When you buy a TV with Android TV, you get not just a screen for watching movies, but a full-fledged multimedia center. But most users use only 20-30% of its capabilities - they launch YouTube, Netflix and sometimes play simple games. In fact, Android TV based Google TV or pure Android can do much more: from converting your TV into a game console to controlling a smart home from the remote control.

In this article we will look at all the hidden functions of Smart TV on Android, which manufacturers do not talk about in the instructions from fine tuning pictures for cinephiles before using the TV as a second monitor for your PC. You will learn how to bypass the restrictions of regional application stores, optimize performance for games, and even run a full-fledged one on TV through emulation. And also - what settings should be changed immediately after purchase in order to avoid slowdowns and security problems. Windows through emulation. And also, what settings should be changed immediately after purchase in order to avoid brakes and safety problems.

1. Installing applications: how to bypass Google Play restrictions on TV

Main problem Android TV —limited catalog of applications in the official store. Many apps (for example, VK Music or TikTok) are simply not optimized for the big screen, and some services (like 1xBet or Twitch) may be blocked for regional reasons. But there are three legal ways to install any Android application on a TV:

  • 📱 Sideloading via APK - download the file .apk to a flash drive or cloud, and then install through a file manager (for example, File Commander). Suitable for applications that are not available in Google Play.
  • 🖥️ Sending from phone —use the application Send Files to TV (available in Play Market) to transfer the APK file directly from your phone to your TV over your local network.
  • 🌍 Change account region —if the application is not available in your country, create a new account Google with VPN (for example, through USA or Germany) and log in to the TV.

⚠️ Attention: Installing APK from unverified sources can lead to viruses. Before installation, check the file hash for VirusTotal and disable the permission Installation from unknown sources after the process is complete. Some applications (for example, banking) may block operation on uncertified devices.

📊 How do you usually install applications on Smart TV?
Only from the official store
Through APK files
I send from my phone
I use alternative stores (Aptoide, Aurora)

If you need to install Kodi to watch IP-TV or Stremio for torrent streams, it is better to use official builds for Android TV —they are optimized for the remote control and do not cause lags. For games (for example, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), you will need to connect a gamepad - more on this in the next section.

2. Game mode: how to turn your TV into a console input

Modern Smart TV on Android (For example, Sony Bravia X90J or Xiaomi Mi TV Q2) support game mode with update rate up to 120 Hz and input delay ~10 ms. This allows you to play shooters and fighting games without lag. But for full gaming you need:

  1. Enable mode Game Mode in the settings screen (usually in Settings → Picture → Advanced settings data-i="99">Install emulators ( Settings → Picture → Additional settings).
  2. Connect the gamepad via Bluetooth (we recommend Xbox Controller or DualSense - they are supported natively).
  3. Install emulators (RetroArch, Dolphin for GameCube) or streaming services (GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming).
Emulator/Service Supported platforms Requirements TV
RetroArch NES, SNES, PS1, Sega Genesis Android 9+, 2 GB RAM
Dolphin GameCube, Wii Android 10+, 4 GB RAM, Snapdragon 8xx
GeForce NOW PC games (Cyberpunk 2077, Fortnite) Stable Internet 25+ Mbit/s Android 8+, Xbox account data-i="114">. On budget models (for example
Xbox Cloud Gaming Xbox Game Pass (Forza Horizon 5, Halo) Android 8+, Xbox account

⚠️ Attention: For emulators PS2 (AetherSX2) And Nintendo Switch (Skyline) you will need a TV on Android 11+ with a processor no weaker Snapdragon 730. On budget models (for example, TCL 4-Series), games will slow down even when the resolution is lowered.

Enable Game Mode in the screen settings

Connect the gamepad via Bluetooth

Install emulators via APK (if not in Play Market)

Check Internet speed (for cloud gaming)

Disable power saving mode-->

If you want to play GTA San Andreas or Minecraft with haptic feedback, connect gamepad with feedback (for example, DualSense 5). For streaming from a PC, you can use Steam Link or Moonlight (for NVIDIA GPU). The main thing is to make sure that the TV and computer are on the same network.

3. Multimedia: how to set up sound and picture like in a cinema

Even budget ones Smart TV on Android support Dolby Vision, HDR10+ i Dolby Atmos, but by default these functions are often disabled. To get cinema quality:

  • 🎬 Turn on HDR v Settings → Screen → Picture mode → Dynamic (on Samsung) or Settings → Picture → HDR mode (on Sony).
  • 🔊 Adjust the sound via Settings → Sound → Sound mode → Cinema and turn on Dolby Atmos (if supported).
  • 📽️ Use external players — VLC or MX Player better reproduced MKV with multi-channel sound than a standard player.

For real cinephiles, we recommend calibrating the screen using test videos (for example, Spears & Munsil on YouTube). This will help you adjust the brightness, contrast, and color temperature to suit your room. If your TV has Filmmaker Mode (available on LG OLED i Panasonic), turn it on - it turns off post-processing, preserving the director's original vision.

How to check the real screen refresh rate?

Many TVs are stated as 120 Hz, but in practice they operate at 60 Hz. To check:

1. Install the application Refresh Rate Test from the Play Market.

2. Run the test - if the screen flickers, then the frequency is really 120 Hz.

3. If there is no flickering, the TV is cheating (uses frame interpolation).

If you watch movies via Kodi or Plex, do not forget to enable Automatic frame rate switching (in the player settings). This will eliminate video jerking when playing content in 24p (Hollywood standard). For music, it is better to use specialized applications like Tidal or Qobuz —they support Hi-Res Audio to 24-bit/192kHz.

4. Smart home and voice control

Android TV can become the control center for a smart home - from light bulbs Philips Hue to robot vacuum cleaners Xiaomi. To do this:

  1. Install Google Home or Yandex Alice (if your TV supports it).
  2. Connect devices via Settings → Smart home → Add device.
  3. Set up voice commands via the microphone on the remote control (for example, "Ok Google, turn off the lights in the room").

If your TV does not support Google Assistant out of the box (as on some models Hisense), you can use an external device - NVIDIA Shield TV or Amazon Echo with connection via HDMI-CEC. This will allow you to control the TV with your voice even without a built-in microphone.

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If the voice assistant does not understand the commands, check the regional settings in Settings → System → Language and input. Sometimes changing the language to English (USA) and back helps.

For advanced scenarios (for example, time-based automation) use IFTTT or Home Assistant. For example, you can configure the rule: "If Netflix starts on the TV, dim the light to 30%". The main thing is to make sure that the TV and smart devices are on the same network Wi-Fi.

5. Desktop: how to use TV as a monitor for a PC or tablet

If you need to show a presentation, work with documents, or simply duplicate the laptop screen, Android TV can replace the monitor. There are three connection methods:

  • 🖥️ Miracast/Wi-Fi Direct — wireless connection (works on Windows 10/11 via Win + P → Connect to a wireless display).
  • 🔌 HDMI cable —the most stable solution, but requires a physical connection.
  • 🌐 Chrome Remote Desktop — for remote control of the PC from the TV (needed Google Chrome on both devices).

For comfortable work, install:

  • Microsoft Office (there is a version for Android TV)
  • TeamViewer or AnyDesk for remote access
  • Solid Explorer for file management

⚠️ Attention: When connected via Miracast there may be an input delay (up to 50-100 msfor games or video editing). use HDMI or USB-C → HDMI (on new laptops). If the image is blurry, check the resolution in the Windows settings (Screen settings → Resolution must match the native TV resolution).

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For productive work on TV, be sure to connect a keyboard and mouse via Bluetooth - control from the remote control is extremely inconvenient for text.

6. Security: how to protect TV from viruses and surveillance

Android TV is just as vulnerable to viruses as a smartphone. Especially if you install APKs from unverified sources or use pirated IPTV applications. Main risks:

  • 🕵️ Spyware - some "hacked" versions Kodi or Terarium TV contain keyloggers.
  • 💰 Cryptocurrency mining - viruses can use TV resources for mining Monero.
  • 📡 Data leakage —unsafe applications can transfer your browsing history to third parties.

To protect your TV:

  1. Install an antivirus (Malwarebytes or Bitdefender there are versions for Android TV).
  2. Disable installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security and restrictions).
  3. Update the firmware regularly (Settings → About TV → Software update).
  4. Use VPN to block trackers (for example, ProtonVPN or Windscribe).

If the TV starts to slow down for no reason, check active processes through Developer Options (turns on multiple times by clicking on Build number in the settings).If there are suspicious services there (for example, com.android.miner), perform a factory reset.

7. Hidden settings for advanced users

For those who wants to get the most out of Android TV there are hidden functions available through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or the engineering menu. For example:

  • 🔧 Overclocking the processor — on some models (for example, NVIDIA Shield TV) you can increase the clock frequency through the command: 
    adb shell setprop persist.sys.cpu.max_freq 1900000
    ⚠️ Risk of overheating!
  • 🖼️ Disable advertising — removing system applications like com.google.android.tv.launcher (requires root).
  • 🎮 Keyboard emulation — for games that require hot keys, you can assign remote buttons as W/A/S/D via Button Mapper.

To open Developer Optionsgo to Settings → About TV → Build number and click on it 7 times. There you will find:

  • Debugging ADB (for connecting to a PC)
  • Secondary screen emulation (for developers)
  • Adjusting animation (interface speedup)

⚠️ Attention: Not all commands ADB are safe. For example, adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.vending will delete Google Playwhich may lead to the TV not working. Before experiments, make a backup via adb backup.

8. Alternative firmware and emulation of other OS

If you are not satisfied with the standard Android TV, you can install alternative firmware or even run another operating system. Popular options:

Firmware/OS Advantages Disadvantages
LineageOS for TV Pure Android without bloat, regular updates No Widevine L1 certification (Netflix in 480p) (for Kodi)
CoreELEC (for Kodi) Optimized for media center, 4K HDR support PC on TV, support for x86 apps Difficult installation, no Google Play
Windows 11 (through WoA) Full-fledged PC on TV, support for x86 apps Requires a powerful processor (Snapdragon 8cx)
LibreELEC Minimalistic OS for Kodi, fast loading Limited functionality outside the media player

To install alternative firmware you will need:

  1. Unlock the bootloader (on some TVs this is impossible without exploits).
  2. Install TWRP Recovery via ADB.
  3. Flash the firmware ZIP file.

⚠️ Attention: Flashing will void the warranty and can turn the TV into a “brick”. Before the procedure, check the compatibility of the firmware with your model on the forum XDA Developers. Not all TVs support alternative OS - for example, on Samsung Tizen or LG webOS this is impossible.

How to return the stock firmware after an unsuccessful experiment?

If the TV does not turn on after firmware, try:

1. Boot into Recovery Mode (usually a button Volume Down + Power when turned on).

2. Connect USB with original firmware (you can download it from the manufacturer’s website).

3. Select Apply update from USB.

If this does not help, you will need a programmer and a soldering iron (to flash eMMC).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Smart TV on Android

Is it possible to install WhatsApp or Telegram on Android TV?

Official versions There are no messengers for Android TV but you can:

  • Use the web version via a browser (Puffin TV or Kiwi Browser).
  • Install APK from the mobile version (but control from the remote control will be inconvenient).
  • Connect your phone via Miracast and duplicate the screen.

For convenient chat, it is better to use a tablet or smartphone with a keyboard.

Why does Netflix show video in low quality on TV?

This is due to the level of certification Widevine:

  • Widevine L1 — Full HD and 4K HDR (available on certified TVs).
  • Widevine L3 —maximum 480p (if the firmware is unofficial or the TV is not certified).

To check the level, install the application DRM Info from Play Market. If there L3, flashing to the stock version may help.

How to connect a game console (PS5, Xbox) to Android TV?

Android TV is not needed here - connect the console directly to HDMI port TV. But if you want to stream games from the console to TV:

  • For PS5 use the application PS Remote Play (available in Play Market).
  • For Xbox — Xbox App (requires an account Xbox Live).

The delay will be ~10-30 ms when connected via a local network.

Is it possible to mine cryptocurrency on Android TV?

Technically yes, but it is extremely ineffective:

  • Processors in TV (for example, Amlogic S905) are weaker than smartphones.
  • Mining on CPU brings ~$0.01 per day with electricity costs of ~$0.5.
  • Miner viruses may burn the chip due to overheating.

If you want to experiment, install MinerGate via APK, but do not expect profit.

How to reset Android TV to factory settings if it does not turn on?

Methods reset:

  1. Soft reset: Press the button Power on the remote control for 10-15 seconds.
  2. Hard reset: Press the combination of buttons on the remote control (for example, Home + Volume Up + Power for Xiaomi).
  3. Via Recovery:
    1. Turn off the TV.
    2. Press Volume Down + Power (for most models).
    3. Select Wipe data/factory reset.

If all else fails, contact a service center - the flash memory may be damaged.