How to Set up and Access External Storage

Wii U

In this article, you'll learn how to set up and access USB external storage on the Wii U console.

Ensure that the Wii U console is powered off when connecting or disconnecting a USB storage device.
Once connected and formatted for use, the external storage device will be the default location for most new downloads.

Complete these steps

Connect the USB storage device to the Wii U console.
Upon powering on the Wii U console, a message should appear that prompts you to format the USB storage device. Follow the on-screen instructions to format the device.
- If the prompt to format the USB storage device is not displayed, skip down to step 5.
Once the device has been formatted and the Wii U Menu has loaded, select System Settings.
Using the Left Stick, scroll to Data Management and press the A Button.
If you did not receive the prompt to format your USB storage device upon startup, you will need to configure it for use by selecting Delete All Data on USB Storage Device and following the on-screen instructions.

Important:This will delete all saved data from the USB storage device. Once deleted, this data cannot be recovered.
To manage data after the device has been formatted, select Copy/Move/Delete Data.
- If the latest system update has not been installed, this will show as Move/Delete Data.
Select USB Storage.
The data displayed is currently stored on the USB storage device.
- To view specific data for a game or application, select its icon.
- You may find our information on moving data to a USB storage device helpful.