Comments
How to Enable Developer Options on Android TV
Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
DeveloperAdvanced SettingsSmart TVAndroidConfigurationsCustomizationElectronicsSystemTech EnthusiastsProgramming
This content is available in 7 different language
If you are someone who wants to explore advanced settings on your Android TV or if you are a developer, you may be interested in enabling developer options on your Android TV. Developer options provide a way to access settings that can be helpful in app development, testing, or enhancing the functionality of your device. Please note that enabling these options is for advanced users and tampering with the settings may affect the performance and stability of your TV. Let’s look at this process in detail so that you can confidently enable these options and explore the possibilities they bring.
Understanding developer options
Before we go into the steps to enable developer options, it's important to know what they are and why you would want to use them. Developer options are a set of hidden settings on Android devices, including Android TV, that are primarily meant for developers as the name suggests. These options allow developers to simulate app performance, debug apps, monitor app usage, and make various system-level changes that aren't available in the standard settings menu.
Common features found in developer options include USB debugging, which facilitates connection between Android device and computer, displaying touch points to see every touch input, forcing MSAA for better graphics in games, animation scale to speed up or slow down transitions, and running services to check background apps. However, there is a wide range of settings that can greatly enhance the function of your Android TV when used properly.
Steps to enable developer options on Android TV
Enabling developer options on Android TV is a straightforward process. Although it involves going through a hidden menu, the steps are quite simple and won’t take much of your time. Below are the general steps that you can follow:
Step 1: Turn on your Android TV
To begin, make sure your Android TV is turned on. You can do this by pressing the power button on your TV or using the remote control.
Step 2: Go to settings
From your Android TV's home screen, use the remote control to navigate to the Settings menu. The Settings menu may be represented by a gear icon at the top right corner of the home screen, but this may vary depending on your Android TV model. Use the directional pad on your remote to move up and down or left and right to select the icon.
Step 3: Locate and select 'Device Preferences' or 'System'
Once you're in the Settings menu, scroll down and find the option labeled 'Device Preferences' or 'System.' Different manufacturers may have different terminology, but you're generally looking for a sub-menu that contains general device settings.
Step 4: Access the 'About' section
Under Device Preferences or System, you will find an option called 'About'. Select the 'About' option to proceed. This section contains information about your TV, including the software version, build number, and other technical specifications.
Step 5: Find the 'Build' information
In the About section, scroll down and look for an entry labeled ‘Build’ or ‘Build number.’ This is the main section of the settings, where you’ll unlock Developer Options.
Step 6: Enable developer options
Once you locate the 'Build' information, you will need to perform a special action to unlock Developer Options. Using the remote control, quickly press the Select or OK button on the 'Build' number. Generally, you will need to click on the 'Build' number about 7 times. As soon as you start pressing, a small message will appear on the screen with a countdown showing, 'You are now X steps away from becoming a developer.' Once you have clicked enough times, the message will read 'You are now a developer!'
Step 7: Access developer options
After completing the steps above, you'll find that a new item called 'Developer options' has been added to your Settings menu. Depending on your Android TV's configuration, this may be located in the Device Preferences or System section, so navigate there. Select 'Developer options' to enter and explore the variety of settings you've just unlocked.
Using developer options
Now that you have access to developer options on your Android TV, let's discuss some of the options available and their utility. Keep in mind that these settings are primarily for developers and may affect the performance of your device. It's advisable to be familiar with the purpose of a setting before changing it.
USB debugging
One of the most commonly used developer options is USB debugging. This option allows communication between your Android TV and a computer. If you are developing an application or need to push files from a computer to the TV, this is invaluable. To enable USB debugging, simply turn on the option.
Show touch
When enabled, this option allows you to see where on the screen a touch has been made. This is a useful tool for developers who need to understand user interactions with their apps. It displays a visual feedback every time the screen is touched.
Animation scale
In Developer options, you will find settings for Window animation scale, Transition animation scale, and Animator duration scale. These options control the speed of system and app animations. If you want to create a faster user interface experience on your Android TV, you can reduce the animation scaling from the default 1x to 0.5x or turn off animations.
Background process limit
This option allows you to set a limit on the number of processes running in the background at any given time. This is useful for improving performance or battery life as too many background processes can slow down the device. You can choose the number of processes or choose not to retain any processes.
Conclusion
Enabling Developer Options on your Android TV can open up a new world of possibilities for both developers and advanced users. While the process of enabling these options is simple, the settings themselves can drastically change the way your device works. It's always a good practice to change only what you understand and keep track of any changes you make. If anything goes wrong, you can always revert to the previously stable settings. Enjoy the robust features that Developer Options brings to your Android TV experience.
Remember that these settings are just not for experimentation unless you are comfortable with the potential consequences, as they can significantly affect the way your Android TV works. If at any time you feel the settings are causing problems, you can reset developer options or navigate through each setting to disable specific features.
With great power comes great responsibility, and Developer Options are no exception. Use them wisely, and enjoy the enhancements they provide to improve your Android TV user experience.
If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can