How to turn TV into Smart TV

In fact, smart TVs have gained a lot of popularity lately. Most of us would like to have a smart TV at home as it comes with convenient features including web browsing, gaming, and the ability to stream multimedia content. First, it almost completely eliminates the need for a TV antenna and / or subscription to a cable / satellite service. There is no doubt that Smart TVs are much more expensive than regular TVs. And most won’t find it wise to ditch their old LEDs just to buy a smart TV. However, do you want to take advantage of the smart features of your existing TV? Well, here’s how you can turn TV into Smart TV with some simple and inexpensive tricks.

Read also: The best IPTV applications

How to turn TV into Smart TV

In particular, making your old TV a smart TV is quite simple, as long as you have an older TV that has HDMI and USB ports. If so, you can use a smart media player or streaming dongle to get all the functionality of a smart TV on your existing TV. If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI port, you can still use an HDMI to RCA adapter that plugs into the RCA connectors (red, white and yellow connectors) on the back of the TV.

1. Google Chromecast 3

Google Chromecast 3 available on Amazon is the latest version of the streaming dongle company that allows you to stream your phone’s media directly to your TV in good quality. If you have a Google Chromecast, here’s how to make a TV smart. Start by plugging the dongle into the TV’s HDMI port. As mentioned, you can use an HDMI to RCA adapter if your TV doesn’t have one. The dongle also has a micro USB connector that can be plugged into the TV’s USB port for power. Alternatively, you can also power it via a power outlet. Next you need to set the source as HDMI with the TV remote control. You can now see the setup instructions on the screen. Now download and install the Google Home app for Android / iOS on your phone. Alternatively, you can also set up your computer to cast to TV by following the instructions at https://www.google.com/chromecast/setup.

Open the Google Home app and go to Account> Setup or Add> Set up a device> Set up new devices in your home and wait for your Chromecast to be detected. Once detection is complete, tap Confirm and check the 4-digit code visible on the TV. Select a WiFi network that Chromecast needs to connect to (the same network your phone is currently connected to) and the dongle will connect to your phone. That’s all. You can now play apps and movies directly from your phone to your TV and even in 1080p resolution at 60fps. As an added bonus, some media streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video offer a dedicated cast button so you can continue using your phone while enjoying content on TV.

Read also: How to set up Chromecast

2. Amazon Fire TV Stick

Unlike Chromecast, the Amazon Fire TV available on Amazon is a full-featured TV stick that doesn’t require a smartphone to work. It’s more of a media streaming device that connects to an HDTV and gives users access to thousands of movies, TV shows, apps, and games on the internet. There is also an Alexa-based voice remote control, which makes it even easier for seniors to use at home. To turn TV into Smart TV with Amazon Fire TV Stick, follow the steps below. Connect the Amazon Fire TV Stick to the HDMI port on the TV. Plug it into a wall outlet using the included adapter and micro USB cable. Turn on the TV and switch to HDMI as the source. The screen will now say “Search for remote control”. Tap the Home button on the remote to pair the Fire TV, then hit the Play / Pause button to get started.

Connect to your WiFi network and let it update. Then log in with your Amazon ID and password. Now select the necessary services, TV station apps and other recommended applications and proceed with the download. Now you can enjoy movies, shows and games and stream videos via Netflix, Hulu, and more. Additionally, the Amazon Fire can also be used to search for local restaurants, get weather information, play games, and listen to news and music. The included Alexa voice remote takes things to the next level by letting you perform voice commands. You can easily tell Alexa to open apps or watch programs like you do with the Google Assistant, e.g. For example, “Alexa, open Netflix” or “Alexa, watch The Walking Dead”. It also supports controls like pause, stop, fast forward, rewind and more, contributing to a complete Smart TV experience.

Also Read: How To Use Alexa Speaker To Control Fire TV Or Fire TV Stick

3. How to make a smart TV with Xiaomi Mi TV Box

Xiaomi Mi TV Box brings a complete Android experience to your regular TV, challenging the need to spend more to turn your TV into a smart TV. Xiaomi Mi TV Box available on Amazon runs Android 8.1 Oreo and comes with pre-installed apps like Netflix, YouTube, HBO, Hulu, etc., followed by Google Assistant and built-in Chromecast. The device comes with 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage and is capable of streaming content in 4K. Setting up the Mi TV Box is as easy as setting up an Android phone. Just connect it to your TV via the included HDMI cable and turn it on. So, connect it to a WiFi network, log into your Google account and you are good to go. Now you can enjoy online movies, watch TV shows, and install apps and games from the Google Play Store or sideload. Sounds pretty exciting right?