What Google TV actually is and how to get it
Google TV is software that runs on a device and lets you search for shows and movies across multiple streaming services from one menu. You do not buy Google TV itself — instead, you buy a device that comes with Google TV already installed, or you plug in a device that has it built in.
The most common way to get Google TV is to buy a Google Chromecast with Google TV, a small device you plug into an HDMI port on your television. Other manufacturers like Sony, TCL, and Hisense sell televisions with Google TV built into the screen. Some streaming devices from other brands also run Google TV software.
If you already own a Chromecast (the older kind without Google TV), you cannot add Google TV to it — you would need to buy the newer Chromecast with Google TV model instead.
Key Takeaways
- Google TV is software you get by purchasing a device that has it installed, most commonly a Google Chromecast with Google TV.
- A Chromecast with Google TV plugs into any television's HDMI port and costs between $30 and $50 depending on the model.
- You can also buy a television with Google TV built into the screen from brands like Sony, TCL, and Hisense, though this costs more upfront.
- Once plugged in and connected to your home Wi-Fi, Google TV works when ready — you do not need a subscription to the software itself.
Buying a Chromecast with Google TV
The Google Chromecast with Google TV is a small rectangular device about the size of a thumb drive with a cord attached. You plug the cord into an HDMI port on the back or side of your television, then plug the power adapter into a wall outlet. The device costs between $30 and $50 depending on whether you buy the standard model or a higher-end version with more storage.
You can buy a Chromecast with Google TV from Google's own store, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and most electronics retailers. Search for "Chromecast with Google TV" to find current models and prices in your area. Make sure the listing says "with Google TV" — older Chromecast models without Google TV are still sold and do not have the same features.
Once it arrives, unbox it and plug the HDMI cord into your television, then plug the power adapter into a nearby outlet. Turn on your television and switch to the HDMI input where you plugged in the Chromecast. The device will walk you through setup on your screen.
Setting up Google TV after you plug it in
When you first turn on a Chromecast with Google TV, it will ask you to connect to your home Wi-Fi network. Select your network name from the list, enter your Wi-Fi password, and wait for the connection to complete. This usually takes less than a minute.
Next, the device will ask you to sign in with a Google account. Use an existing Gmail address or create a new one if you do not have one. Signing in lets Google TV remember your preferences, show you personalized recommendations, and let you cast content from your phone to the television.
After you sign in, Google TV will ask which streaming services you use — Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and so on. Tell it which ones you subscribe to, and Google TV will remember them. You do not need to sign into each service right now; you can do that later when you want to watch something.
Buying a television with Google TV built in
If you are buying a new television anyway, you can choose one with Google TV built into the screen instead of buying a separate Chromecast device. Sony, TCL, Hisense, and some other manufacturers sell televisions with Google TV as the operating system. When you turn on the television for the first time, you go through the same setup process — connect to Wi-Fi, sign in with a Google account, and tell it which streaming services you use.
The advantage is that you do not need a separate device or an extra HDMI port. The disadvantage is that a television with Google TV built in costs more upfront than a basic television plus a separate Chromecast. If your current television works fine, adding a Chromecast is usually cheaper than replacing the whole screen.
What you need before you start
Before you plug in a Chromecast with Google TV, make sure you have a few things in place. You need a television with at least one available HDMI port — nearly all televisions made in the last ten years have at least two. You need a working Wi-Fi network in your home that the Chromecast can connect to. You need a power outlet within reach of the Chromecast's power cord, or a power strip if the outlet is far away.
You also need a Google account — either an existing Gmail address or the ability to create one for free. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one at google.com before you set up the Chromecast, or you can create one during the setup process on your television.
Streaming services and subscriptions you might need
Google TV itself is free — you do not pay a subscription to use the software. However, most of the shows and movies you watch through Google TV come from streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and others, and those services charge monthly fees. You only need to subscribe to the services you actually want to watch.
Google TV's main job is to search across all your subscriptions at once. If you tell it you subscribe to Netflix and Disney+, you can search for a show and Google TV will tell you which service has it. You do not need to open each app separately to look for something.
Some content is free with ads — services like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Freevee do not charge a subscription. Google TV includes these free services in its search results too, so you can watch without paying anything if you do not mind advertisements.
Troubleshooting a Chromecast that will not connect
If your Chromecast will not connect to Wi-Fi during setup, first check that your Wi-Fi network is working by testing it on your phone or computer. If your phone connects fine but the Chromecast does not, try moving the Chromecast closer to your Wi-Fi router — thick walls or distance can weaken the signal. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart before trying the Chromecast again.
If the Chromecast still will not connect after moving it and restarting the router, unplug the Chromecast's power cord for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This resets the device. Go through the setup process again and try connecting to Wi-Fi. If it still fails, contact Google support — there may be a problem with the device itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Google TV without a Google account?
No. Google TV requires you to sign in with a Google account during setup. You can create a free Gmail account if you do not already have one. The account is how Google TV remembers your preferences and streaming services.
Do I need to pay for Google TV itself?
No. The Google TV software is free. You only pay for the device that runs it (like a Chromecast) and for any streaming services you subscribe to. The Chromecast with Google TV costs $30 to $50 as a one-time purchase.
Can I use Google TV on my old television?
Yes, if your television has an HDMI port. Plug a Chromecast with Google TV into the HDMI port and you can use Google TV on any television made in roughly the last 15 years. If your television does not have an HDMI port, it is too old to work with a Chromecast.
What if I already have a Chromecast without Google TV?
The older Chromecast models do not have Google TV built in. You would need to buy a new Chromecast with Google TV to get the Google TV software. The older device can still cast content from your phone, but it does not have the search and recommendation features of Google TV.
Can I cast from my phone to Google TV?
Yes. If your phone and your Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network, you can cast videos, photos, and music from your phone to your television. Open a video app on your phone, tap the cast icon, and select your Chromecast from the list.