I've yet see Samsung step up on this one. That is, they do call out what should work but never commit to "this will work."
I must do the same since I have no idea how you prepared the HDD or if the content is compatible or there is a hardware issue.
http://www.samsung.com/au/consumer/tv-audio-video/television/archive/UA40ES5500MXXY seems to find 2 things.
1. It mentions USB as in a stick. That's odd.
2. There's a 2016 firmware update. Ask Samsung if it applies to your model and how to install.
I have UA40ES5500 model 40 inches samsung smart tv .From Singapore I bought this device but it is not recognize my WD Elements 500gb external hard disk usb 3.0 and 2.0.My tv also have special Hdd PORT also plz plz plz solve my problem

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