What Is Android TV - Your Ultimate Guide

According to Shalini Govil-Pai, the senior director of product management for Android TV, Android TV has “tens of millions of users” worldwide, with Europe being one of the leaders in the number of consumers.

People are using smart TV to stream their favourite movies and tv shows, be it Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or other platforms. There are plenty of streaming services available on the market. But why not have it all and more in one place? Android TV lets you combine the movie library with all your favourite apps and digital content.

If you’re curious about what Android TV is, what it offers, and what you can do with it, check this guide!

What’s Android TV?

It came to life when Google retired its Google TV in 2014. Several years have passed since its humble beginning and today Android TV is one of the most popular operating systems for television sets, digital media players, and set-top boxes.

And that’s what Android TV is – a smart TV operating system that uses the same architecture as the mobile version of Android to bring content straight to your TV. You can quickly search for new movies and tv shows in the menu, and easily access the library thanks to the responsive interface.

The Android TV operating system is more than just a streaming platform. It allows you to play games, download your favourite apps, store and play digital files, and even install third-party apps, giving you greater flexibility on the platform.

In 2020, Google introduced Google TV, a revamped interface for Android TV, designed to unify streaming services and enhance user customisation and content recommendations.

What can you do with  Android TV – features & functionalities

In general, it works similarly to a regular TV. Only that it’s better as it’s much more developed and offers rich functionalities.

Let’s see what features Android TV offers and what you can do with them!

Stream your favorite content

Access a vast library of streaming services, including Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, MAX, and more. With built-in support for 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, Android TV delivers an immersive viewing experience.

Manual Search

One of the ways to use Android TV is to search through the content manually.

The home screen has a user-friendly interface with row-based, vertical scrolling.

There’s also the “content discovery” section with suggested content, followed by “Watch Now” rows that surface media content from installed apps.

Basically, discovering new content with manual search is just like exploring YouTube, Google, or any other smart TV. It’s easy and effortless.

Download and use apps

With access to the Google Play Store, you can install a wide range of apps, from video streaming and music services to productivity tools and fitness apps.

Here are some of the most popular apps you can get:

• Video streaming apps
• Music streaming apps
• File managers
• YouTube
• Web browser
• Live TV apps
• Games
• Apps for video calling

Note: remember that whether you have certain apps and content depends on the device you purchase. It’s similar to when you buy a new phone – some models have certain apps already installed, but others don’t. If you want to download your favourite content on your phone, you just need to get it on the Google Play Store. It’s the same with Android TV.

Google Assistant & Voice Control

Voice search is a convenient form of the hunt for your desired content. You don’t have to type or scroll down infinitely to find what you’re looking for. It’s quick and effective. If you want to swiftly find a specific app, an answer to your question, or the latest blockbuster releases, just use the voice search feature.

Additionally, you can use the Assistant to control your smart home devices.

All you have to do is press the Voice Search button on your remote and explore with your voice. As simple as that!

Install third-party apps (Sideloading)

Unlike many closed TV ecosystems, Android TV supports sideloading of apps, giving users the flexibility to install third-party applications beyond the Google Play Store.

Chromecast built-in

With Google Chromecast, you can cast content to your Android TV.

Google Chromecast is a device that allows you to send things from one device to another. You simply connect it to your TV’s HDMI port and link it with your home network. You can use it to play content from your phone, tablet, or laptop right on your TV or speakers.

With Chromecast, you can eliminate the complexity of attaching other devices to your TV with multiple accessories, and get rid of problems with connectivity and lack of synchronisation.

Settings & Preferences

With settings and preferences, you can personalise your user experience.

Options allow you to use the built-in screen reader, closed captions, and your phone to make your Android TV experience more accessible. You can also turn safe search, and change ad settings – control the personalisation settings for ads on your Android TV, reset, or turn it off. 

There are many more smallish functionalities such as adding or removing channel rows, adding or removing shortcuts, channels, and more that help you customise your Android TV.

Android TV for developers

If you want to play your games or use custom-built apps, you can build new TV apps based on what you already know about building apps for Android. Or you have the option to extend your existing apps to also run on TV devices.

It’s a great option for developers who want to expand their content with custom-build apps to spice up their user experience.

How do Android TV devices work?

Android TV setup is easy and you don’t have to be tech-savvy to start using it.

There are two ways to set up your Android TV. You can either buy a TV with an already installed Android TV, or get a dedicated device.

Let’s take a look at the two options.

1. Buy a TV with Android TV

Buying the right television is the easiest solution. There’s not much of a choice in the televisions that support Android TV, however. Among brands that have integrated Android TV are the popular Hisense, Sony, LG, Philips, or Sharp.

The only thing you need to do is to order a TV online, or go to a store and voila! – you can play with your purchase and discover its secrets.

But how to make sure you’re buying the right TV? It’s best to ask experts to get the most suitable television for your needs and budget. Or you can make your own research on the Internet.

2. Get a dedicated device

If your TV doesn’t have Android TV built-in, you can get a dedicated streaming device that runs on Android TV. Popular options include:

• Chromecast with Google TV
• NVIDIA Shield TV & Shield TV Pro
• Xiaomi Mi Box S / Mi TV Stick
• Tivo Stream 4K
• Onn. Android TV Box (Walmart’s budget option)

Pro tip: it’s worth having a helping hand in case you experience technical issues with your device. Just type “Android TV service near me” in your browser to find a service or a person you can turn to troubleshoot.

Should I buy an Android TV or a streaming device?

Get an Android TV if you’re buying a new TV and want an integrated, hassle-free experience.
Get a streaming device if you already have a TV and want an affordable, upgradable, and portable solution.

Both options provide access to the same apps and features, so your decision depends on budget, convenience, and long-term flexibility.

Pros & cons of Android TV

If you’re considering getting Android TV, take a look at the advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface dedicated to quick and easy search, easy to navigate
• Access to a large library of apps
• Support and updates of the Android TV operating system
• A lot of functionalities considerably expand its possibilities
• Customisable & open ecosystem
• Compatible with other Android devices
• Built-in Google Assistant & Voice Search

Cons:

• Additional cost if you need to buy a dedicated device
• Less frequent updates on some models
• Performance can vary
• Occasional bugs & app crashes

Overall, the pros outweigh the cons so if you decide to get the Android TV, you won’t regret your choice.

Helpful tips

You do not need encyclopaedic knowledge to use a smart TV. However, there are a few things you can do to improve the user experience.

Check these quick tips to maximise your Android TV operating system performance.

1. Personal Bluetooth controller

Connecting a Bluetooth controller, such as an Xbox controller, enhances navigation and gaming on your Android TV. Navigate to Settings > Remotes & Accessories to pair your device.

2. Sideloading apps

Sideloading allows the installation of apps not available on the Play Store. To do this, enable installations from unknown sources by going to Settings > Security & Restrictions > Unknown Sources. Use a file manager or downloader app to install your desired applications. Ensure you only install apps from trusted sources to maintain security.

3. Use your phone as a remote

Utilising your smartphone as a remote can simplify typing and navigation. The official Android TV Remote Control app is no longer available, but third-party apps like “Android TV Remote” can serve as alternatives. Additionally, connecting a Bluetooth keyboard or touchpad can enhance control, especially for sideloaded apps.

4. Customised view

Customise your Android TV homescreen to see only what you’re interested in. We’ve already mentioned that in one of our sections on “Settings & Preferences.” It can really save a lot of trouble.

5. Extra storage space

If your device supports it, expanding storage with a compatible USB drive can improve performance. Navigate to Settings > Device Preferences > Storage to set up the external drive. Ensure the USB drive is formatted correctly and compatible with your Android TV device.

6. Auto updates

Keeping your system and apps updated ensures optimal performance and security. To enable auto-updates, go to Settings > About > System Update for system updates, and Google Play Store > Settings > Auto-update apps for app updates. Regular updates provide the latest features and improvements.

7. For more insights and community-driven tips, the Reddit thread remains an active platform where users share experiences, solutions, and recommendations.

Recent developments

Gemini AI

In January 2025, Google announced the integration of its Gemini artificial intelligence into Google TV. The update improves user interaction, enabling searches for content and general queries without having to start with ‘Hey Google’. The integration also enables control of smart home devices and provides personalised widgets designed to make interaction with the TV more intuitive and helpful.

Google TV Streamer

Google TV Streamer is Google’s latest streaming device, designed to provide an end-to-end entertainment experience by integrating various streaming services, live TV and smart home control into a single platform. Building on the foundation laid by previous Chromecast models, Google TV Streamer offers enhanced performance, a user-friendly interface and advanced features to cater to modern viewing preferences.

It represents a significant evolution in Google’s approach to home entertainment, combining powerful hardware, an intuitive interface and deep integration with smart home technologies.

Conclusion

It’s estimated that Android TV is likely approaching 270 million users globally. With its growing popularity, users can expect for it to improve and get more features in the future.

Android TV is probably one of the best smart TVs. It connects your home TV with your favourite games, apps, and even lets you use it to cast the screen of your computer. You can aggregate all your favourite content in one place and quickly access it at any time in any form.

Get your Android TV device, download the right apps to fully use its potential, and enjoy the unforgettable experience of using this great technology!