Google Assistant Can Run Your TV

Upgrading to an Android-based smart TV means you can run it not only with the smart remote, but with Google Assistant or a Google Nest—and with your voice.

How to set it up

• Connect your smartphone or Google Nest to the same Wifi and account as your TV
• In the Google Home app, tap “Add,” > “Set Up Device” > New Device
• Tap the home you want to add the device to, then tap on the device you want to set up
• Make sure the code shown on the TV matches the code on your mobile device
• Tap the room where you’re setting up your device, then the wifi network you want to connect it to
• Choose the video services you want to add to

Pro Tip

You should definitely change the name of your TV to something intuitive like “TV,” or you’ll have to include the precise name of the TV in all your GA commands. (For instance, mine was called Sony XBR-58H.)

• Tap on the TV in the Google Home app
• Tap the settings gear on the top right
• Tap Name
• Change the name

Commands you can use

There are lots of fun things you can do with your Assistant! Try these commands:

• Hey Google, turn on (or off) TV
• Hey Google, open Netflix
• Hey Google, play Borgen on Netflix (If you haven’t seen it yet and you’re okay with something subtitled, I highly recommend!)
• Hey Google, pause TV