There’s a lot that can be done on a TV with Android TV, although obviously not all at once, let alone right away. For this reason, a few months ago, when I bought a new television with this system, I decided make some adjustments to be able to make comfortable and convenient use of the system in the coming months.
In fact, for reasons that are irrelevant, I had to completely reformat the system and, step by step, I followed the same steps as the first time. And it is that in the end they are routines that can help you in order to have the television completely to your liking. I will tell you.
1. Install a web browser
Yes I already know that. Surfing the Internet on a TV is not the most comfortable thing in the world. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever used the TV for this. However, having a web browser on Android TV is essential for certain actions like downloading APKs from trusted repositories other than Google Play.
So, of all there is, Open TV Browser It’s the one that convinces me the most. It is available on Google Play and its use is extremely simple. In addition, its interface is designed for TVs and groups different folders to quickly access all the web content you want with a few touches on the remote control.
2. Download a file manager
As I have already told you, it is essential for me to be able to install certain applications which, although reliable, are not on Google Play. And in addition to the browser, it is essential to have a file explorer with which install the APK and by the way be able to manage the files you import to the TV.
Of all those that exist, I confess to having a certain predilection for File Commander Manager. It is available for free on Google Play and its interface is very simple and intuitive. Just enough not to complicate me too much in a system as particular as Android TV.
3. Uninstall or Disable Default Apps
One of the problems I encountered on my TV was that it was running out of internal storage memory. This is why I chose clean up apps you’re not going to usewhich is already a classic when talking about freeing up space on Android TV or any other operating system.
In my case, there were several apps from the TV manufacturer that didn’t interest me at all. However, not all of them could be completely uninstalled and I had to resort to delete your data and deactivate it. It’s true that in the end they are still on the device and take up a bit of space, but it’s a testimony and it prevents them from stealing space from the system.
4. Install a launcher that changes the appearance
I admit that I really like the look of Google TV that many TVs with Android TV already have and that’s why most of the time I keep the native launcher. However, I like to change the appearance eventually and try one of the many launchers available for Android TV.
Of all those out there, I love the look and feel FLauncher brings to the TV. And it is that shines with its simplicityleaving only the applications in the purest Apple TV style, which is the device I had before having Android TV and which I end up missing visually.
5. A must-have app for controller shortcuts
By default, my TV remote already has buttons that give quick access to YouTube, Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video apps. However, these are not the only streaming platforms I use. Therefore, it was very comfortable for me to be able to have a Quick access to the apps I use the most and what better than to take advantage of buttons that have less important functionality (if they have any).
For this I use the app Button Mapper, available for free on Google Play. This allows you to assign new functions to the Android TV remote and not just access apps. Does the app even let you take screenshots.
6. Take a speed test
It is true that to see streaming content you do not need to have the fastest Internet connection in the world. However, and even more so when it comes to 4K content, having a low speed can be a problem. And it is that often it causes the content to be seen in a lower resolution or that it stops loading all the time.
Therefore, whether with WiFi or cable, I turn to the Netflix app. And no, I’m not mistaken in mentioning the tool I use, since Netflix hides a speed test in its Android TV application. It is not that it offers very complete data, but it is enough to know how the connection is on the TV, whether to consume content on Netflix itself or on any other platform.
7. Google Home, essential for my mobile
Despite the quick settings that can be configured on the controller with apps like Button Mapper that I mentioned earlier, there’s one thing that makes me think (and many more): write with the on-screen keyboard. For this reason, using the Google Home app on your mobile is the best way to have a keyboard on Android TV.
The app is compatible with Android and iPhone, so no matter what phone I use, I can use it. Besides, the Setup is quick and all you have to do is put the same Google account as on the TV.
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