Alex Ruben
How To Check Your Android TV OS Version on Google TV Streamer 4K
Figuring out which Android TV OS version your Google TV Streamer 4K runs isn’t rocket science, but it can be oddly tricky if you’re not used to poking around in menus. Sometimes, software updates break the UI or hide things behind deeper menus, so knowing your exact version helps decide if you’re missing out on new features like improved HDR support, smarter voice commands, or better Smart Home integration. Basically, this little walkthrough will help confirm if you’ve got Android TV OS 14, 15, or something older, so you can stay ahead or at least know what’s supported on your device.
How to Check Your Android TV OS Version on Google TV Streamer 4K
Access the Settings Menu
First things first, you need to get into the Settings menu. On Google TV, it’s usually straightforward, but sometimes you get caught in weird corners. Here’s the usual way:
- Press the Home button on your remote — it’s that button with the house icon, usually.
- Next, navigate to the top right of the screen to find the Settings icon (looks like a gear). If you don’t see it immediately, try hitting the Up button and then arrow right — sometimes the menu pop-up is shy.
On some setups, this gear icon might be hidden in a quick settings panel accessible from the side; so keep that in mind.
Navigate to System Settings
Once in Settings, you need to dig into a slightly more hidden section:
- Scroll down and select System. This is usually found under the main menu — sometimes it gets buried under cool names like Device Preferences.
This step is important because all device info is tucked inside the System section.
Find the About Section
In System settings, you’ll want to open the About page. It’s often in the bottom part of the menu and sometimes labeled as Device & Software or just About.
- Select About (or Device Info) to see more details about your device — this is where the magic happens.
View Android TV OS Version
Now, this part can be a bit fuzzy, but here’s what to look for:
- Scroll down in the About window until you see Android TV version or Android Version. Sometimes it appears as a number like 13.0, 14.0, or 15.0.
- This is where you get your answer. If the version isn’t obvious, it’s usually listed next to or under that label.
- On some devices, pressing OK or the remote’s info button after highlighting the version may bring up more details or options.
On a few setups, the Android version isn’t super prominent, so you might need to scroll slowly or look for a line labeled “Android OS” or similar.
Understand What the Version Means
Once you’ve identified the version, here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Android TV OS 14? Likely has fancy HDR enhancements, maybe better responsiveness in Voice Search, and some interface tweaks.
- Android TV OS 15? Expect smoother smart home controls, snappier app support, and some nifty new features in system apps.
Honestly, some devices upgrade automatically and others might need a manual prompt — but just knowing your version helps decide if it’s time to troubleshoot or peek at new features.
Extra Tips & Common Snags
Sometimes, your TV won’t show the latest version even if you think you’re up to date. In that case:
- Make sure your device is connected to the internet — updates don’t come unless it’s online.
- If you suspect an outdated version, go back to Settings > Device Preferences > Software Update to double check or manually start an update.
- Resetting or rebooting (hold down the Power button and select Restart) can clear weird glitches that hide system info.
Note: firmware update prompts can sometimes be hidden behind “Check for updates,” which isn’t always obvious.
Wrap-up
That’s about it. Knowing your Android TV OS version is pretty handy when troubleshooting or deciding whether to update. It’s not always perfectly obvious at first glance, but a few taps into the system info does the trick.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Android TV OS 14 and 15?
Android TV OS 15 adds nicer Smart Home controls and supports more apps, while 14 focuses on improving HDR and voice recognition.
How often should I check for updates?
Once a month is not a terrible idea — or whenever you hear about new features or bugs fixed in recent updates.
Can I roll back to an earlier Android TV OS version?
Not usually — OTA updates tend to lock you into the latest version. Downgrading is tricky, often requires deep system tinkering, and isn’t recommended unless you know what you’re doing.
- Make sure you’re connected to the internet
- Check for software updates periodically
- Keep your device plugged in during updates
- Read release notes if available to see what changed