In recent years, Android TV is becoming an increasingly popular choice among TV enjoyers and gamers due to its wide range of features and its compatibility with several devices, from smart TVs to set-top boxes and soundbars. It’s one of the most useful and effective devices for those who look for an all-in-one entertainment experience. However, many don’t use this device to the fullest, so here are eight cool tips and tricks to make the most of your Android TV.
#1 Using Your Phone as a Remote for Android TV
Using your smartphone as a remote for Android TV is a convenient and comfortable way to enjoy movies or YouTube videos while chilling on your sofa. To enable this option, open the Google TV app on your Android and tap on TV Remote at the bottom right. Then, you should tap Scanning for Devices at the top and choose your device. You can also enable Bluetooth on your phone, open the Android TV Remote Control app, and tap the name of your Android TV. Note that depending on your device, you can install the Google TV app from either the Play Store or iOS App Store.
#2 Remap Remote Buttons for Easier Navigation
Remapping remote buttons is one way to make navigating your device easier and more efficient. By using button mapper apps, you can customize the hard-coded buttons on your remote control and assign them to launch any app or take any action. With the help of these apps, you can also enable screenshot options.
#3 Track Your Shows and Get Better Recommendations
Installing apps like TV Time and Flixi allows you to smoothly track and rate whatever you watch. These apps allow you to discover new movies and shows and movies that match your taste. Similarly, apps like Trakt enable synchronization with your media center and finding where to watch TV and movies. Plus, apps like JustWatch help you save money by finding search streaming services with the best prices.
#4 Set Up Automatic Updates for Installed Apps
Setting up automatic updates for installed apps on your Android TV is very easy. First, open the Google Play Store app and select My Apps & Games. Then, tap on Settings and make sure that the Auto-update apps option is enabled. You can also choose to update apps only over Wi-Fi or allow updates at any time. Moreover, you can select individual apps to enable or disable auto-updates.
These simple steps allow you to make sure that installed apps are always up to date with the latest features and bug fixes.
#5 Use a USB Cooling Fan to Stop Overheating
When choosing an Android TV box, you should pick one that is less prone to overheating. However, if you find yourself facing this issue, you can use a USB cooling fan. This tool uses a small and quiet fan to draw in the cool air and circulate it around the box, thus keeping it at a safe temperature. The fan is powered by any USB port, which makes it easier to install and use. Its lightweight also allows you to take it wherever you go. With its low power consumption and minimal noise level, this is an ideal solution for keeping your Android TV running smoothly.
#6 Take Advantage of Picture-in-Picture Mode
Using Android TV’s Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode is a great way to multitask when watching movies and TV shows. PiP allows you to open a video in a corner window of the screen while browsing within or between apps on your Android TV. By using this feature, you can watch a video without switching back and forth between apps. You can also use PiP mode for group calls, with an expanded view showing multiple videos at once.
#7 Sideload Apps on Android TV
If you’d like to sideload apps on your Android TV, look for an app called Send files to TV on Google Play Store. Once installed, you can navigate to your Android TV’s settings, select Device Preferences, and toggle the Unknown Sources setting to on. You can also sideload apps using a flash drive or cloud storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. Moreover, you can use the Sideload Launcher app from the Play Store for easier access. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to sideload any app on your Android TV in no time.
#8 Video Calling with Duo
Video calling with Google Duo on your Android TV is a great way to stay connected with friends and relatives. This app allows you to make and receive video calls from any compatible device. You can also use it to securely connect, collaborate, and celebrate with the highest-quality video calling available. To get started, download the app from the Google Play Store, search for contacts, or dial a number and start your call.
