By Robin Bea, Oct. 19, 2026, 7:30 pm EST
Setting up a network‑attached storage (NAS) device is a popular way to keep files accessible without paying for cloud services. Ugreen’s NAS models are among the most widely used, and many owners have noticed an HDMI port on the back of the unit, which can seem puzzling at first. While a NAS is primarily meant to be reached over a network, the HDMI connector actually provides a few useful capabilities.
The most straightforward use of the HDMI port is to play media stored on the NAS directly on a monitor, TV, or projector. This can be handy if you don’t have a smart TV, a streaming stick, or prefer not to stream over Wi‑Fi. When you plug the NAS into a display, the screen will show a message indicating that you must use the Ugreen mobile app to control playback. The app includes a “cast to HDMI” option, allowing your phone to act as a remote control for the media library. Although it adds an extra step, the app is currently the only way to navigate and start videos or music when the device is connected via HDMI.
Beyond media playback, the HDMI output also opens the door to more advanced tasks. If you attach both a monitor and a keyboard, you can enter the NAS’s BIOS or open a terminal session. To reach the BIOS, power on the unit with the screen attached and repeatedly press Ctrl + F12 as the system boots. Once inside the BIOS you can move around with the keyboard; for example, you might disable the “Watchdog Settings” under the Advanced tab to prevent automatic reboots after a timeout.
Some users have reported that a terminal can be accessed by pressing Ctrl + Alt + F1 (or a similar function key, depending on the model). This provides a local command line without needing to SSH from another computer on the network. While accessing the terminal directly can be convenient, any changes should be made only if you are confident in what you are doing, as incorrect settings can lead to difficult‑to‑resolve problems.
In summary, the HDMI port on a Ugreen NAS lets you watch stored videos or music on an external display using the phone app as a remote, and it also offers a pathway to BIOS configuration and command‑line access for more technical users.