How to Get Started With Your Android TV

Every Android TV purchase is a thrilling experience. You’re happy to have a new, high-quality product and are excited to unwrap the box and start the brand-new viewing experience. But once you place the TV on its spot, how do you proceed with setting it up?

If you’re asking this question, you’ve landed on the right page. This article shares the essentials of setting up a new Android TV. We know you must be eager to get to the point, so let’s jump right in.

How to Get Started With Your Android TV

After days of waiting for the TV to arrive, the time has finally come to set everything up. To start, you’ll want to double-check on some important things.

First, ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection, as your Android TV will rely on it to load content. Unless you want to be bugged with occasional lag and slow buffering, you’ll need a strong network.

Also, you’re going to need a Google Account. If you have an Android phone, you can use your Google Play Store account. If not, you can use this link to create a new one.

In case your TV doesn’t have Android TV built-in, you’ll need some additional equipment:

• One external Android TV device
• A TV or monitor with HDMI ports and HDCP support
• An HDMI cable (typically comes inside the box)

Once you’re ready, it’s time to configure your Android TV. You can do it using your Android TV remote, Android phone, or your computer.

We’ll share step-by-step instructions for all methods. Let’s start from the initial setup for those who have not yet completed it.

Initial Setup

The initial setup consists of turning on your TV and pairing the remote.

Pair the Remote

To pair the remote to your Android TV, follow the steps below:

1. Turn on the TV or the monitor attached to it.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.

A checkmark will appear on the screen once you successfully connect the remote.

Now that your remote is properly connected, you can proceed with setting up your Android TV.

Setting Up an Android TV

When you pair the remote, you’ll see an option that lets you set up your TV with your Android mobile device or tablet. It’s called “Quick Start,” and it’s the most straightforward way to go.

If you’d rather do the setup with the remote, skip this option.

Set Up an Android TV With an Android Mobile Device

1. Make sure your Android TV is on.
2. Using the remote, press “Yes” next to the “Quickly Set Up Your TV with Your Android Phone?” query.
   
3. Start the Google app on your phone.
   
4. Enter “Set up my device.”
   
5. Follow the on-screen instructions on your phone. A code will appear shortly on your phone screen. Enter it on the TV.
6. On your smartphone, type the name of the TV once it shows up.
7. Follow the TV-screen instructions to finish the setup.

Note: Your TV will automatically sign in to your Google Account and connect to the same network as your phone.

Set Up an Android TV With a Remote

1. Turn on your Android TV.
2. Use the remote to press “Skip” on the query asking you to set up the TV using an Android phone.
   
3. Connect the TV to your Wi-Fi network. The TV may have to perform an update at this point. Just wait for it to finish and proceed to the next step.
4. Choose “Sign-in,” then “Use your remote.”
   
5. Log in to your Google Account.
   
6. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Set Up an Android TV With a Computer

1. Start the Android TV.
2. Press “Skip” once you see the query that asks you to set up your TV using your Android phone.
   
3. Connect to Wi-Fi (the same one your computer is connected to).
4. Select “Sign in” on the TV and proceed to use your computer.
5. Sign in with your Google Account.
6. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Checking for Updates

Once you set up your Android TV, you’ll be ready to start using it. But before you start binge-watching your favorite TV shows, it’s best to install the latest software updates.

Here’s how to do so:

1. Navigate to “Settings” by pressing the gear icon on the TV screen.
   
2. Go to “Device Preferences,” then “About.”
   
3. Press “System Update.”
   

At the time of writing, Android 11 is the latest Android version available for TVs. Depending on the model, your TV might be running 10 or even 9.

You also want to perform regular app updates. You probably use popular streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix, or Amazon Prime Video. These may even come pre-installed on your TV. Before you open any of them, navigate to the Google Play Store using your remote and look for updates there.

You’ll find the “Play Store” at the top of your Android TV homepage or in the “Apps Channel.”

You can update all apps on your TV at once:

1. Open the “Play Store” on your TV.
   
2. Go to “Manageapps.”
   
3. Press “Update All.”
   

You can also set auto-updates:

1. Navigate to the “Play Store” and select “Auto-update apps.”
   
2. Choose “Auto-update apps at any time.”
   

By getting regular updates, you’ll reduce playback issues to a minimum.

Getting to Know Your Android TV

As you prepare your TV for use, you may want to get familiar with its features. Luckily, the Android interface is relatively straightforward to navigate. You can see all the default channels on the left of the screen. There will also be suggestions for each category to the right of the apps.

Adjusting Android TV Settings

To adjust your Android TV’s settings like sound, picture quality, app permissions, connections, and others, follow the steps below:

1. Click on the gear icon on your Android TV screen.
   
2. Go across the hardware settings or device performances.
   
3. Choose the setting you wish to adjust.
   

Adjusting the Home Screen

Android is known for being one of the most customizable operating systems, and their TVs are no exception. You can tweak the default channels, change which order the apps appear on the screen, remove channels, and more.

For example, to add or remove a channel showing on the left of the screen, follow the steps below:

1. Navigate to the bottom of the home screen.
   
2. Click on “Customize Your Channels.”
   
3. Change the preferences as you like.
   

You can also re-arrange the apps by going to “Settings,” then “Device Preferences.” Here you’ll also find options regarding audio and video previews.

Connecting Google Assistant to an Android TV

Your Android TV most likely came with a dedicated Google Assistant button on its remote. You can use it to perform a voice search or navigate through the content. Just press the button and say “Ok Google” into the microphone of your remote. The Assistant can help you find games or TV shows, turn the volume up or down, or switch off the TV.

Connecting Chromecast to an Android TV

Chromecast lets you cast any type of content from your Android phone, tablet, or computer to your TV. Just make sure the devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Then, follow the steps below:

1. Open the app on your phone that you wish to cast content from.
2. Tap on the cast icon and select your TV name. Wait for the cast icon to change color.

Once the icon changes color, it means it’s connected to the TV.

Kickstarting Your New Android TV Experience

There’s something satisfying about setting up a new piece of equipment. Android TVs are super versatile devices that let you stream any content you like. Best of all, configuring them is a breeze.

This article provided all the details about setting up your device for the first time that you’ll need. By now, you should have a clear idea of how to connect your Android TV, update the software and the apps, and tweak the on-screen settings to personalize the experience.

Did you use your phone, remote, or computer to set up your new Android TV? Which apps are you most eager to start using? Share your experience in the comments below.