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IPTV on Android TV and Google TV: Setup Guide

Android TV and Google TV are the same platform underneath. If your television or streaming box has the Google Play Store, this guide applies to you.

Updated Written by the IPTVSmart teamWe are the service provider, not an independent reviewer. Editorial policy

Which devices this covers

  • Televisions with Android TV or Google TV built in, including many Sony, Philips, TCL and Hisense models sold in the UK and Ireland.
  • Streaming devices such as Chromecast with Google TV and the Google TV Streamer.
  • Set-top boxes such as NVIDIA Shield TV.

Not sure what your television runs? Press the home button. If you see a row of apps with a Google account icon and can open the Play Store, it is Android TV or Google TV. Samsung and LG sets use different systems: see the Smart TV guide instead.

Step 1: Prepare the device

  1. Connect to your network. If your television or box has an Ethernet port and the router is nearby, use a cable. It is the single most effective way to prevent buffering.
  2. Open Settings > System > About > System update and install any update.
  3. Make sure you are signed in to a Google account so that the Play Store works.

Step 2: Install a player app from Google Play

  1. Open the Google Play Store from the apps row. On Google TV, you can also select Search and say or type the app's name.
  2. Search for the player named in your setup instructions.
  3. Select Install.

Stick to players designed for television. Phone apps installed on a TV are awkward to drive with a remote.

Step 3: Add your subscription

Open the player and choose to add a new playlist, profile or provider. The wording varies between apps. Enter the details from your subscription or trial message: either a username, password and server address, or a playlist link. Enter them exactly; they are case-sensitive.

The player then downloads your channel list and guide. On first run this can take a minute or two.

Step 4: Tune the experience

  • Match the frame rate. Many players and most Android TV boxes have a “match content frame rate” option. Switching it on makes motion smoother, particularly for sport.
  • Set up favourites. Building a short favourites list makes daily use much quicker.
  • Check the guide. If programme listings do not appear, see what an IPTV EPG is.

Notes for NVIDIA Shield owners

Shield TV is among the most capable Android TV boxes, and setup is identical to the steps above. Two things are worth doing: connect it by Ethernet, since the port is there, and enable Match content frame rate under the device's display settings. If you use its AI upscaling, try a channel with and without it; results vary with the source.

Notes for Chromecast with Google TV

The Chromecast has limited storage. If an install fails, remove apps you do not use under Settings > Apps. It is Wi-Fi only out of the box, so position matters: use the supplied power adapter, and keep the device from being wedged directly behind the television if reception is poor.

If something goes wrong