Top 10 Android tv tips
Parental Controls
One of the easiest ways to censor content on your Firestick or Fire TV device is to set up parental controls. This will limit access to apps and more with a simple code. To enable Parental Controls, use the following steps: From the home screen, Open Settings >select Preferences>choose Parental Controls Here you can set a Pin Code that will restrict access to videos, the purchasing of certain content, and more. For the latest news and tutorials in the tech and streaming world, be sure to sign up for the TROYPOINT Advisor with updates weekly. This Advisor provides all the best tips to get the most out of your favorite streaming devices and more. Click the link below for your TROYPOINT Advisor Subscription: TROYPOINT Advisor Try some of these Firestick Tricks & Tips out today if you own a Fire TV device!
Turn Focused Inbox Off or On
The focused inbox is something you either love or hate. There’s no in-between, it seems.
- Go to Settings and scroll to Focused Inbox, then select the sliding button to turn it off or on.
Connect PS4 Controller for Games
Android TV also supports a wide range of games including some action-packed titles like Asphalt 8. But, to be able to play these games, you’ll need to attach a gamepad via USB or via Bluetooth. While standard gamepads would easily serve you, if you have a PS4, you can also use your existing PS4 Dual Shock controllers and connect them with the Android TV. Just follow these steps:
- On your controller, press and hold the PS and Share buttons simultaneously to enter pairing mode. The light behind the controller will start blinking.
- On your Android TV, go to Settings, and then select Add accessory from the Remote & accessories option
- The Android TV will search for nearby Bluetooth accessories. Select Wireless Controller and your PS4 controller will be connected to the TV.
Energy Saver
Energy Saver is undoubtedly one of the best Google TV tips and tricks. As the name suggests, it allows you to save energy by automatically turning off the TV display after 15 minutes. The Energy Saver mode also puts the operating system in sleep mode so that your TV consumes only minimum power. You can enable Energy Saver from Settings -> System -> Energy Saver -> Turn off display.
Control Casting
If you don’t want anyone to cast their smartphone or computer screen to your TV on the home network, you can customize this option on Google TV. Open Settings and navigate to System -> Cast and choose from the available options. This way, you can control who can cast and manage other settings of the TV remotely.
Remove Home Screen Pages
With iOS 14, Apple offered an option to hide home screen pages. iOS 15 takes it a step ahead and allows users to remove home screen pages completely in the app. Long press on empty screen on the home screen and select dot menu above the Dock. First, disable the home screen page that you want to hide and tap on the ‘–‘ icon at the upper left corner to remove the home screen page.
Wireless File Transfer
Now, this is our final Google TV trick that you should know, and it comes in super handy. There will be times when you want to send files to your Google TV but have to look for a thumb drive for file transfer which is a hassle. But not anymore. With Send Files to TV app (Free, offers in-app purchases), you can wirelessly send files from your Android smartphone to Google TV. You only need to be on the same WiFi network, and the SFTV app will work seamlessly.
Using the Phone as a Remote
The Mi TV comes with a handy Bluetooth-enabled remote control. However, if you wish, you can also use your Android smartphone as a remote. The good news is that your phone doesn't necessarily need to have an IR blaster. All you need to do is make sure that the TV and the phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The Mi Remote controller app is available on Google Play Store. What's more, operating it is as easy as 1-2-3. Once you have finished installing the app, the TV will detect the phone automatically. After that, it's only a matter of a few swipes to get everything at the tip of your finger. Download Mi Remote Controller
Sideload a Third-party App Store
Content over apps — that's the mantra of the Xiaomi Mi TV. Yes, this smart TV doesn't let you download apps directly. Plus, it also doesn't have its own app store. So, if you're on the lookout for more apps and contents, worry not. We have a cool workaround. The Mi TV lets you sideload apps into the TV so that you can have all your favorite apps under one roof. All you have to do is enable the Allow unknown sources setting and then sideload the .apk files, just like you'd do on your Android phone. Note: Make sure to install apps only from trusted sources. Neither us nor Xiaomi will be responsible for any problems caused by malicious apps.
Turn Organize By Thread Off or On
Just like the Focused Inbox, organizing emails by conversation thread is a divisive topic.
- Go to Settings and scroll to Organize email by thread, then select the sliding button to turn it off or on.
