Android TV is one of the most popular streaming platforms on the market and for good reason — it’s easy to use and provides access to thousands of apps, games and movies. But even with its popularity, Android TV can still have its share of problems. Whether it’s an app not working correctly, a remote that won’t connect or picture quality issues, getting help with Android TV can be tricky.
That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to help you identify and fix some of the most common problems with Android TV. We’ll go over everything from what to do if your remote won’t work properly to how to adjust your settings so you always get the best picture quality possible. So, if you’re looking for some quick fixes or want more information on how to troubleshoot your device, this is the guide for you.
Table of Contents
Android TV Not Responding to Remote
If your Android TV isn’t responding to your remote, the first thing to do is make sure the batteries in your remote are not used up. If they are not used up , you can try resetting your TV by pressing and holding the power button on the TV for ten seconds. If that doesn’t work, you may need to reset your Android TV device. To do this, plug out the power cord from its socket and wait for a few minutes before plugging it back in again. This should help resolve any issues of not responding to your remote.
Not Able to Access Connected Apps
It’s wildly frustrating when you try to enjoy your TV, but you’re unable to access any of your connected apps. If this is your issue, there could be a few different causes.
First, make sure that your Android device is connected to the right Wi-Fi network. Your device won’t be able to access an app if it’s not connected to the same network that the app is in.
Next, check the app store from which you downloaded the app. Is it compatible with your version of Android TV? Many apps are updated regularly, so if you haven’t done so in a while, now may be a good time for an update.
Another cause could be a Google Play Store glitch. This can often occur when there are too many apps open on your device at once–close any unnecessary ones and give it another shot! Finally, if all else fails, re-install the affected app and set it up again from scratch–this should solve any hiccups you’re having!
Issues Connecting to Wifi on Android TV
Having trouble connecting to wifi on your Android TV? Don’t worry—it’s actually pretty common and there are a few things you can do to try and fix it.
Check the network
The first step is to make sure that you’re connected to the correct wifi network, and that it is within range of where you’re trying to connect. To do this, go into the settings menu and select “Network & Internet > Wifi”, then check which networks are available and make sure the one you want is selected.
Restart your network devices
If the network you’re trying to connect to looks good, then the next step is to restart your router. This will help reset any connection issues that might have been causing your internet connection problems.
Check for updates
Another thing worth checking for is whether or not there are any software updates available for your TV. These updates can help patch up any issues with connectivity, as well as improve general performance. To check, go into “Settings > System > About > Software info” and see if there are any updates available.
By double-checking your connection details, restarting your network devices, and making sure all system updates are installed, you should be able to get back up and running with Android TV in no time!
Android TV Freezing Up or Lagging
Another common problem you may run into is Android TV freezing up or lagging. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to watch a movie or show that’s buffering and glitching.
First and foremost, try restarting the device. This will take just a few minutes and should hopefully fix the issue. If it doesn’t, then move onto the next steps.
Check for updates:
Make sure your device is up to date with any software or app updates that are available. Having an outdated version of an app can lead to issues like these.
Clear Cache Files:
Cache files are stored on your device so they don’t have to reload each time you open an app. However, over time they can accumulate and slow down your device. To help speed things up, it’s a good idea to clear cache files occasionally. You can do this using the Settings menu on your Android TV device, or using a third-party app such as CCleaner.
Uninstall Unnecessary Apps:
Try uninstalling unnecessary apps off of Android TV—those that you no longer use or haven’t used in a while—as they could be causing performance issues with Android TV if they’re not optimized for the platform. When in doubt, try reinstalling the apps from the Google Play Store to make sure that they are running correctly and are optimized for your device’s hardware specifications.
Losing Connection With External Device
One common problem with Android TV is losing connection with an external device. This could be due to poor signal strength, weak Wi-Fi, or even outdated firmware. This can be really annoying—you’re trying to watch a movie, but suddenly your Chromecast stops working.
Luckily, there are some simple fixes you can try if this happens:
- Make sure your device is up to date: Check for and install any available updates for your Android TV device and other connected devices like Fire Stick, Chromecast, etc.
- Move your router and the external device closer together: The further away the router and the external device are from each other, the weaker the connection will be. Try moving them closer together to get a better signal strength.
- Reboot your router: Unplugging and re-plugging in your router can help reset the connection between your external device and the network. Give it a try!
- Try another Wi-Fi network: If you have access to another Wi-Fi network nearby, try using that one instead. This could be a good way of isolating where an issue may lie if there is an issue with one of the networks you are usually connected to.
- Reset your Android TV box: This should be tried as a last resort but can help clear out any lingering connection issues that you may have been having with devices not connecting correctly when they should have been doing so previously.
Downloading Apps on an Android TV
Having trouble downloading apps on your Android TV? Let’s go over some of the steps you can take to get your apps downloading again:
Check your internet connection
The first step is to make sure your internet connection is stable and working properly. If you’re connected via WiFi, try switching over to a wired connection, or vice versa. You could also try resetting your router or modem.
Clear the cache
Clearing out the memory cache can help with downloading apps, as old files can interfere with the process. To do this, go into the Settings of your Android TV, then select Apps & Notifications > See All Apps. Find Google Play Store in the list of installed apps and select Storage & Cache > Clear Cache and Data.
Uninstall/Reinstall Google Play
If that doesn’t work, you might need to uninstall and reinstall Google Play on your Android TV. To do so, go into Settings > Apps & Notifications > See All Apps > Google Play Store and select Uninstall > OK. Then restart your device before reinstalling the app from within Settings > Device Preferences > Security & Restrictions > Unknown Sources (Allow installation of apps from Unknown Sources)> OK followed by Download Google Play Store from any trusted website (such as www.apkmirror.com). After it’s installed, sign in with your existing account details or create a new account if needed – and you should be good to go!
How to Update Your Android TV
You may be wondering how to update Android TV, if you’re experiencing any of the common problems we mentioned in the previous section. The good news is that updating the device is actually really easy, and doesn’t require a whole lot of technical know-how.
Upgrade Automatically
Your Android TV will typically notify you when an update is available, so all you have to do is follow the onscreen prompts. For most Android TVs, just go to “Settings > About > System Update”. Once you click on “System Update” you should see if there are any available updates for your device, and then be able to click “Install Now”.
Upgrade Manually
If an automatic update isn’t showing up on your device or if it fails, then you may need to do an upgrade manually. You can do this by downloading the upgrade file from your manufacturer’s website, saving it onto a USB drive, and then plugging that into your device to install the new version of Android.
Updating your Android TV is super easy, and it can often solve some of the common issues that users experience with their devices. So, make sure you stay up-to-date with the latest version of Android — it could save you a lot of headaches in the long run!