How to Install and Use Google Duo on Android TV

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Google Duo is a video calling application that allows you to make a video call with friends and family anywhere around the world. In general, smartphones and tablets are the best devices for video calling. But, that is not the case with Google Duo. You can install the Google Duo app on Android TV and make video calls with ease. With video calling on Android TV using the Duo app, you will get a bigger screen to share your space and the best video quality.

Google Duo on Android TV

You can install the Google Duo app on your Android TV right from the Play Store. In September 2020, the Google Duo app was released for Android TVs and Google TVs.

Requirements

To install and use Google Duo on your Android TV, your TV needs to meet some requirements.

• Your Android TV should have Android TV OS 8.0 (Oreo) or higher.
• Stable internet connection.
• Built-in or USB-connected camera and microphone.

Supported Android TVs

• Mi Smart TV
• Sony Smart TV
• TCL Smart TV
• Hisense Smart TV
• Sharp Smart TV
• Philips Smart TV
• Skyworth Smart TV

Supported Android ṬV Boxes

• Mi Box
• Nvidia Shield TV
• EPSON TV
• AT&T TV
• AIR TV

How to Install and Setup Google Duo on Android TV

[1] Turn on your Android TV and go to Google Play Store.

[2] Search for Google Duo in the Play Store.

[3] Click on Install to download and install the Google Duo app.

[4] Once installed, click on Open to launch the app.

[5] Allow the Google Duo app to access your contacts and record audio & video.

[6] Sign up with your Google Account.

[7] Also, link Google Duo with your phone number.

[8] Now, you have successfully installed and set up Google Duo on your Android Smart TV.

How to Make Calls With Google Duo on Android TV

[1] After setting up Google Duo, go to Search and search for any contact or group.

[2] Choose the contact or group you wish to connect with.

[3] Click on the Video call or Voice call button to make the call.

[4] Continue with the call and tap the End button to end the call.

How to Cast Google Duo on Android TV

Apart from installing the app from the Play Store, you can also access Google Duo through casting.

[1] Install the Google Duo app on your Android smartphone from the Play Store.

[2] Then, connect your smartphone and Android TV to the same WiFi network.

[3] Open the Google Duo app and sign in with your account.

[4] Go to the Notification Panel and tap the Cast or Screen Mirroring icon.

[5] On the list of devices, choose your Android TV.

[6] Now, make a call on the Google Duo app from your smartphone.

[7] It will appear on your Android TV.

Note: For audio and video controls, you have to use your smartphone.

How to Sideload Google Duo on Android TV

Until the Android 10 update, there was no Duo app for Android TV. But the app has been launched and made accessible for devices having Android 8 or above. If you have the lower version of Android, you can still access the application by sideloading the app on your Android TV.

[1] Launch Google Play Store on your Android TV.

[2] Search and install Downloader and Sideload Launcher from the Play Store.

[4] After installing the apps, go to Settings on your TV.

[5] Go to Security & restrictions >> Unknown Sources >> Downloader >> Turn on.

[6] Once the access is enabled, launch Downloader on Android TV.

[7] Download the AFTVnews Plugin using the URL browser.aftvnews.com. Without the plugin, you can’t install any APK files on the Downloader app.

[8] Enter the Google Duo Android TV APK URL in the field.

[9] Click on Go to download and install the APK.

[10] After installation, launch the app and complete the setup process.

[11] Make a call and enjoy chatting with your friends & family.

How to Use Google Duo Web Version on Android TV

{1} Open a web browser on your Android TV.

[2] Go to the Google Duo website (https://duo.google.com/).

[3] Click the Next button and sign in with your Google account.

[4] Click the Add Phone Number button to add your Google Duo phone number.

[5] Now, click the Start a Call button or the Create group link to initiate a call.

[6] Talk with your friends. And when you are done with the call, click the End button.

Google Duo on Android TV – Drawbacks

Though the Duo app is officially available for Android TV, there are some features limited to it when compared to Android TV.

• In the older version of Android TV, the Duo app won’t appear on the home screen. There is no way to customize the Android TV home screen to get the Duo app.
• The Google Duo app won’t run in the background. You have to stay active in the Google Duo app to continue with the call.
• To receive notifications for incoming calls, the Google Duo app must be open.
• For audio controls, you can’t use the Android TV remote. You have to increase or decrease the volume by using the Android TV physical buttons.

Update: Among the three drawbacks, only one has been resolved so far. In the latest version of Android TV, you will get the Google Duo app on your TV home screen. If you want, you can add the Google Duo app to your Favorites list too.

Other Supported Devices

• Android Smartphone
• Tablets
• iPhone & iPad
• Web app
• Smart Displays (Google Nest Hub Max)

FAQs