Google TV & Chromecast Features You Aren’t Using (but Should)

The Google TV platform is super powerful and versatile, but that also means it's easy to overlook some of the best ways to use it to your advantage. In this video we'll show you how to customize and setup Google TV so that it looks and acts exactly how you want it, whether that's turning on app-only mode, controlling Google TV content suggestions, maximizing privacy, or turning Google TV off altogether. By following our tips and tricks you can get the most from any Google TV device including Chromecast with Google TV, Sony Google TVs, TCL Google TVs & Hisense Google TVs.
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Read more at digitaltrends.com
What is Google TV? Here’s everything you need to know: www.digitaltrends.com/home-th...
The best Google TVs of 2023: www.digitaltrends.com/home-th...
Google TV tips and tricks you need to start using now: www.digitaltrends.com/home-th...
What’s the difference between Google TV and Android TV?: www.digitaltrends.com/home-th...
Google TV vs. Roku TV: www.digitaltrends.com/home-th...
Google Chromecast tips and tricks: www.digitaltrends.com/home-th...
Common Google Chromecast issues and how to fix them: www.digitaltrends.com/home-th...
Best streaming devices for 2023: www.digitaltrends.com/home-th...
00:00 Intro
00:47 Enabling Basic Mode
01:59 Customizing Your Home Screen
02:26 Enabling App Only Mode
02:59 Adjusting Content Recommendations
03:38 Profile Settings
04:41 Re-ordering Apps
05:08 Changing Your Screensaver
06:12 Using Your Own Photos as Screensavers
07:08 More Screensaver Customization
07:49 Watchlist Settings
08:38 Kids Profiles & Parental Controls
10:09 Privacy Settings
11:45 How to Use Chromecast
12:46 Final Thoughts
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#chromecast #hacks #tips #cordcutting #googletv #google #howto #streaming #streamingdevice #tipsandtricks #guide #explained #digitaltrends #hometheater #sonytv #tcl #tcltv #hisense #hisensetv #sony #streamingtv

[@11icelord]

I just bought a TCL 50P635 and I love google tv because all the freedom that they give and the connection with your Google account. You helped me a lot

[@trobinson14kc]

Thanks for reviewing streaming media software. Its such an integral part of television use yet it gets too little attention. I would love to see DT compare such software and possibly rate them. Its a big subject and confounds a lot of users, myself included.

[@xxxxxxxx406]

THANKS BRO. I JUST BOUGHT A GOOGLE TV AND I'VE LEARNED A LOT FROM YOUR TUTORIAL. GOD BLESS MY BRO 🙏🏿

[@TheGretsch13]

Hey Caleb, thank you for this (as always) very informative video. Can you maybe make a video going a little more in depth with the basic mode (e.g. comparing the behavior/experience of it to other TV OS without an Internet connection)? I‘m exactly the kind of user you describe as the target group for this mode, but I can‘t find good information about how it improves the experience of a not connected TV and therefore if it is worth putting it on the pros site of my pros and cons list when looking for a new TV. I think such a video could be very helpful for a lot of people. Thank you, again!

[@YuanLiuTheDoc]

As usual, very on-point and practical tips! I just went through this ordeal on Hisense U8H (thanks for the recommendation) and kinda had to marvel at some of the granularities (compared to Apple TV). But what annoys me most is the weird ways it manages privacy choices - or rather, all the questionable defaults. (I know my TV doesn't have camera. But why would Live TV _require_ camera permission?) One related question: Even with all this granularity, I don't see an equivalent to "director's cut"/match content (dynamic range and frame rate) setting. Does it exist?

[@Lumiverse.]

Love the classy background lounge music

[@veronicamurray1142]

Thank you so much for this video! I am a newbie to cutting the cable cord and have been more than a little overwhelmed by so many options. Your video has helped, but I do have a question that you kind of skipped over in your video. I have chosen to use the Apps Only version, and I would like to try to add a couple more options. You mention to add these through the Play Store, but I can't find how to do that. I tried to enter Play Store in Browser search area, but that did not work for me. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@julioecheverry8038]

Thank you,very instructive,and setting it up both as Google tv and monitor for my PC. Thank you very much

[@rg3ibanez]

Super helpful thank you!

[@endico]

I'm really interested in the Hisense TVs this year. Aside from the picture, I was excited to learn about basic mode since I don't need a smart TV. The 2023 models are supposed to have Matter compatibility so this may be the year I finally upgrade. Unfortunately, I suspect that the matter compatibility is provided by Google TV so I might not be able to use basic mode. Any thoughts?

[@jmla113]

"Especially KZbin suggested content!!" 😂😂😂😂 Slime, Toys and CocoMelon all over my phone and TV all the damn time !!

[@tvtech77]

Great video! I do wish that you would have talked about the tv tuner and how to get the most out of it.

[@OurCatioHome]

Thank you, this was most helpful indeed!

[@DTM1337]

Great guide, thanks!

[@eddieconroy2837]

Many thanks for this video.. very informative...

[@jeffleonard343]

Can confirm. Have a kid and youtube feed always fill with Minecraft and Among Us LOL

[@nscian2]

This is a fantastic video!!! So many features I didn't know about. I'm sad my Sony x900h won't get Google TV 😭 guess I'm stuck with Android TV. Can you do a version for the older software?

[@Matr0X]

good tips, can't wait to see more about chromecast with google tv.

[@subhasishpurkait6579]

Thanks dear for ur valuable guide ... thanks a lots..

[@Martyq86]

Very informative video, thank you!

[@erzascralet48]

I'm surprised I didn't know about apps only mode. Sometimes navigation can be slow to GET to my apps, and once I switched it on, IMMEDIATELY its so fast. Guess those ads and other things really slow it down a lot haha. THanks!

[@ssolognier6596]

Thank you very much, its fantastic all your advise on youtube channel 👍

[@kpoptrash1433]

Oh my gosh thank you for making a helpful video and not a whole lot of dude bro or whining cuz technology isn't perfect. This was very helpful, I didn't know I could change my ads settings or other options like how to turn off Google assistant. Or even change position if by aps. Thank you so much

[@anthonycundiff4466]

Thanks for explaing several things in an absorbable way

[@thapeloramafoko5388]

Awesome review, thanks Caleb

[@paulc515]

Thanks Caleb, Im having trouble finding this Apps only mode on my 1 year old U8G. I love the simplicity of the home screen that you display. PS: I love your posts!

[@jamiedewberry6702]

6:42 Great tutorials, especially with how to get the screen saver to a specific folder. Been wanting to fix that for months. My only issue is I can’t get past google home connection tot he cloud for the TV. Can’t get past this one hurdle

[@MayhemSWE]

Hey Caleb, the blurring out of your email address is inconsistent and fully visible in some parts of the video, which I assume it was not meant to be? In other parts it is kinda semi-visible, as it isn't all that difficult to just extrapolate/guess from the characters that are kinda visible…

[@brandonhampton3533]

If you wouldn't have said anything way less people would know now...

[@manikdesilva1]

Really useful content thanks bro!!

[@johnchampion3901]

Thank you so much that was a very helpful vedeo

[@mayo4rus]

Thanks for video Caleb... Been having some issues with Google assistant on my uh8 and u8k.... Google assistant is turned on but will tell me my TV can't be found or isn't connected... My u7k is fine but seems like there's a bug out there people haven't been able to figure out

[@kevindem]

Hello Caleb.. I've been following your reviews and knowledge for quite a while is there a way or an app that will allow a tcl qm8 running Google TV to auto start an app when the TV turns on?

[@syakirzlqr9]

Hi Caleb! Great content as always. I have a question, is there any option to choose at what time for the screensaver to start. I'm using Sony X80K and it seems like there is no option to select time to start the screensaver/ambient mode. Checked on Sony's website, Google TV has removed the settings to control the ambient mode timing. Sometimes, I just want to listen to a radio channel (from apps) but the tv will activate the ambient mode in just 10 mins, despite setting ON the Picture Off function. This will stops the radio and it is annoying. Unless, there is a workaround or setting to allow me enjoy radio channels as long as I can (at least up to the sleep time), appreciate your expertise here Caleb.

[@musiclover-il7tz]

Hey Caleb, still have a question: is it essentially helpful to add/use chromecast streamer when sony smart tv in use with built-in chromecast. Thanks much for your time

[@rptok]

Thank you for the nice info video! Is it possible to make google tv turn on ambient mode on TV automatically if it is inactive for a few minutes? Also, how do I stop it from turning off the tv on inactivity? It keeps turning the tv off..! Thank you!

[@Martin_Level47]

I just ordered a Hisense u7k. I have been using a Chromecast 4K for a long time now. Is there any reason for connecting that to the new TV, or is the built-in "Chromecast" the same?? and thank you for all your great content 😀

[@ckinard2]

Mr Caleb thank you so much for this review I'm a new cord cutter and I love Google TV thanks again have five great video here's a thumbs up.

[@personalwatching9312]

This is brilliant. Thanks man

[@kovalveli]

Informative, thanks

[@stevebeef4818]

Thanks for this. I think I've found most of these features. I've finally gave up on my streaming boxes and use Google TV on my Bravia and it's the smoothest smart tv experience I've had. BUT like all streaming tv they bury your watch next and watchlist. I really wish there was a way to move the CONTINUE WATCHING to the top row (certainly above the app row) and have the WATCHLIST row on the same page... maybe even below the CONTINUE WATCHING row. I would pay for a custom UI that would do that.

[@samuelparker7021]

Hello Caleb!! I just purchased a Sony A75L tv and I am new to the Google TV world. I have multiple Google nest cameras and I was excited to be able to get my doorbell notifications to the tv but I’m having trouble getting that setup. Would this work better if I was using the Google chromecast 4k or is there some other hardware I need to make this possible? Thank you so much for any help you can provide!! Love the show and keep the content coming!!!!

[@happyslappy02]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

[@stanielmcstanface2270]

Great video as always. Is there any way to get Roku TV on Android TV? I don’t seem to have an app for it on my TCL and I have it on my other TV’s and I usually fall asleep to Roku’s dusty content. Thanks!

[@congo1981]

Hey Caleb. Will the basic tv mode work on UST Laser TV?

[@aluisp77]

My question would be if the apps in Google tv updates automatically or needs to be update manually?? Thanks for the great content

[@andrewmazzer]

Hi, great info thanks. Are you aware of a way to have your 'liked' videos and music played randomly in KZbin whilst using the KZbin app in Chromecast, same as play random in KZbin app in your phone ??? Thanks. !

[@iansalgado8710]

Is there a way to limit the suggested content only to the services you have , ie: I my case Netflix and prime... I have switched off the other services as per the auggestion on the video. But suggestions from other services still show us, eg: stan or Disney+...(I don't have a subscription for those. Regards ian

[@justin01144]

I have a question pertaining to using Google assistant to open movies/shows on certain apps. When you ask Google to open a show such as "The Wolverine on Dinsey +" it then opens Disney + but it's first makes you select which profile if you have multiple profiles. is there a way to skip the profile selection when using Google assistant to find and open certain content on the various apps?

[@CaseyDarwin]

Have you noticed that Dolby vision content played through the Chromecast with Google TV is too dark, especially on OLED panels? I just bought the LG C2 partly because of some of your reviews and the set is amazing. But it took me a while to figure out, after playing with all the settings to try to fix it, that the only way I could watch Dolby vision content was through WebOS because it was far too dark through the Chromecast.

[@corneliusovan]

@ Digital Trends ,Hello, at Sony Bravia KD-50X81J, when recording with a timer, recording with EPG, the TV open by itself when the recording starts. I know there is a setting for this, but I can't find it in Settings. If I set a timer for recording at 03.00 in the morning, when the recording starts, then the TV open with picture and sound. Please if you can help. Thank you in advance !

[@williambeldham3056]

Wow! A lot of content in this video. Well presented and well organized. Thank you! One question, I have an Air B&B, and I just want to allow casting only. Is there a way to do this? I don't want to have to factory reset and re-setup the Chromecast after each guest leaves.

[@williambeldham3056]

@@trebnev must use an email that I can open and reply with to create an account. Then the guest only has access to the content I've subscribed to, or is free. They want their own subscribed content.

[@belgradeboy1977]

PLEASE HELP!! I have 3 audio output options on my TV: Passtrough, Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus. Which one to set to get the best quality sound sent to my Marantz AVR? I use only TV internal apps (Netflix, KZbin, etc.) and my PS5 is connected to the TV directly.

[@120382brian]

Does the sceensaver come on when a movie is paused? Im worried about it cause i have a qd oled. If so how long does it take?

[@Ryan-iq2zd]

Can you use a soundbar with the Roku software and a TV with the Google interface?

[@iskandermakhmudov]

Thanks!

[@MayorMafia]

I know you did a review on this before, and seeing that this is about Google, I thought I would ask. Did they ever resolve the issue with the TCL R655 google TV with Google????

[@mikedonnit972]

Very very good vid

[@ganny61]

Is there a way to sync multiple Chromecast with Google TVs together so they are all the same? I have four of them in my house.

[@shanijaan522]

You could be marvel new hero ….❤️❤️👍👍👍YOU GOT ACTION HERO LOOKS 🤗🤗🤗

[@tinarodgers5929]

Hi, if you utilize the Apps Only feature, should voice assistance stop working?

[@SFBenjaminK]

Foundation lol i Bought Google TV dongle on my all 4 TVS, even if they come with Google TV, bought them since came out almost few years back & toss all my grandpa ROKU Ultras in garbage , Loves Google TV since I'm Google & YTTV user for decade, GREAT feathers & interface LOVE it 👍👌

[@Justyn_Lim]

Is it possible to automatically sign in to accounts for different services (like Netflix,YT) for different profiles?

[@Devintandy]

Caleb, thank you for this video tutorial. You've made it easy-to-use and understand what Google TV is! A few weeks ago, I started to research Sony Smart TV's since I noticed price drops around that time. Believe it or not, when I searched KZbin for a video like yours, all that came up was some 8 year old kid and a few persons with annoying accents! If you have not done so, could you go over the Roku system? Keep up the excellent work. John

[@mrBytemare]

What I would love to know is prevent the ambient mode to turn so fast on. When ever I'm in a app, like Netflix etc it only takes a few mins before the ambient mode turn on, or goes back to the homescreen. Woud love to be able have a longer duration before this happen. Otherwice many great tips here thanks! :)

[@MbTurner1977]

You can also select add to watch list or watched from the browser

[@billhufford7209]

Thanks

[@samirlensherr4203]

How i can turn on the display of the dolbyvision logo, on the XF9005 it appeared on the top right corner of the screen during mostly 60 sec but now with my X90L the tv do not display any informations unless the use the remote and push the correct menu button

[@JKRuc]

Is there a way to force DTS sound on the portable 4k goggle chromecast device?

[@LonSanders]

Thank you for the prize in the drawing!

[@Jojejacm]

Hi!! I just bought a brand new 4K LG Led (only led not oled, with aí, artificial inteligence) 60 inch tv. It shows moire effect in every other picture mode, stripped suits, ties, buildings, all of that flicks just like it use to happend with sd tv...any help that you can give me to fix it? Many thank´s!!

[@markparker7778]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! I was recently able to install my Polk sound bar and subwoofer thanks to you. I also immediately subribed to your channel because I need all the help I can get with today's technology. I used to DJ back in the mid seventies for spending money through high school. It was an absolute blast and I enjoyed every minute of it. Analog was a piece of cake and I never got with the program when computers came out and I'm now paying the price. Anyways, after I installed the sound bar I accidently tipped over my 2 yr old 42" Toshiba Firestick and it's crushed as am I. If you get a chance to read this could you please reccomend the best Smart tv for the buck please. I'm not looking for the Mac Daddy type, just one that's crisp and along the lines cost wise as the Toshiba. If I don't hear back from you I fully understand as you've got a ton of subscribers. Thank you in advance if you ever see this comment. 👍

[@kellynepal]

Thank you for the instructions. Some of them were very helpful. I would like to know how to hide most of the channels and apps so I don't have to scroll for hours looking for a program or app. I don't need 800 channels and would like to drop them down to about 4 or 5 options.

[@bvmovies2]

There is a setting that only shows the apps you have downloaded on your tv.

[@kellynepal]

@@bvmovies2, thank you for responding. What is the setting and where do I find it?

[@Novemberz_Own78]

I just bought the r64 (Google tv version) last week... This morning for whatever reason the Input function wasn't working. Neither my PS5 nor my Series S showed up on the screen and they were both turned on. I didn't have time to mess with it before leavin for work. Should I just reset the tv or keep trying to figure it out??

[@filb911]

What about actually casting browser windows? If I cast a chrome window from my Mac to 4K one does it do it at 2160p and the HD one only 1080P?

[@Cart1416]

basic mode sounds great, I just use my tv for gaming

[@CHARLESSBRONSON]

I'm using my Nvidia shield on my 13+ year old Sony Bravia. Love it

[@boedilllard5952]

I just noticed something on my nVidia Sheild TV - pluto TV is stereo only. Is that the way it is for everyone?

[@c3pin3]

Please, talk about the most recent update on Google TV software.

[@SimonLeicester]

How does this compare to the latest Amazon 4K Firestick max given it is several years old now?

[@jjguillen65]

Hey guys. I just recently bought the 85 inch tcl Q6 and I already mounted to my living room. I have slight issue I have a 5.2.2 sound set and at night time when I don’t want to turn on my sounds and use the tv speakers . I get no sound from the tv speakers unless I switch them to Bluetooth + internal speakers or headphones. Please help 😢

[@iowaberg]

Kind if off topic..I have a TCL R646 Android TV but in the Google home app, I try to change the name and it says it's not supported. Any reason why and a way around this?

[@ItsMeStefC]

Lower the music. It's mixed in a way where I don't whether the music or the information is the focus.

[@max-pedrero]

Ah yes starting 3:20 it gets way too loud

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Totally agree, it's REALLY annoying !!

[@cult2]

turn on subtitle

[@goat9295]

@@cult2it's not a matter of it being hard to hear, the music is just a little off putting.

[@DaleDix]

​@@cult2ah yes, one of the current generation with no attention span.

[@Plan73]

Is it possible to customize the apps icons?

[@peterwoodruff190]

The Google remote on my TCL has no PLAY, STOP PLAYING etc controls. This seems to force me to use voice commands. Is there a way to use tactile controls like the old days? Thanks

[@yamunanm.k2020]

Hi brother how to enable wide mode in sony x75k google tv?

[@Darrylx444]

Caleb, can you help me? I just bought a Google TV here in Canada, but it does not have the "Live" tab on the home screen like I see in so many videos. This is a big deal to me since that is where all the "hundreds of free TV channels" they promised should be, but I can't receive them like you can in the US. Maybe worth a mention in one of your videos too?

[@cleonf]

Does it apply to Android TV?

[@Bozemanjustin]

Digital trends I had Chromecast for years and was able to cast my PC desktop to the television. When that Chromecast broke, I bought the new 4K Chromecast. However, I cannot cast my desktop any longer. It shows that it's available, but it won't work. So I felt I got it effective model, I exchanged it for another one but does the same thing. Did they remove the ability to cast my chrome desktop from my computer to my television set?.

[@helenadionisio731]

Hi!! Do you know the reason why Netflix shows doesn’t appear in the “Keep Watching” section in Google tv?

[@PepsiManX360]

If only they’d add Spectrum so I could watch Cable TV…

[@alimuthana561]

Does this tv or any Google tv system have a google chrome? And roku system does not ?

[@paulderose8523]

Caleb, I need your help I cannot see my nest doorbell on my Google TV when someone comes to the door I thought chromecast was built into this TV..TCL

[@wwolfram33]

Use a Smart TV or a streaming device? Any big differences one should consider?

[@jefferypardue7509]

Chromecast features only work if your TV is plugged in and powered up and on the same Wi-Fi as your tablet or smartphone is connected to. I use a Chromecast 3rd gen and Chromecast pictures don't show up unless the Chromecast is powered up and completely active. In my Google home app it will show not available if it is unplugged or the power strip is turned off at the switch but recognizes it as connected to the account. I do that so that I don't have to readjust my volume every single time I turn on the knob on my Emerson all-in-one record player entertainment center. I pipe my audio from the Chromecast through my computer monitor through the headphone jack into the cassette adapter in cassette player mode.

[@bigpun4780]

Google needs to add a 'default' profile option so that when the tv is turned on it defaults to the kids profile. Right now when i turn off the tv at night it is still on my profile when the kids turn on the tv on the morning. It is a pain to remember to switch to kids profile when half-asleep

[@CybrMyth]

i love my chromecast with google tv but it definitely needs a refresh as a brand new one still stutters and drops frame frequently

[@aerialwhidbey]

Excellent video, however at least the new Sony Bravia 55" model that we have does not have the "Apps Only" function. Eventually in the Help for Google TV you can discover that "some Sony Bravia models" have different functionality. And if your household is used to using Roku, it becomes apparent that the developers of Google TV want to take over your Sony Bravia TV and make it difficult to revert. It is possible to discover the Roku interface again, with some patience. You don't have to sign out of the Google account, and you don't have to do a factory reset of your TV. So if you've already waded in to install Google TV, then stop using the power button on the Sony remote control. Instead, use the power button on the Roku control, and patiently wait a few seconds for the Google TV display to go away and be replaced with the Roku home screen.

[@demoroom6957]

Is this guide android version specific? I'm in the UK and have a KD-65AF9 running version 9 and most features you describe are not available.

[@scottbecker319]

I have an A8F and it looks completely different to what was shown here.

[@Mastermind_8000]

Android TV is different than Google TV. You likely have Android TV.

[@gorving2]

Can you tell me how to delete preloaded channels from TCL 40" S CLASS 1080P FHD HDR LED SMART TV WITH GOOGLE TV - 40S350G in basic mode. Channels like 1003,1005, 10010 etc

[@KiddiesKiddies]

Is there any difference (even a small one) between Google Chromecast and Google TV?