10 best Android TV tips and tricks (2024)

Android TVs are a popular choice for many TV buyers, thanks to their customization options and selection of apps. If you're considering purchasing an Android TV box, learn how to maximize its potential. We put together a list of tips and tricks to help you make the most of your device.

1 Change your Android TV's name

Your Android TV comes with a standard name that includes the model number. For example, our Xiaomi TV has the MiTV-MOOQ1 name out of the box. It shows up in your phone's Bluetooth menu and when you cast or connect from other devices. You can change it to a custom name through Settings. Here's how to do this:

1. Go to Android TV home and open the settings menu from the upper-right corner.

   

2. Scroll to Device Preferences.

   

3. Select the About menu.

   

4. Select Device name.

   

5. Select Change.

   

6. Pick one of the default names or enter a custom name.

   

2 Pin your favorite apps on the Android TV home

When you download the top free movie streaming services, pin your frequently used apps, like Netflix, on the home screen for easy access. Here's how:

1. Go to Android TV home and scroll right to the + icon.

   

2. Select an app you want to pin on the home screen. The app appears in the Favorites menu.

   

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3. Press and hold the app icon and select Move.

   

4. Move it to a relevant position. You can use the same menu to remove an app from the favorites list.

3 Customize the homescreen on your Android TV

Android TV lets you choose the channels from which content should appear on your home screen. Here's how to choose the channels:

1. Scroll down the Android TV home screen and select Choose channels.

   

2. Select Play Next and turn off irrelevant channels so that you only view relevant suggestions on the home screen.

   

3. Turn off home screen channels from Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, and others to stop them from appearing on the main page.

   

4 Add a second Android TV account

You can add another Google account for your family members. Here are the steps to do this on your Android TV:

1. Select your account picture in the upper-right corner.

   

2. Click Add Account and use the on-screen keyboard to go through the on-screen instructions to complete the sign-in process.

   

Adding another Google account is convenient when several members use the same Android TV at home.

5 Set parental controls

Android TV lets you activate parental controls to block channels and input sources and set program restrictions.

1. Go to Device Preferences in Android TV settings (check the steps above).
2. Scroll to Parental controls.

   

3. Select Set password.

   

4. Set a four-digit password.

   

5. Block channels and programs that are not suitable for children.
6. Select Block input sources to keep your children from using PlayStation, Xbox, and other devices connected to the HDMI and Aux ports.

   

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6 Customize the screen saver on Android TV

You can tweak the default Android TV screen saver to show the clock and colors and change the duration to activate the screen saver.

1. Navigate to Device Preferences in Android TV settings (refer to the steps above).
2. Select Screen saver.

   

3. Open Screen saver.

   

4. Select the relevant option to show during inactivity.

   

5. Select When to start and change the time duration. You can also put the device to sleep after a specific period.

7 Install apps from unknown sources

If a specific app isn't available from the Android TV Play Store, you can sideload the app via a file manager app. Before that, you must allow the app to install APK files from unknown sources. We use Solid Explorer as an example here.

1. Open Device Preferences (check the steps above) and select Security & restrictions.

   

2. Open Unknown sources.

   

3. Select the app from which you want to sideload apps on your Android TV.

   

8 Use your phone as an Android TV remote

Did you lose your Android TV remote? Use the Google Home app on your smartphone to control your Android TV. Here's how:

1. Download and open the Google Home app on your Android smartphone.
2. Move to the Devices tab and select Add device.
3. Check the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
4. Check your Android TV and tap it.

   

   

5. Select Open remote and check the virtual remote control to navigate the system. The Home app, which comes with Google Assistant support, lets you control all smart home devices. It's also available on iOS devices.

   

   

9 Mirror photos and videos from your Android phone

Your Android TV has Chromecast built-in. This allows you to mirror your vacation memories from the phone to a TV. First, make sure your phone and Android TV have the same Wi-Fi network connection. Next, follow the steps below:

1. Open Google Photos and tap the cast icon at the top.
2. Select your Android TV and enjoy your media on the big screen.

   

   

10 Enable a sleep timer on Android TV

Do you or your little ones often fall asleep while watching content on Android TV? Set a sleep timer to turn off the TV after a specific time.

1. Open Android TV settings.
2. Select Timer.

   

3. Open Sleep timer.

   

4. Set the sleep timer from the following menu.

   

Unleash the true potential of Android TV

Android TVs are easy and simple to use. They're also versatile and capable. Diving into all the customization options they offer can help you personalize your experience with your device. If you don't have an Android TV but own a Google TV, check out some of our best Google TV tips to make the most of your device.