According to Engadget, the HDMI port on Ugreen NAS devices is not just a puzzling extra. Its most straightforward use is connecting the unit directly to a monitor, projector, or TV to watch stored media without needing a smart TV or streaming stick. However, playback is not fully self-contained: once connected, the screen prompts users to open the Ugreen phone app, which then acts as the remote for navigating and playing files.
The port also supports more advanced tasks. With a screen and keyboard attached, users can enter the BIOS by pressing Ctrl+F12 during startup. Engadget notes that anyone changing BIOS settings should first disable Watch Dog Control under the Advanced tab, since that feature reboots the NAS after a set time. The terminal is also accessible via Ctrl+Alt+F1, though the key may vary by model; SSH from another computer remains the documented default.
Engadget cautions that terminal settings can cause hard-to-fix problems if changed carelessly. For most owners, the HDMI port is mainly a convenient way to turn the NAS into a media player, with the phone app as an unavoidable part of the setup.