup?

[@561ketan]

Hi Inderpreet. really good simple video - thanks for this. One question, how many programs can you record at once? and whilst recording a channel, can you carry on watching other channels? thanks

[@NewBalance-pu8ft]

Only 1 and no other channels watching! Only from other Harddisk You can watch while recording. Reason, there is only one tuner!

[@zaftra]

What about putting already recorded tv on to an external.

[@amitkumar52]

Mate, can you show how to get access to content your network drive connected to the router. Many thanks in advance

[@makihorikita6070]

Hello, do you know if Sony x80h can do the same? Many thanks!

[@265petsar]

Thank you great information

[@chrisogunsiji]

Thanks for this, just set up a small HDD to test

[@ytbros2438]

Very helpful thank u 😄😄

[@user-or9ji3sy3p]

That's a great guide. Thank you. What about pausing live tv. As I've set it up on my mums tv, and we can't pause live tv. Thanks

[@Tintoycar]

Can you program a recording of should the tv play live?

[@toddstewart9070]

I cNt get this to work on my kd 75x80k 2022 model with android 10 is and Google TV. The interface looks very similar to yours, but no youview option. The HD is installed, but no option to record or even pause.

[@jimdecaro4220]

Hi Inderpreet, Thank you for this informative and clear video. Unfortunately, my Sony XBR-55X850D Android TV does not have a special USB port for recording, there is no "record" option on my remote and there is no "watching tv" option under settings. Do you have any idea how to capture or record video from this TV using a USB port? OR any ideas of where I can find out how to do this? Thank you, Jim

[@adraineholmes4566]

Did u ever figure it out? I'm having the same recording issues rn smh

[@jimdecaro4220]

@@adraineholmes4566 No. I found no way to use a USB port (or any of the jacks) as outputs. I spoke with someone at SONY tech support and they confirmed that there are no outputs on my TV. The TV in this video has different options than mine. I tried to find APPs to do screen captures (stills and video), but I couldn't get any to work. Possible Solution: I can capture streaming video via my computer. My plan is to setup a media server on my computer so, after I capture video on my computer then I can stream it to my TV and skip through commercials. I captured streaming video, but haven't setup the media server yet.

[@davehughes2710]

Do you have to have it on the channel to record? or can you just record whatever like a set-top box?

[@sebis7733]

I can record a show and watch another on other Chanel?

[@saikat8920]

How can we grant access overlay for Sony bravia plz plz say

[@barakadickreynolds284]

Can you watch the recording on another device like laptop?

[@richarddavies7921]

Is it also possible to record from my Amazon Fire Stick on to this HDD? I have an app on my Firestick that I would like to record from.

[@tetan73]

Very good Thank you

[@concept303]

Many thanks, really helpful, worked a treat! One question, I have my USB HDD plugged into the HDD Record port on the TV (65" Sony A1 OLED), but I also have a Logitech wireless keyboard and the USB dongle was plugged into this port as it doesn't seem to work in the No2 USB port, any ideas?

[@InderpreetMatharu]

Hmm must be a power requirement type of deal, the logitech possibly wants more power. The HDD port passes more energy. The others pass lower energy.

[@concept303]

@@InderpreetMatharu Many thanks

[@concept303]

@@InderpreetMatharu Well, weirdly, tried the dongle in USB 1 (on the side) and the keyboard worked, so then tried it again in USB 2 and it also worked, go figure!

[@zoltanmikecz5663]

thx you saved my day

[@karmakalsang3284]

Thanks very much 🙏🙏🙏

[@retiredbri]

Hi and thank you for explaining all about Recording from TV. Have just bought a Sony KD49XH8196BU (having had a 37inch Panasonic since 2008) and we are very pleased. We live in a hilly ares so Freeview is from a local transmitter and limited to 13 channels. We therefore use the FreeSat connection on the TV to make up the other channels and want to use the Record facility to record FreeSat programmes. A few questions please: 1 Does the USB HDD have to be on and the disk spinning all the time the TV is on even if we are not recording? 2 Can it record in Standby (if we are out?) 3 For occasional use, can I use a USB 3 64Gb Flash Memory and would it have to be always connected? (I understand that Flash Drives get very hot!!!!). Is it hard to connect it for just what we want and then remove it? Hope you can help Retiredbri (75 years old)

[@InderpreetMatharu]

I am of the belief that you may unplug and replug your devices when needed with no issue. As for temporarily using a smaller flash drive, so long as you follow my instructions and thus convert the flash drive into a recording device using the TVs menus, like you would a bigger hard drive, it should be fine to plug and play when necessary also. I believe the flash drive needs to be a certain capacity minimum in order to be used as a recording device, however, I can't seem to remember what that capacity requirement is. So trial and error. Remember, once a TV has converted a device into a recording device, you will only be able to use said device with your TV. You won't be able to use the drive anywhere else, it will become locked to your TV. In order to change that back to normal drive, you'll need to use the TV to convert it back. Hope this helps.

[@retiredbri]

Thanks. I tried the 64 Gb Toshiba Flash Drive (it is the coolest of all that I own) and without even registering it, after 10 minutes, it got too warn for me to feel safe when leaving it unattended. I'll save my "pennies" and then get a USB HDD that can be dedicated to the Sony TV. Regards retiredbri

[@alexandrucordos491]

Hello, thx for the video. Although i did everything you said here, my HDD seems to be empty. I connected 1 Tb HDD in the REC usb slot, behind the Sony Tv. A wanted to record RF last match :(, i did register the HDD, pressed REC button, LED on Tv turned red, but when i hit Title List it seems to be empty. I think that it recorded, but for some reason i can't see the content. Do you know why? Please help :(

[@kaspermord1519]

Can I also end the recording with the square button next to the record button? I want to record another app's stream.

[@wvduuren]

Hi, just saw your video. When I start a new recording I can’t watch a different channel. Message is. Selected channel is coded or can’t be decoded. Do you have a way that I can watch a different channel while recording another? Best regards, Willy

[@sylviabrown6905]

i don't know if you can help with my problem - my recordings have gone into 'planned' on the recording list - how do i get them out so i can watch them? thanks for any help you can give.

[@piggoy]

I've noticed your EPG only has Now and Next, all slots in the future display "No information available". Is this normal for this non-YouView/standard Freeview EPG?

[@Littleweed419]

Is it able to record programs that are on apps ( Netflix, Prime, Cinema and sky Q box or can you only record from You-view?

[@InderpreetMatharu]

Only the internal tuner, so just live TV through aerial or satellite, not apps, external sources and so forth.

[@LesJames57]

Great thanks

[@concept303]

Another question.... do you know if it’s possible to pause live tv?

[@fonzeee1979]

My last 2 smart TV's have allowed this - really hoping this is possible on the Sony KE55A8BU??

[@MKTEKGURU93]

You need to do more videos like this dude especially speed boosts as mines really slow

[@matthewtetley7048]

Probably the read write speed of your drive or age of the drive

[@suebaxter1704]

How many recordings can you do at the same with a USB HDD ?

[@renatodbaoncall94]

thank you

[@roberthuntley1090]

Very helpful video, thank you. A slightly off topic question. I plugged a USB hard disk (containing a 512 GB SSD) into my new Sony A80J's USB 3.1 port, which contained an assortment of music files and dvd rips etc. Although it worked eventually, I had to wait a really long time (over half an hour) for some of the sub-folders on the disk to open. The TV kept displaying a 'please wait' type of message. The disk worked perfectly on my old LG OLED, and being an SSD is extremely fast so I cannot understand the delay. Is this a one off event as the TV builds up its index of the disk contents or am I going to be faced with delay every time I plug the disk in? Is there any guidance out there as to the file and folder structure limitations that should be used for the disk, and which arrangement works best? Would be grateful if someone could give me a link. I've attempted internet searches, but always end with pages about the disk format (NTFS vs FAT 32 etc.) which isn't my problem.

[@adraineholmes4566]

Hi, did u ever figure it out? I have sony A80J and tryna record on tivimate using a USB stick and having issues

[@roberthuntley1090]

@@adraineholmes4566 It did work eventually, so I think the problem was that the Sony TV needed to index the files on the disk. Took a few hours to complete, but after that seems OK. One problem I'm still having is that once a week or so, the TV interrupts what I'm watching with a "USB Device detected" type of message, and prompts me to pair it with the TV. I overcame that one by a. using a small USB flash drive on the TV, and b) plugging the SSD drive into my Blu-ray player and watching through that if I need it. That work's fine, so there is nothing wrong with the SSD itself. Frustrating, hope that helps. For info, the SSD is formatted as NTFS.

[@NewBalance-pu8ft]

Sony still produces lot of proprietary solutions, so I suggest You buy a LG or Samsung with USB Harddisk Recording Feature!

[@ashleymall6500]

We have Sony Bravia XR-77A80K, can anyone advise how to record TV programme using separate hard drive or USB hard disk drive

[@jamesbrown997]

i have tried your system but when opening settings it is different settings on my brand new bravia tv 2023 help

[@georgia_gazeta]

i record a program and when i go to watch the file it says: It doesnt support the file. or something like that. what can i do?

[@JackBlack444]

Does this work with iptv as well?

[@ejennings2822]

Great video, anyone have any luck recording using a USB Flash drive, as my Sony TV refuses to recognise any of them. SSD drive does work but it makes such a racket spinning randomly in the background even when not in use I’d prefer to use a flash drive if possible and it’s neatly tucked away.

[@tonypradioshow2569]

Very helpful video, though just trying to work out why it says it has 2 tuners if I seemingly can’t record one channel and look at another. I’m sure I read this before buying the telly. Or am I doing something wrong.

[@InderpreetMatharu]

Which model do you own?

[@tonypradioshow2569]

Inderpreet Matharu I have a KD-43xh8196 -4K smart HDR

[@tonypradioshow2569]

Inderpreet Matharu I just received an email from Sony. Apparently I’m mistaken about the 2 Tuners, one being a satellite tuner and the other digital aerial tuner, so it’s not supposed to allow recording and watching other channels at the same time. Hey ho.

[@InderpreetMatharu]

Hi yes I just looked it up indeed. That is correct sadly. Single tuner I'm afraid. It's usually the 85 series and above that have twin tuners.

[@KevinCrona]

Hi, I use a separate TV-box (with the channels) connected to the TV with HDMI. Will this work for that setup? Cheers from Sweden

[@InderpreetMatharu]

No I'm afraid recording is for the internal channels via antenna or cable. Your TV box cannot be recorded via this method. Perhaps your TV box can do recordings? Or perhaps you can invest in a new TV box which can do recordings.

[@KevinCrona]

​@@InderpreetMatharu Thanks for the reply! The box can do recordings if I buy an HDD that they sell for it, but it seemed so easy doing recordings your method, and using only one remote haha.

[@llporll]

Can I record the screen that play on other application like YT, Line TV?

[@InderpreetMatharu]

No. Sorry, this isn't possible. Not that I am aware of.

[@llporll]

Inderpreet Matharu thank you.

[@josephmullen3254]

Hi if the tv breaks down and can't be fixed what happens to the records? What I mean how do you access them?

[@petercrabtree6055]

Does the facility allow multi recording? To return the HHD to PC use, would it need re-formatting? Thanks

[@InderpreetMatharu]

The more premium Sony models have twin tuners. So record one, watch another. The HDD is encrypted to the TV and will therefore not transfer footage to PC for viewing. This is normal for all TVs out there, this is to prevent copying and illegal distribution. To make the HDD work with another device. You can deregister it through the sony menus the same way you register it and then format on a PC etc.

[@petercrabtree6055]

Inderpreet Matharu very concise answer, answered my questions and more, many thanks.

[@InderpreetMatharu]

@@petercrabtree6055 You're welcome. Just be aware that some models only have a single tuner and so will only perform recordings on the channel you are watching and you won't be able to switch to another channel. Always confirm these details on the official Sony website, rather than retailer site, as I've found some retailers just sort of copy and paste descriptions and products can be mis-sold to you, finer details will be on Sony specification pages on their website. Single tuners can still prove useful for when you're out of the house. But twin tuners generally are found on Sony's 85 series TVs. Like XG85 and above models. Lastly, I should mention that if recording is a big priority for you, I'd suggest buying a dedicated recording box, like a freeview recorder as these can feature triple and above tuners, multiple recordings, and are dedicated to this task. Of course Sky Q or Virgin Tivo boxes are good for the subscription route and feature tons of recording abilities. Good luck!

[@stephanjankord4753]

Can I record two programs at the same time?

[@ViorelIanasi]

@@InderpreetMatharu SONY X93J does have that feature?

[@chris425amp7]

Sony SLC7 betamax are going for £170 faulty. Glad I can record though good feature 🖥

[@akiroevantallod8380]

there's other way to record tv shows and then after that, the files would transfer into PC?

[@InderpreetMatharu]

Try researching PVR for TV (personal video recorder). I do not have any experience with these. Or try searching for PC TV Tuner Recording.

[@seanshimon]

Thanks

[@chrispictures1]

If only it was this easy, depending on the hdd you may need to connect to pc first and formatt certain partitions

[@giaptheson]

What's maximum recording time?

[@tomhollett]

Anyone get this working on US Sony A9S model? No specific usb port labeled for HDD record, but USB 3 port has same power specifications. Any comments appreciated!

[@topazmusic5521]

I have a sony x900h (US), will it record if my tv is off? The future cast stuff? (Setting up a recording for lets say Young Sheldon at 8pm but im not home or tv isnt turned on at 8pm)

[@InderpreetMatharu]

Yes. That's the idea. So long as you've scheduled a recording and the TV is in standby then yes it'll record. Don't unplug the TV or the USB.

[@topazmusic5521]

@@InderpreetMatharu great thanks. I plugged in a drive yesterday allowed me to format it and now it will not show up. I have unplugged and plugged it back in and nothing.

[@InderpreetMatharu]

@@topazmusic5521 I am not sure what's happened there. But perhaps you aught to reformat it on a PC and then try again. Plug it to a PC, and if it doesn't show up due to being registered to the TV, you'll need to load up disk management and reformat it (allocate disk space). I'd suggest formatting to exFat format. No idea how to do this on mac, but Google it. I don't own said TV, so unsure what's different on newer sets. Also yours is a US set, perhaps functionality is different across the pond. Try asking Sony support. What usb drive are you using?

[@davidcudd4101]

Hi. Does this enable you to pause live TV? Thanks.

[@InderpreetMatharu]

Just hit the record button first. Then yes. Not on the fly though, you can't just suddenly push pause and hope for it to stop. You'll just briefly gotta hit record then pause the live recording. Which isn't too bad.

[@davidcudd4101]

@@InderpreetMatharu That's great, appreciate the answer. Thanks.

[@darren85i]

@@InderpreetMatharu using the record button on the remote or must you go into the menus?

[@younisatwi3691]

I dont have the watching tv option

[@manuellim629]

Bell PVR installation

[@Sydney2217]

No record in Sony Australian TVs.Just use catch up apps for each network , to watch later.

[@MuhammadHamood]

Can i record my gameplay ps4

[@chriscatterall4698]

Hi, can you recommend a particular HDD on Amazon that will work with Sony Android TVs please?

[@InderpreetMatharu]

I generally use the Western Digital Drives. "WD 1 TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive" is a good option". Alternatively I like "Toshiba Canvio Basics 1TB Portable External Hard Drive". Choose whichever capacity you need, I like to START at 1 TB, but if you need a lot more storage capacity then choose higher values.

[@ollie_mtb2]

thz good job

[@ChiefStressman]

Needs a greater than 33GB external hard drive. Works fine with 1TB Transcend Store Jet but not the 4TB Western Digital.

[@gordy1448]

I have a Sony KD65900XF my problem is that playback from tv recorded programs are dropping out from my Toshiba 1TB, it seems that if there is a lot of camera changes on the show it displays black out split second Flashes and I also lose the subtitles for a few seconds. Everything is connected into the RECORDING HDD USB TV port, any help in this matter would be helpful. This is a great channel and I've subbed. Cheers

[@InderpreetMatharu]

Are you changing channels whilst doing recordings? Or perhaps going through menus and other things while the recording is happening in the background? I think this sometimes causes some disruptions such as black screens to occur mildly - I suppose what I am suggesting is that if the show is very important to you, maybe just focus on doing that recording and nothing else. Other than that I am not quite sure what could be causing this issue. As a last Resort I would format the hard drive by deregistering and then re-registering the hard drive or perhaps performing a factory reset on the television alongside these measures. You will no doubt lose your Recordings by doing this though. Thank you for your kind words about my channel.

[@Certified_Freak0]

How to record xbox 360

[@markdrios5143]

Would this work on a US set?

[@InderpreetMatharu]

I do believe so. Yes.

[@akiroevantallod8380]

files can transfer to the computer after recording? or not ??

[@InderpreetMatharu]

Sorry, no, but you cannot. You cannot do this with any TV brand due to piracy. Recordings are just for your TV only.

[@Michael-zn2jc]

@@InderpreetMatharu Would I be able to record on one Sony tv and then move the hard drive it to another Sony tv and watch there? Or would software block that? Also, is there a difference between using a hard drive and an SSD?

[@madmax2069]

If you have a SSD drive thats overheating you just need to get a better drive, using a mechanical drives are asking for trouble. I havr many SSDs that can be in constant use and don't overheat.

[@08003004]

So the recording can only view on TV, can't view on PC am I correct?

[@albertoliva7954]

+1 any update on that?

[@InderpreetMatharu]

Any questions or comments? Let me know!

[@matthewtetley7048]

Is there a way to connect it to a nas or such, I'm guessing yes but unsure of method.

[@InderpreetMatharu]

Hi. Once you've connected a NAS drive to your home network. It'll then appear within the various apps on your television under "network drives" and such. Apps like VLC Media Player will also find it under "local network" too for instance. It'll also appear on newer Sony TVs under "inputs" and "Media Server".

[@smilishshafi8576]

Hi Interpreet Matharu, can you explain series recording.

[@curtischambers9777]

TUNING,SONY

[@IRCGate]

don't works

[@mickschnabel]

We need an updated video on how to do this w/ Sony TV's from 2021 and up. (and for US TV's)

[@rezasurveyor2011]

Too much talking