Alex Ruben
How To Disconnect Your Google TV Streamer 4K from a Mobile Hotspot or Personal Hotspot
Messing around with your Google TV Streamer 4K or Chromecast with Google TV can be frustrating sometimes, especially if it’s stuck on a mobile hotspot or personal hotspot that you no longer use. Maybe you’re trying to save data, or just want to switch to a better Wi-Fi network, and it refuses to let go. This guide is about showing how to disconnect it properly without messing up other settings. It’s surprisingly straightforward once you know where to look, and it works across Android TV OS 14 and 15, plus all kinds of smart TVs like QLED, OLED, LED, Mini-LED, and MicroLED models.
How to Fix the Hotspot Connection on Google TV Streamer 4K
Access the Settings Menu
First, you need to get into the settings. It’s kinda weird because sometimes the menu isn’t where you expect it. To do this:
- Press the Settings icon (the gear) in the top right corner of the home screen, or maybe hold down the Home button on the remote and select Settings.
On some setups, you might need to go through the main menu—like tapping the user profile avatar or navigating via the Apps menu—depending on your interface version. Just poke around until you find the gear icon or the Settings option in the menu.
Navigate to Network and Internet Settings
Once you’re in Settings, find and click on Network & Internet. It should list all the available Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections. Here’s where the magic happens:
- Look for the Network & Internet section. On some versions, it’s under Device Preferences or Connections.
This is why keeping the system updated is handy—it ensures you see the most straightforward menu structure without missing options.
Identify the Active Hotspot Connection
Now, you’ll see which network your TV is connected to. It should list the name of the mobile hotspot or personal hotspot—usually named after your phone or network. If you see a network that you know is from your phone, that’s it. Sometimes, the connection may say “Mobile Hotspot” or the device name.
Disconnect from the Hotspot
To ditch that hotspot:
- Select the hotspot’s name. A new screen should pop up with options.
- Scroll down to find and select Forget Network. That’s usually a button or option at the bottom of the screen.
- Confirm by pressing OK or similar. This tells the TV to drop the connection and stop trying to stay connected.
After this, the Google TV should release the hotspot connection. On some setups, it might take a reboot or a restart of the network service to fully kick it off. Weirdly enough, sometimes the connection sticks around for a bit—it’s like Windows refusing to let go, but after a quick reboot of the device, it’s clear.
Reconnect to a Different Network (If Needed)
If you’re planning to connect to Wi-Fi again, just go back into Network & Internet, select your new network, and enter the password. It’s the same as setting it up fresh. Usually, the TV remembers saved networks, but if you’ve forgotten the hotspot, it won’t auto-reconnect anymore.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If things aren’t working smoothly, here are some quick tips:
- Make sure your Google TV is updated to the latest firmware. Sometimes a bug in the UI or network stack causes it to behave weirdly.
- Reboot your Google TV or Chromecast after forgetting the hotspot—because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
- If it’s still stuck, restart your mobile device’s hotspot too; maybe your phone is stubbornly trying to reconnect or isn’t releasing the hotspot signal properly.
- For best reliability, switching to a dedicated Wi-Fi network rather than relying on mobile hotspots can save a lot of headaches.
Summary
- Access Settings > Network & Internet
- Find the active hotspot in the list
- Select and choose Forget Network
- Reconnect to a preferred Wi-Fi if needed
Wrap-up
Getting your Google TV Streamer 4K off a mobile hotspot isn’t a big deal once you know where the options are. Sometimes it’s just a matter of navigating through menus that hide in weird spots or rebooting the devices involved. After all, user interface design on these smart TVs isn’t always perfect, and you might have to do a little digging. But overall, it’s about finding that network, telling it to forget, and moving on. Might take a couple of tries, especially if the connection stubbornly sticks or resets itself, but that’s tech for you. Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours of frustration for someone.