There’s a lot to like about Google TV: the smart TV and streaming device operating system looks good, works well, and effectively integrates all your different streaming services into a single, intuitive interface that’s easy to use. With the Google TV Streamer launch, the OS is likely to attract even more users.
Even though its interface is designed to be as straightforward and clean as possible, the software still offers plenty of features and options if you dig deeper. Whether you’re using Google TV on the new streaming box, a Chromecast with Google TV dongle, or a smart TV, here are some tips to be aware of.
1) Simplify the Google TV interface
The Google TV interface is fine as it is, but you can make it even simpler by opening All settings (the gear icon, top right), then Accounts and Profiles: Select your name, then enable Apps-only mode. All of the Google TV recommendations about what to watch will disappear from view, leaving only the audio and video streaming apps you’ve installed.
2) Use your phone as a remote
Whether you’ve lost your actual remote somewhere down the back of the couch or you just prefer the convenience of using your mobile device, you can control Google TV using the Google TV app for Android or iOS on a phone or tablet. For the trick to work, you just need to be on the same Wi-Fi network and signed into the same Google account.
In the app, you should see a pop-up near the bottom toolbar that says Connect TVs or TVs nearby. Tap on this to choose your Google TV device and enter the pairing code. You can then tap the little remote icon to control the big-screen interface from your device. You get a trackpad, volume controls, a Google Assistant button, and power controls as well.
3) Turn Google TV into a photo frame
If you want to, you can use albums from your Google Photos library as a screensaver: Open All settings (the gear icon, top right), then pick System and Ambient mode, and then Settings. You’ll see Google Photos listed as one of the options—choose this to get instructions—and you can change settings such as slideshow speed from here, too.
4) Change the home screen layout
Something that’s not immediately apparent from using the Google TV interface day-to-day is that you can change the order of the entertainment apps on screen. It means you can access the ones you use most often more quickly while keeping lesser-used ones out of the way—and this is something that’s possible on both the For you and Apps screens.
All you need to do is select an app, press and hold the select button on the remote, and choose Move from the menu that pops up. Put it where you’d like it to be, then choose Done to confirm. The same pop-up menu also has a View details option—you can follow this to find an Uninstall button for removing a particular app from the device.
5) Improve your recommendations
Are the Google TV content recommendations just not doing it for you? Improve the algorithm by opening All Settings (the gear icon, top right), then selecting Accounts and profiles, your name, and Content preferences. Google TV will then present you with a selection of movies and shows to which you can give a thumbs up or a thumbs down.
6) Install apps from anywhere
You’ll want to fill your Google TV device with entertainment apps, and it’s often easier to do this on your phone or computer. As long as the same Google account is connected, you can open the Play Store app on your mobile device, find an app you want, then tap the arrow next to the Install button and choose your Google TV device.
It works similarly on the web, too—head to the Play Store web portal, look for an app you need, and then click on the Install or Install on more devices button to see a list of devices connected to your Google account. This should include your Google TV device. If the app is compatible with Google TV, you can then select it to start a remote install.
7) Add to your watchlist from anywhere
One of Google TV’s best features is the watchlist you can access via the Library tab, which links to the streaming services you’ve installed. You can add to this list via Google from any device (if you’re signed into your Google account): Run a search for the movie or show you want to add to your watchlist, then click “Want to watch” on the results page.
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