Introduction: Why Google TV It appeared on your Xiaomi.
You opened the app menu on Xiaomi and found an unfamiliar icon with the Google logo TV? Don't be too quick to remove it, it's not a virus, it's not a random installation. MIUI on many Redmi models, POCO and Xiaomi (beginning with the MIUI 12.5 and later) as part of Google's service ecosystem, but why would you want it on a phone when it's for TVs?
Actually, Google. TV โ It is not just a streaming app, but a full-fledged platform that combines content from different services (including Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and even Movie Search), on Xiaomi smartphones it acts as a bridge between a mobile device and Android. TV-So, for example, you can use set-top boxes or smart TVs:
- ๐ฑ Control your TV from your smartphone like a remote control (if you have Android) TV Google TV-device).
- ๐ฌ Sync viewing: start the movie on the phone, and continue on the big screen.
- ๐ Search content across all streaming platforms at the same time (instead of opening each app separately).
- ๐ฅ Download movies for offline viewing (the feature is not available in all regions).
Many Xiaomi users are facing confusion: Google TV It is easy to confuse with Google Play Movies (now called Google). TV In this article, we'll look at how this app is useful on a smartphone, how to set it up correctly, and whether it can be safely removed if you don't need it.
Google TV Google Play Movies vs YouTube: What's the Difference?
The main problem is that Google is actively renaming and combining its services, which causes users to lose their users.
| Service | Appointment | Available on Xiaomi | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google TV (attachment) | Content aggregator + Android TV | Yes (pre-installed) | Combines movies from different services, manages the TV |
| Google Play Movies (Old Title) | Movie and TV series store | Yes, part of Google. TV) | Now built into Google TV as a library tab" |
| YouTube | Video hosting (including movies and TV series) | Yes (separate annex) | Content is free, but with advertising (premium โ without it) |
| Android TV | OS for TVs and consoles | No, only on TV-device) | Google TV โ It's an add-on over Android. TV |
Important: On Xiaomi smartphones under "Google" TV" The most common thing that's hiding is the content aggregator, not the movie store "TV" โ And if it's called Movies and TV or Play Movies, it's an outdated version of the service that Google is gradually replacing with Google. TV.
The main advantage of Google TV You can go to YouTube or individual streaming services for a universal search, for example, if you're looking for a Lord of the Rings movie, it'll show you what platform it's available on (and at what price), even if you don't have a subscription. If you have a movie in your Google Play library, you can start watching it right from your phone.
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If you have a Chromecast or Android TV TV, Google TV Xiaomi can be used as a remote โ swipe up in the interface will open the control panel.
How to use Google TV on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
If you decide to try out the app, here are the basic features that will come in handy:
1. Account setting and synchronization
When Google first launched TV asks you to log in to your Google account (the same as your phone), which is mandatory โ without authorization, most of the functions will be blocked:
- ๐ Your subscriptions are synced (for example, Netflix or YouTube Premium).
- ๐ The purchase library from Google Play Movies is being pulled up.
- ๐บ If you have Android TV-The device will appear in the list of available screens.
2. Search for content
The main feature of the app is a global search. Click on the magnifying glass icon at the top and type in the name of the movie or series.
- ๐ฅ Where to watch (free/paid).
- ๐ฐ Cost of rent or purchase (if content is paid).
- โญ Ratings and reviews (from Google, IMDb, Movie Search).
3. Television control
If you have Android TV Google TV-console (for example, Nvidia Shield or Xiaomi Mi) TV Stick, the application can replace the remote:
- Connect your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Google. TV Xiaomi.
- Swipe up - a panel with control buttons (volume, rewind, voice search) will appear.
Wi-Fi connection|Authorization in Google account|Update the application in the Play Market|Synchronization with the TV (if any)-->
4. Offline viewing
Some movies and TV shows can be downloaded without the Internet.
- Find the content in the app.
- Click on three dots next to the name.
- Select "Download" (if the option is available).
โ ๏ธ Note: Downloaded files take up space in the phoneโs memory and are protected DRM โ They cannot be copied or transferred to another device.
Can I remove Google? TV With Xiaomi and how to do it
If you don't plan on using the app, you can delete it or disable it, but there are nuances:
- ๐ซ Complete removal is not possible on all Xiaomi models โ some system applications are protected from uninstallation.
- โ๏ธ Disabling (without deleting) is always available โ it is safe and frees up RAM.
- ๐ After resetting the phone to Google's factory settings TV return.
Method 1: Disconnect (without root)
The safest method:
- Go to Settings โ Applications โ Application Management.
- Find Google. TV list.
- Press "Unplug" (button can be gray).
- Confirm the action.
The app will disappear from the menu, but it will remain in the system, and updates for it will stop downloading.
Method 2: Removal (ADB required)
A computer and tool are needed to remove the entire device. ADB. This is risky โ if you make a mistake, you can disrupt other Google services!
Instructions for removal through ADB
โ ๏ธ Note: Deleting Google system applications may cause Google Play Services to crash, affecting other programs (such as Gmail or Maps.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Xiaomi users often face errors in Google TV. Here are the most common ones and ways to correct them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| App won't open | Cache or data failure | Clear the cache in Settings โ Apps โ Google TV โ Storage |
| Can't find the TV. | Different Wi-Fi networks | Connect both devices to the same network |
| No connection error | Blocking Google Play Services | Update Google Services to Play Market |
| No movies are downloaded. | Insufficient memory or DRM-mistake | Make room and check the settings. DRM In Settings โ Google โ Google Play Services |
If Google TV It is constantly โflyingโ or slowing down, try it:
- Update the app in the Play Market.
- Reboot the phone.
- Remove updates (in the application settings).
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Most of the Google mistakes TV Xiaomi is linked to Google Play Services. If the app is buggy, check for updates to Google services first.
Google's Hidden Features TV, which few know
The app has more than it looks. Here are some useful tips:
- ๐ค Voice search with continuation on TV: Say โOK Google, turn on Game of Thrones on your TVโ and the content will open on the big screen (if it supports Google Assistant).
- ๐ Personalized recommendations: The longer you use, the more accurate the selection of content (based on browsing history on YouTube and other services).
- ๐ Synchronization with Disney+ Apple TV: In some regions, you can connect accounts of these services and manage them through Google. TV.
- ๐ฎ Games on TV: If you have Stadia or GeForce Now, you can play games from your smartphone TV (gamepad).
Another little-known possibility is to create viewing lists, for example, you can queue up a weekend movie or a family TV series.
- Find the content in the app.
- Press the badge "+" or "Add to the list".
- Create a new list or add to an existing one.
โ ๏ธ Note: The synchronization function between devices only works if you use the same Google account on your phone and TV.
Alternatives to Google TV Xiaomi
If Google TV You are not suitable, consider analogues:
| Annex | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| JustWatch | Shows where it is cheaper to buy/rent a movie | No control. TV |
| Kodi | Support for local files and plugins | Tough setup |
| Mi Remote (from Xiaomi) | Management TV Googleless | No streaming. |
| Plex | Own media library + streaming | Requires a server |
If you only need a remote for your TV, itโs best to use Mi Remote โ itโs pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and supports most brands. TV (including Samsung, LG, Sony. JustWatch is the best way to find content on streaming services, it is not tied to the Google ecosystem and works faster.