Let’s Get Started
Every Android Media Box has a slightly different setup, but your new device runs off the similar operating systems and there are a few common instructions for setting up your Android Media Box.
Here’s an easy Android TV setup guide to getting Android Media Box set up
In this guide, we’ll cover connecting your Android Media Box, configuring your remote control, getting online, and connecting your Google account. We’ll discuss installing recommended apps like antivirus software and VPN, and the best streaming apps for watching your favorite shows.
First steps – Connect the Android Media Box
First things first, let’s connect the Android Media Box to your TV.
- The first cable is for power, this will be included with your Android Media box. Find the nearest available power outlet and plug it in.
- The next cable is the HDMI cable. This may or may not be included with your Android Media Box purchase. Connect the HDMI cable into both the Android Media Box and the HDMI port on your TV. Android Media Boxes are not usually compatible with older TVs that don’t have this port.
- The third cable is the Ethernet cable, used for the required internet connection, and is optional though recommended. Most Android Media Boxes have wireless capability with satisfactory results. Connecting with the Ethernet cable is faster and if you have the option use wired Ethernet, especially If you’re going to be streaming high quality TV shows and movies.
Configure your remote
A remote control will likely be included with your Android Media Box purchase. The remote will control the most basic functions of your Android TV, but if you prefer, more advanced remote controls are available for purchase separately to make your Android TV streaming experience easier.
Either way, the remote control will need to be synchronized with your Android Median Box. Commonly, your Android Media Box will sense the remote automatically after prompting you to press specific buttons. This usually occurs as part of the instructions appearing onscreen when you first start your Android Media Box
Connect to the internet, choosing your network
In order for the set up to continue, your Android Media Box needs to be connected to the Internet.
Some Android Media Boxes automatically prompt you to choose between Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection as part of the initial start-up. If not, then the connection will need to be manually configured on the Settings screen under the Network section. Choose to enable Ethernet or Wi-Fi and select your network.
Your Google Account, and why it’s needed
You may be prompted for a Google account during the first initialization of your Android Media Box. If not, then first thing needed is enter your Google account on the Settings screen under Accounts section. This will allow your Android Media Box will start updating any factory installed apps.
The Google account link is needed to download any apps from the Google Play Store and to continue getting app updates. If you do not have a Google account, one will need to be registered prior to continuing the setup process. Unfortunately, this step cannot be skipped if you want to use your Android Media Box to stream your favorite TV shows and movies.
Update your device
Updating your device is an important, security and feature updates are released constantly. Depending on the manufacturer, getting updates can be different for your Android Media Box.
Commonly, your device update function can be found on the Settings screen under the About section called System Upgrade. This can sometimes be configured to auto-download.
Installing Google Play Apps
In the Google Play store, open the side menu. It can appear as three horizontal bars or your Google account icon. You can see a list of all of the pre-installed apps by selecting My Apps & Games or Manage apps & device. If any updates are available, select the Update All to get the current version of these apps. These can also be set to update automatically on the Settings screen of the Google Play store menu under General section, Auto-Update Apps heading.
After checking that your factory installed apps have all been updated, it’s time to start installing programs for streaming your favorite content.
You can get new apps and check for updates to the factory installed apps for your Android Media Box through the Play Store app. From the Android Media Box Home screen, scroll to “Apps.” and select the Google Play Store app.
Begin browsing for apps or search specifically for the recommended apps that will stream your favorite TV shows and movies. To browse for apps, use the direction buttons to move up or down the through the categories list and press the right button to move into the category you’re interested in.
Try searching for specific apps by selecting the search icon 
at the top of the screen. Select the app you have picked and follow the on-screen instructions to install the app.
Setting up Antivirus Software
Protecting your Android Media Box with anti-virus software is a smart idea. Downloads can contain malware that can affect your Android TV performance and compromise your personal data. Because it is connected to your internet, there is also the potential to affect the rest of your network.
Search the Google Play store for an antivirus service to download and install. If you already own an antivirus service for your computer, then it may cover your Android Media Box and other devices under the same account. You just need to sign-in to your account once the app has completed installing
Decide if a VPN is for you
A VPN is a kind of security feature, used to keep your streaming private and access content from around the world. It’s an application that provides a level of anonymity. The Google Play store has different options for VPN apps, both paid and free. Search, download, and install the VPN that best meets your needs.
Wrapping up
That competes the foundation of getting your Android Media Box ready to stream your favorite TV shows and Movies.
The next step is to download a streaming app of your choice from the Google Play store and start watching your favorite content. You can choose to use an on-demand streaming service like Netflix or Disney+, or a live TV app like Hulu or Sling TV.
What’s next?
Popular streaming apps like Kodi require their own setup and configuration. See the links below for in-depth guides on setting up Kodi Add-ons and Builds to find and watch your favorite TV shows and movies.