Cannot install Emby for Android TV app on Nvidia Shield

[BruceCPippin 1]

SHIELD Android TV SW Version:  9.2.4(33.2.0.400)

Goal:  Install the EMBY app (player only)

When installing "Emby for Android TV" from Google store, i receive the following pop-up window:

"Not enough external storage"

I do not now nor have i ever used external storage on my Nvidia Shield.

My internal storage uses only 1.7GB of 12GB. (10.3GB free).

Why is it trying to install to external storage?  Can I change the target or is this hard coded into the "Emby for Android TV" installation process?

[GrimReaper 5035]

That's odd.

Have you tried installing Universal Android app (search for just "Emb"), does the same occur. 

[Luke 42681]

Hi, yes that is odd indeed. I don't think anyone's ever reported that before.

[BruceCPippin 1]

5 minutes ago, GrimReaper said:

That's odd.

Have you tried installing Universal Android app (search for just "Emb"), does the same occur. 

Yes, the same message appears when attempting to install "Emby for Android TV" and "Emby for Android" apps.  No other Emby products appear when I search the Google store. 

[GrimReaper 5035]

Then I'd suspect it's something related to your particular device/FW. As Luke said, I don't remember ever seeing a report like that. Did you ever (in the past) have external USB stick/HDD connected to your Shield and formatted as adopted storage? 

 

[BruceCPippin 1]

No, i've never used external storage on the SHIELD.

UPDATE:  I have discovered that the issue is not limited to installing the EMBY app.  I see the same message when attempting to update ANY app.  So, this isn't an EMBY problem but something that I have not previously experienced on the SHIELD.

[GrimReaper 5035]

Here's Gemini's take on it:

That is a super frustrating glitch, but it's actually a known Android TV bug where the system gets confused about its own directory paths. If you've never connected an external drive, the Play Store is likely getting tripped up by a corrupt "Media Storage" database or a temporary glitch in the Google Play backend cache.

Let's walk through how to clear this out and force the Shield to look back at its built-in internal storage.

Step 1: Clear the System Media Database

This is usually the culprit. Android uses a background system app called "Media Storage" to index where files live. If it gets corrupted, it can report that your internal storage is missing or external.

1. Go to Settings (the gear icon on your home screen).

2. Select Apps ➔ See all apps.

3. Scroll all the way to the bottom and click Show system apps.

4. Look for Media Storage (you may have to scroll a bit as it's alphabetical).

5. Click it, select Clear Data, and confirm.

6. Do the exact same thing for Clear Cache.

Step 2: Flush the Google Play Store Cache

Next, we need to wipe the memory of the Play Store app itself so it stops looking for a non-existent drive.

1. While still under Show system apps (or back out to See all apps), find the Google Play Store.

2. Click it, then select Clear Data and Clear Cache.

3. Go back one step, find Google Play Services, and do the exact same thing (Clear Data / Clear Cache).

Step 3: Check for "Ghost" Removable Storage

Even though you haven't connected a drive, occasionally a connected accessory (like a USB keyboard, a controller with a headphone jack, or a specific remote dongle) can register incorrectly as a storage device.

1. Go to Settings ➔ Device Preferences ➔ Storage.

2. Look at the list. If you see anything listed under "Removable Storage" besides your "Internal Shared Storage," click on it and select Forget this storage or Eject.

Step 4: The Hard Reboot

Once you have cleared those caches, do not just tap the power button to sleep the Shield.

• Go to Settings ➔ Device Preferences ➔ Restart.

• Alternatively, pull the physical power plug from the back of the Shield, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.

Once it boots back up, give it a minute or two to rebuild its media database, then open up the Play Store and try downloading an app. It should default right back to your internal drive.

[BruceCPippin 1]

Step 3 did the trick.  Although "I" had never used external storage, apparently the previous user of the SHIELD did.  Even though no device was listed, it still allowed me to "forget" it.  This pointed installs and updates back at internal storage.

Problem solved.  Thanks!