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A lot of the time, Google TV accounts are shared amongst multiple people. However, that can lead to issues regarding watch History and recommendations. Thankfully, Google introduced profiles for Google TV a while back. If you want your own Google TV profile, here’s a handy guy to teach you how to add one.
What is a Google TV profile?
A Google TV profile is like a profile on a streaming service or on a phone. It allows people to have their own space when watching content. Each profile will have its own set of recommendations and settings.
If you are a person who loves rom-coms, you wouldn’t want your friend who loves horror movies to come over and mess with your recommendations. Also, if there are kids using the profile, you would not want them to be exposed to any adult-oriented content.
This is where profiles come in handy. Each person can personalize and curate content on their profile and keep it separate from other people’s profiles. This mostly pertains to watch lists and recommendations.
Streaming service accounts remain consistent across profiles. So, if one person is signed into Netflix on one profile, the app will remain signed into that person’s account on all of the profiles. The Google TV profiles mostly pertain to the content that Google curates for you in the interface. Each individual streaming service will behave as though you were on one profile.
How to add profiles to Google TV
Adding a new profile is a pretty easy task. Just know that if you have an enterprise account, some features might not be available for your account. It’s recommended that you use your personal Google account.
If you’re looking at the home screen, select your profile picture in the top right corner of the UI. This will summon the main menu. Select your name from the menu. When you do that, select the +Add account button. This will take you to a screen to sign in to your Google account.
Sign in and you’ll see some prompts to complete the setup process. Since you’ll be setting up a new profile, you’ll be able to select the streaming services you want to be added.
When you first break into your shiny new profile, you’ll see a wide selection of popular content from different streaming services on your home screen. As you binge-watch your way through your favorite content, you’ll see those recommendations change to suit your tastes.
Switching profiles
If you need to switch back and forth between profiles, it’s easy to do. Go to the main menu and select your name. You’ll see a list of the profiles on the account. Just select the one you want to use.
How to remove a Google TV profile
Ok, so you’ve kicked the other user out of your house; how do you remove their profile from your account? This is also pretty easy to do. If you’re on the home page, go to the main menu and select the settings option.
There, scroll down to the Accounts & Sign in option. You’ll see a list of the profiles on your device. Select the one that you want to remove. In the resulting menu, select the Remove Account button. The system will ask you if you’re sure you want to remove it. If you remove it by accident, you can simply add it again.
From other devices
If you don’t have access to your TV and you want to get rid of an account. Well, you can remove the account from your phone or your computer. Just make sure that you’re signed into the same account on that device.
To remove a profile using your computer, go to accounts.google.com using your browser. If you need to log in to your account, do so. On the left side of the screen, click on the Security button. On the resulting page, scroll down to the Devices section.
There, you’ll see a list of all of the devices you’re logged in to with that account. Look for the TV that your profile is on. When you click on the TV, you’ll see a rundown of how many sessions you’re logged in to and the location of that TV.
Under the TV’s name, you’ll see a sign-out button. When you click on it, you’ll get a confirmation screen. After you confirm it, you’ll be logged out.
From your phone
The process may vary if you’re using your phone depending on what model you have. Here’s the process if you’re using stock and near-stock Android. First, go to your settings and scroll down to the Passwords and accounts section.
On the resulting page, scroll down and select the account that you want to sign out of. Tap on it, and you’ll see a pretty bare-bones page. Tap on the Google Account button.
On the next page, swipe through the horizontal tabs under your profile picture until you see the Security tab. There, scroll down to the Devices section. Tap on the device and select the session you want to log out of. There, you’ll see the sign-out button.
You can get Google TV for cheap via Chromecast
If you’re thinking of getting another Google TV device for you or someone else, then you can do so by buying a Chromecast device. This is a dongle that you plug into an HDMI port on your TV. The dongle will deliver the Google TV experience right to it.
You can pick up one of these devices right from the Google Store. The Chromecast starts at a pleasant $29.99. With it, you can stream 1080p content in HDR. If you’re a pixel junkie, then you can pick up the 4K model to enjoy a much sharper image. This one costs $49.99. You can check them out at the link below.