Alex Ruben
How To Rename Your Google TV Device on Android TV OS 14
Renaming your Google TV device can actually save a lot of headaches, especially if you’ve got a bunch of smart devices or multiple TVs. Nothing worse than trying to cast something and ending up bouncing between devices with similar names. Usually, you can do this straight through the Settings menu, but sometimes it’s a bit more finicky than it seems. On some devices, the rename option is under a slightly different spot, or the change doesn’t take unless you do a quick reboot. So, here’s a little walkthrough to get the name changed without breaking a sweat. Trust me, it can be a game changer for organization, especially if you’re using Voice Search Remote or the Google Home app to control everything on your network.
How to Change Your Google TV Device Name on Android TV OS 14
Access the Settings Menu Properly
First, you gotta get into the right settings. Sometimes clicking the gear icon from the home screen works, but if not, tap the top right corner or press the Settings button — it’s usually a gear icon or found in the quick menu. If your remote has a dedicated Settings button, hit that. If you’re using the Google Home app to control your device, you might need to go through the device options there instead. Just make sure your device is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network you’re managing from.
Navigate to the Device’s System Settings
Once you’re in, head to Preferences or Device Preferences — because of course, Android TV has to make everything a little awkward. You’ll see options like About or Device Info. Sometimes the path is Settings > Device > About or Settings > System > About. If you’re on a newer version, it might be tucked under Network & Accessories or directly within Device Info.
Find the Current Device Name
In the About section, look for the Device Name entry. It might be a little hidden, or sometimes it just shows up as a simple label. If it’s not obvious, try scrolling down or expanding options — on some setups, it’s within a submenu or has a tiny edit icon next to it. The current name is what appears in your network list and when casting from your phone or tablet, so it’s worth changing if you want easier recognition later.
Change the Device Name (Sometimes First Time’s the Charm)
This part can vary. Usually, you tap or select the Device Name or a little pencil/edit icon. On some setups, it’s a clickable field where you can type in your new name. Others might just bring up a list of predefined options or ask you to enter a custom name. If you’re not seeing the option, try pressing OK or holding the name for a second — some devices are weird like that.
It’s a good idea to pick something descriptive, like “Living Room TV” or “Gaming Setup” — that way, when casting or controlling via voice, you’re not confused about which device you’re talking to.
Save and Refresh
Once you’ve entered your new name, look for a Save button or just back out of the menu — sometimes the change saves automatically. After that, it’s worth restarting the device — either through Settings > Power > Restart or by unplugging it for a few seconds. Not entirely sure why, but sometimes the name update only shows up after a reboot. On some machines, it works on the first try, on others, a reboot is necessary to push the change through completely.
Extra Tips & Troubleshooting
If your device still shows the old name, double-check your network settings or try removing and re-adding it in Google Home. Also, ensure your device firmware is up to date — older versions might not support renaming properly. Sometimes, connecting via Settings > About > System updates and installing any pending updates can clear up weird bugs. And, if renaming isn’t sticking even after reboot, disconnecting from the network and reconnecting might do the trick.
Oh, and ensure that your Google TV and your controlling device are on the same Wi-Fi network, no exceptions. Otherwise, some updates or changes won’t sync properly.
Summary
- Find the device’s About or Device Info in Settings.
- Locate Device Name and tap to edit or type a new one.
- Save and restart if needed — sometimes a reboot is required.
- Make sure the device and your controller are on the same network.
Wrap-up
In the end, changing the device name isn’t quite as straightforward everywhere, but most of the time, it’s just a matter of diving into Settings > About and updating the Device Name. Sometimes it takes a reboot or a little patience. No big magic here — just a sane naming system so you’re not endlessly confused when casting or managing your smart home.
Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone. Because, honestly, figuring out why your device isn’t showing the new name can be a real pain in the butt.