Google TV offers access to multiple streaming services in one location. Google Chromecast provides instant access to the Google TV hub when plugged into the television, giving you access to more streaming content. There's also a streaming app called Google TV. If you recently purchased or plan to get a Google TV or Android TV, this guide helps you set up your television for a fun evening of streaming.

What is Google TV?

Google TV is a launcher with a UI that runs on top of Android TV. It first garnered attention from Google's Chromecast hardware, which drew attention thanks to the refreshing new layout. While Android TV focuses on your streaming apps, Google TV offers heightened features and gives movies and TV shows more prominence on the home screen, among other improvements. Everything you need is in a single place, so you don't have to jump between apps to find something to watch while scrolling on your couch.

Google TV also brings the Continue watching list from participating apps to the home screen. You can jump to the next episode of a series you're watching without going into the official app. The same goes for Google TV's watchlist feature. You can create one watchlist (similar to what apps like JustWatch offer) that syncs to your Google account and works across all your devices. If you add a new movie to your watchlist from Google Search, it appears on your Chromecast.

How to use Google TV

First, you must purchase a Chromecast or the latest TV running Google TV services before you can start the process. Then, use the Google Home app on your phone to set up your new Google TV device. Follow the guided setup process and link your device to your Gmail account when prompted. Then, your watchlist and content sync across all your devices. When you finish the process, the new Google TV home screen lets you know the setup was a success.

All your personalized recommendations on Google TV's home screen

The main For you tab makes content the focus of Google TV. The carousel is updated regularly to feature top releases (like a new show available on your streaming services), themed content (like Christmas specials), and the occasional advertisement. You'll also see adjacent tabs labeled Live, Movies, Shows, Apps, and Library, each with their respective displays and content.

Below that, you'll see the Top picks for you strip filled with movies and TV series Google thinks you'll like based on prior content you searched for and streamed. This section is also updated to keep your home screen fresh.

Select a title to learn more about it via Google's Knowledge Graph and jump to the movie on the streaming service it's available on. You don't need to fiddle with individual apps.

Under the apps list sits your aggregated Continue watching list. It combines your Continue Watching lists from the installed apps you signed in on the TV and puts them in one place. Depending on your region and app support, the list could fetch your stuff from Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Hulu, and more. If one of your apps doesn't play nice with Google TV's integrations, you can access them the traditional way by going into the app.

Change the recommended content settings

To manage which apps are allowed to show recommended content on the homepage, follow these steps:

1. From the Google TV home screen, go to your profile picture in the upper-right corner and select Settings.
2. Select Accounts and sign in if you haven't. Then, select Your service.
3. Toggle on the apps you want to see and turn off the rest.

   

4. Scroll left when you're done selecting to save your choices.

Access live TV and your watchlist

Google TV integrates popular live TV services like Pluto TV and YouTube TV under the Live section for quick access. This combination can't get any better for those who like their live broadcast channels as much as their streaming services.

Your Google Watchlist is available under Library, along with your rented and purchased movies from Google Play Movies & TV (now under Google TV). The universal watchlist is convenient and provides access to thousands of channels.

How is the Google TV app different?

There's a Google TV app for Android and iOS phones. It acts as the rebranded version of the now-defunct Play Movies & TV app and works well with the Google TV interface on your television. The For you tab on the app mimics what you get on your TV, including the main carousel and your top picks.

The app makes managing your watchlist from your phone easier than typing it on your smart TV with the remote's D-pad. Google also added a Highlights section to the app that shows a stream of entertainment news articles as you browse your watchlist.

The Google TV app lets you buy and rent movies and find your previous purchases. The app features an excellent virtual remote that's quick to set up and easy to use.

Make the best of Google TV on the big screen

Navigating Google TV is a breeze. You can catch up on your favorite shows thanks to the cross-platform functions. To make your experience even better, check out the tricks to optimize your playback experience. You can also customize setups for the controller and individual Google TV profiles to give every user a unique take on Google's application.

The best thing about Google TV is the open access to the apps on the Google Play Store, giving you total customization over how you watch television. You'll find several apps that work with Google TV to heighten your viewing experience and take your shows and movies on the go.