If this device is going to be the centerpiece of your home entertainment setup, it’s worth getting familiar with how it works. This isn’t a complete guide, but it should help you get started. You’ll discover plenty more just by exploring the menus and settings yourself.
Switch to apps-only mode
If you prefer simplicity, the default Google TV home screen might feel cluttered. It often includes large promotional banners and endless rows of recommendations that don’t always match your interests. Many users already know what they want to watch or prefer browsing specific apps directly, rather than being nudged by suggestions.
Apps-only mode strips away the extra noise. To enable it, go to Settings → All Settings → Accounts & Sign In → [your profile] → Apps-only mode. You can always return to the same menu to switch it back off.
That said, this streamlined mode comes with trade-offs. It removes not just ads and recommendations, but also search and voice features. You’ll need to open individual apps to find content, and you won’t be able to use the universal Watchlist. Because of these limitations, it’s best suited for people who rely on just a few streaming services.
Make use of the Watchlist
If you frequently discover movies or shows you want to watch later, the Watchlist feature can be a lifesaver. It lets you save titles as soon as they catch your interest - especially helpful for lesser-known films that don’t get much promotion.
You can add content directly from the Google TV home screen by pressing and holding a title, then selecting “Watchlist.” You can also save titles while browsing on the web: when you search for a movie or show while signed into your Google account, a Watchlist option will appear in the info panel. The same feature is available in the Google TV mobile app.
Just don’t forget to clean it up occasionally. Over time, your list can grow unwieldy, making it harder to find what you actually want to watch.
Customize the remote’s shortcut button
The remote includes a customizable shortcut button marked with a star. While dedicated buttons for YouTube and Netflix are fixed, the star button can be set to perform one of three actions: open the smart home panel, launch a favorite app, or switch inputs.
To set it up, press the star button and follow the prompts to choose your preferred action. If you assign it to input switching, you may need to add or select devices first, then confirm your choice.
If you ever want to change the shortcut later, simply press and hold the star button for a couple of seconds to reconfigure it.
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