How to check if your TV is a Google TV, Android TV, or other TV (2024)

Article ID : 00200367 / Last Modified : 07/06/2023

Print

    A Google TV™ or Android TV™ are TVs that use the Android Operating System (OS) from Google Inc. Android TVs have been included as part of Sony’s TV line-up since 2015, and the Google TVs were introduced in 2021.

    You can use the following methods to check whether your TV is a Google TV, an Android TV, or an LCD/LED type TV.

    Home Menu screen

    On the supplied remote control, press the HOME button to access the Home Menu screen.

    Google TV

    Note: The features displayed on the Home menu screen of a Google TV depend on whether or not you have logged in to your Google account.

    • When you sign in to your TV with your Google account:
      • There is a Google TV display in the top left of the screen or upper right.
      • There is a Google account icon in the upper left or upper right corner, and clicking it will bring up the dashboard.

        How to check if your TV is a Google TV, Android TV, or other TV (1)

    • When you do not sign in to your TV with your Google account:
      • There is a display about Google TV at the bottom of the screen.
        How to check if your TV is a Google TV, Android TV, or other TV (2)

    Android TV

    Notes:

    • The Home menu screens on an Android TV and Google TV are similar. For the Android TV, there's a Clock or How to check if your TV is a Google TV, Android TV, or other TV (3) (Settings) icon displayed in the upper right corner of the screen, and for the Google TV, you'll see a Google account icon.
    • The display in the upper right of the screen varies depending on your model and settings.

    How to check if your TV is a Google TV, Android TV, or other TV (4)

    Other LCD/LED TV models

    The Home menu screens from other TVs which do not use the Android OS vary, depending on the model and apps available.

    How to check if your TV is a Google TV, Android TV, or other TV (5)

    Remote control

    If the supplied remote control has a Mic button (or Mic icon), the TV is a Google TV or Android TV model.

    How to check if your TV is a Google TV, Android TV, or other TV (6)

    Notes:

    • Even with Google TV or Android TV models, there may not be a Mic button (or Mic icon), depending on the region and model.
    • For the xxC series, the Mic button is on the touchpad remote control.
      How to check if your TV is a Google TV, Android TV, or other TV (7)

    Specifications

    Go to your model support page, click the Specifications link on the page, and then scroll down to the Software section.

    If Androidor Android TV is listed under the Operating System field, it is an Android TV or Google TV.

    How to check if your TV is a Google TV, Android TV, or other TV (8)

    Please accept Youtube cookies to watch this video

    Access your cookie preferences below and make sure to switch on the Youtube cookie under the 'Functional' section.

    How to check if your TV is a Google TV, Android TV, or other TV (2024)

    FAQs

    How to check if your TV is a Google TV, Android TV, or other TV? ›

    Check the About section: Within the settings menu, navigate to the “About” or “System” section. Look for system information: You should find information about your TV's operating system, such as “Google TV,” “Android TV,” or another brand name.

    How do I know if I have Android TV or Google TV? ›

    The Home menu screens on an Android TV and Google TV are similar. For the Android TV, there's a Clock or (Settings) icon displayed in the upper right corner of the screen, and for the Google TV, you'll see a Google account icon. The display in the upper right of the screen varies depending on your model and settings.

    Are Google TV and Android TV the same? ›

    Google TV is the personalized experience that comes built-in to TCL Google TVs. Google TV is powered by an underlying operating system called Android TV OS. Some smart TVs and streaming devices are powered by Android TV OS but do not have the Google TV interface. These devices are referred to as Android TV devices.

    How can you tell the difference between an Android TV and a smart TV? ›

    The major difference between the two is the underlying operating system. While Android TVs run on Android TV OS, Smart TVs can run on different proprietary operating systems such as Tizen OS, Web OS, and tv OS.

    How do I know if my TV has Google TV? ›

    Check the About section: Within the settings menu, navigate to the “About” or “System” section. Look for system information: You should find information about your TV's operating system, such as “Google TV,” “Android TV,” or another brand name.

    How to tell if TV is Android? ›

    In general, if the supplied remote control has a Mic button (or Mic icon), the TV is a Google or Android TV. Examples: However, there may not be a Mic button (or Mic icon) in some rare instances, even if it's a Google or Android TV, depending on the region and model.

    Is Google TV compatible with all TVs? ›

    Hardware and broadband requirements. All Chromecast devices require a TV with High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) 1.3 or higher built-in. HDCP 2.2 is required to support 4K content. Most televisions that are 5 years old or newer and have HDMI ports will have at least one port that supports HDCP 2.2.

    What are the disadvantages of Google TV? ›

    Inconsistent Control, Consistent Frustration: Imagine settling down to watch a bunch of movies, only to be slapped around by controls that keep changing. One app lets you rewind with your fingers, another with buttons, and a third with a weird mix of the two. Unfortunately, this is how Google TV works.

    Is Google TV being discontinued? ›

    Google has decided to discontinue two of its entertainment services -- Google Play Movies and TV application. The company has reportedly begun the process of removing the application from Android and iOS. Additionally, it has also been removed from Roku and smart TVs.

    What makes a TV an Android TV? ›

    The Android TV platform is an adaptation of the Android OS for set-top boxes and as integrated software on smart TV hardware. It supports media and games apps from Google Play, although not all Google Play apps are compatible with Android TV.

    Is Hisense an Android TV? ›

    Hisense offers great smart TV choices with Android TV, Fire TV, Google TV, Roku TV, Vidaa TV and XClass TV. Android TV and Google TV give access to the entire Google ecosystem in the palm of your hand.

    Which TV has Android operating system? ›

    Best Android TVs: Choose from our top 10 picks for all-day engrossing entertainment at home
    • Xiaomi 108 cm (43 inches) X Series Smart Google TV.
    • Haier 165 cm (65 inches) Smart LED Google TV.
    • Acer 139 cm (55 inches) Advanced I Series Smart LED Google TV.
    • Xiaomi 138 cm (55 inches) X Pro IQ Series Smart Google TV.
    Mar 26, 2024

    What is the difference between Google TV and normal TV? ›

    Google TV is the latest smart TV version that was launched in 2020. It can personalize your TV's home screen based on your watching preferences and history. It has a more content-centric screen in comparison to Android TV. It automatically suggests trending content and new shows.

    Is a Google TV a regular TV? ›

    Essentially, it's a seamless integration of the Android TV operating system with Google's sophisticated software enhancements. This innovative platform offers a personalized and content-centric viewing experience, making it more than just a regular smart TV.

    Is Google TV free on TV? ›

    Google TV comes with live TV channels at no charge and with no app installation, sign-up, or subscription needed.

    How do I know what version of Android TV I have? ›

    Check the version by the following steps:
    1. Open the Settings screen. How to access Settings. Using the Quick Settings button (For models released in 2019 or later) ...
    2. The next steps will depend on your TV menu options: Select System — About — Version. Select Device Preferences — About — Version.
    Jul 5, 2023

    Which TVs use Android? ›

    Choosing one of the best Android TVs means picking a television with an operating system that keeps content streaming smoothly.
    • Best overall: TCL Q6.
    • Best OLED: Sony BRAVIA XR A80L.
    • Best for gaming: Sony XR65X90K.
    • Best QLED: Hisense U7H.
    • Best budget: TCL S3.
    Sep 29, 2023

    Can Google TV run Android apps? ›

    You can download apps by accessing the Google Play Store on your Google TV and Android TV. The Google Play Store is where you can find all the apps available on both Google TV and Android TV.

    Do I need Google TV on my Android? ›

    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.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Prof. An Powlowski

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6080

    Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

    Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Prof. An Powlowski

    Birthday: 1992-09-29

    Address: Apt. 994 8891 Orval Hill, Brittnyburgh, AZ 41023-0398

    Phone: +26417467956738

    Job: District Marketing Strategist

    Hobby: Embroidery, Bodybuilding, Motor sports, Amateur radio, Wood carving, Whittling, Air sports

    Introduction: My name is Prof. An Powlowski, I am a charming, helpful, attractive, good, graceful, thoughtful, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.