How to Set Up Android TV vs Google TV: A Step-by-Step Guide

So you’ve just unboxed your brand-new smart TV. Exciting, right? But here comes the first real question—is it running Android TV or Google TV? And more importantly: does the setup process differ?

In 2025, choosing between Android TV and Google TV isn’t just about software—it’s about how you want your home entertainment to feel. And while both platforms are powered by Google, the way they introduce themselves the moment you hit “power” can say a lot about their personalities.

This guide is your no-fluff, real-talk walkthrough of how to set up both platforms. And if you’re still wondering which one is better suited for your space, don’t forget to dive into our full Android TV vs Google TV comparison pillar page for the deeper strategic breakdown.

Step 1: Unbox, Connect, and Identify Your Platform

Before you even grab the remote, pause for a second—which platform are you actually setting up?

1. If your TV has a traditional app-grid interface, you’re looking at Android TV.
   
   

2. If it boots up into a sleek, content-curated homepage showing show recommendations across platforms, it's Google TV.
   
   

Brands like Sony, TCL, and Hisense offer both, so it’s important to check before you proceed.

Now let’s connect:

1. Plug in your TV and connect it to power.
   
   

2. Insert your HDMI cable (if you’re using external devices like Chromecast).
   
   

3. Grab your remote, pop in the batteries, and switch it on.
   
   

The moment of truth begins. For Android TV, expect a simple Google logo and direct prompts. For Google TV, the interface may feel warmer, more inviting—and yep, just a tad slower on budget models.

Step 2: Choose Language, Region, and Network

Both platforms will now guide you through initial settings—language, region, and Wi-Fi.

Here’s what to note:

1. Language: Google TV may offer more localized content recommendations later, based on your selection.
   
   

2. Wi-Fi: Make sure you're connecting to a strong and stable network. Streaming demands speed.
   
   

Differences to expect:

1. Android TV moves faster through these settings. It’s focused, transactional.
   
   

2. Google TV might include an extra step—QR code login via mobile—to start syncing your preferences and existing Google ecosystem from the get-go.
   
   

Pro tip: If you’re setting up a Glance-enabled smart TV, this is the stage where the TV starts pulling in personalization signals. The onboarding design and responsiveness might vary slightly between Android and Google TV, but the Glance interface will kick in once the device is idle.

Step 3: Sign In with Google Account (Don’t Skip This)

This is where the roads start to diverge.

On Android TV, signing in with a Google account is optional. You can skip it and still use the basic features. But you’ll lose out on:

1. Play Store access
   
   

2. Personalized YouTube recommendations
   
   

3. Google Assistant voice search
   
   

On Google TV, it’s almost mandatory—because the entire UI is driven by personalization. Skipping sign-in is technically allowed, but you’ll miss 80% of the value.

So here’s the real-world advice:
Always sign in with your Google account. Whether you're team Android TV or team Google TV, this step unlocks the ecosystem—apps, games, voice commands, smart home control, and more.

You’ll be prompted to use:

1. Phone QR code login (Google TV)
   
   

2. Manual email-password entry (Android TV)
   
   

Take the extra minute. It's worth it.

Step 4: App Installation & Customization

Now comes the fun part: setting up your content universe.

On Android TV, you’ll be taken to a dashboard with basic app rows like:

1. Google Play Store
   
   

2. YouTube
   
   

3. Netflix (if preloaded)
   
   

4. Prime Video (brand-dependent)
   
   

You manually search and install apps from the Play Store. No frills, no nudges.

Google TV, in contrast, makes you feel like you’ve entered a theme park. During setup, it asks:

1. What genres do you like?
   
   

2. Which streaming services do you use?
   
   

3. Do you want to sync your watch history?
   
   

Based on this, it auto-installs a set of apps, curates your homepage, and begins suggesting shows right there. You’re not building a TV experience—you’re walking into one that’s already been designed for you.

So while Android TV asks “What do you want to do?”, Google TV says “Here’s what you’ll love.”

Step 5: Set Up Google Assistant and Voice Control

Here’s where setup starts to impact your daily usage.

Android TV gives you a basic voice control prompt:

1. “Enable Google Assistant?”
   
   

2. “Allow microphone access?”
   Once you accept, you can press the mic button on your remote and ask for apps, volume changes, or “Play Mirzapur on Prime Video.”
   
   

Google TV takes this further. It encourages full-on integration:

1. Smart home control setup (Nest, smart lights, ACs)
   
   

2. Voice-based profile switching
   
   

3. Searching across apps with one query
   
   

Plus, voice suggestions are woven into the Google TV UI itself. Search results aren’t confined to one app—they pull from everywhere. It’s intuitive, ambient, and smarter.

So if you're imagining a future where your TV, lights, and shopping all respond to your voice, Google TV is the more capable platform. And yes, Glance’s upcoming voice-powered commerce integrations will play beautifully here.

Step 6: Personal Profiles and Watchlists

Here’s a setup step that only Google TV offers—user profiles.

1. Set up individual profiles for each household member
   
   

2. Sync recommendations, watchlists, and even parental controls
   
   

3. Profiles are tied to your Google accounts
   
   

This is a game-changer for families, roommates, or even multi-generational homes.

Android TV doesn’t support profiles. Everything is shared. So if your kids binge-watch cartoons, expect Doraemon thumbnails across your entire home screen—even when you’re looking for a dark thriller.

Creating a profile on Google TV is easy:

1. Click your profile icon (top right)
   
   

2. Add a new user or child account
   
   

3. Choose content filters if needed
   
   

This feature alone makes Google TV feel like a personal streaming concierge, not just a platform.

Step 7: Explore Smart Features (Casting, Screensavers, and More)

Now that the basics are sorted, let’s dig into the extras that make your setup feel polished.

Casting: Both platforms support Chromecast built-in. You can cast content from your phone or laptop directly to the TV with one tap. Seamless.

Screensavers:

1. Android TV uses Ambient Mode or Google Photos albums.
   
   

2. Google TV features “proactive content previews”—news, weather, tips, and even interactive experiences.
   
   

This is where Glance AI enters the picture. On compatible TVs, once the device is idle for 5 minutes, Glance transforms the screen into a dynamic feed:

1. Fashion drops, curated by AI
   
   

2. Product discovery directly from your screen
   
   

3. News, entertainment, and more—refreshed every 15 seconds
   
   

Whether you're using Android or Google TV, the smart surface layer from Glance bridges the gap, offering commerce, content, and interaction beyond traditional streaming.

Final Tips and Troubleshooting

1. Remote not syncing? Reset it by holding the pairing button or remove and reinsert batteries.
   
   

2. Wi-Fi drops during setup? Try setting up using a mobile hotspot, then switch to home Wi-Fi post-setup.
   
   

3. Google Assistant not responding? Ensure microphone permissions are allowed, and your language settings match.
   
   

Both Android TV and Google TV have extensive help sections and update support pages. But if you want a future-proof setup, keep your firmware updated and explore new integrations as they roll out—especially with platforms like Glance redefining what screens can do.

So, Which Setup Experience Wins?

Here’s the honest truth:

1. Android TV setup is fast, simple, functional. Great for people who want to get to the apps and be done.
   
   

2. Google TV setup is thoughtful, immersive, and smart. It builds a tailored experience that feels like walking into your own private multiplex.
   
   

And with ambient tech like Glance AI, the lines are starting to blur between TV, shopping, and smart living. Whether you're discovering products from your lockscreen or browsing a virtual magazine layout on your TV’s idle screen, the setup you choose today shapes the experiences you’ll have tomorrow.

Still deciding between platforms? Check out our full Android TV vs Google TV comparison to see how features, UX, and smart tech stack up side-by-side.

FAQs

1. Is setup easier on Android TV or Google TV?
Android TV is quicker to set up. Google TV takes more steps but offers a richer experience.

2. Do I need a Google account for setup?
It’s optional on Android TV but essential on Google TV for full functionality.

3. Can I use Google TV without internet?
Not really. Offline use is limited and defeats the point of its cloud-driven features.

4. How do I enable Glance AI features?
Glance is activated on supported devices automatically once idle. No separate app is needed.

5. Can I use both platforms on the same TV?
No, but you can switch between them on certain models that support dual UI modes or install a Chromecast with Google TV on an Android TV.