Hidden Features of Your Smart TV You Might Not Know About

Smart TVs are not all about HD screens and streaming service platforms. There are many hidden, and quite exciting features of a smart TV whose perks you might be missing. Naturally, most people tend to only utilize the most common features and ignore the others which are less advertised but equally important, nonetheless. However, you can liven up your TV-watching experience even more if you utilize the other features as well.

In this article, I will take you through some of the amazing and, often overlooked features of smart TV that you can use to optimize your TV experience.

Hidden Features of a Smart TV

Before we list down the lesser-known specs of smart TVs, it’s best to remember that these features may vary depending on the brand and model of your smart TV. So, consider these features when you purchase a smart television.

     Moving right along, let’s get started –

• Guest Mode: Ideal for allowing friends or family to use your TV without granting full access. This mode usually limits features such as accessing streaming apps or altering settings linked to your account. Activation methods of Guest Mode may differ, depending on the brand and model, often involving a dedicated button on the remote or a specific option in the TV’s settings menu. To find this mode on your smart TV, check for titles like “Guest” or “Limited Access” on the menu.

• Hotel Mode: Quite a useful tool if you have bought a used TV. This mode resets all settings and deletes any personal information left by previous users, ensuring a fresh start for you. Activating Hotel Mode may be hidden in service menus, and it’s designed for technicians, so proceed with caution. Consult your user manual or search online for specific instructions related to your TV model. And to be on the safe side, let the professionals handle it for you.

• Advanced Calibration Tools: While not available on all TVs, some models offer advanced calibration tools that let you customize picture quality beyond the basic settings. These tools allow adjustments to color temperature, for example, the warmth or coolness of the picture, as well as the white balance, and brightness levels in different parts of the image.

Use caution while tweaking with the Advanced Calibration Tools, as improper adjustments can worsen the picture quality of your TV.

If you absolutely want to adjust the picture quality, and are uncertain about doing it by yourself, consult a professional calibrator or follow a trusted online guide that offers instructions specific to your TV model.

• Built-in Web Browser: Many smart TVs offer a basic web browser, allowing you to access the internet from your TV screen. Though not as efficient as a computer, it’s great for simple activities like viewing news or social media. You can access the web browser through a dedicated button on the remote or by navigating to a menu such as “Tools” or “Extras.”

• 1. Connect your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV.
  2. Depending on the content you want to share:
     • For videos, tap AirPlay Video.
     • For photos, tap Action Share.
     • For music, tap AirPlay Audio.
     • For full-screen mirroring, tap Screen Mirroring.
  3. Select your smart TV from the available devices.
  4. Your chosen content will now be displayed on the TV.
     • Privacy & Security Settings
       • Energy-Saving Settings DLNA Compatibility: Ever wanted to watch those party photos you took on your phone or listen to your favorite music playlist straight on your TV? That’s what DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) support is for. By enabling DLNA support, you can stream videos, photos, and music from your computer, phone, or other devices straight to your TV without downloading additional apps. You can enable this feature by going to your TV’s settings for a “DLNA” or “Media Server” option.
         
         
         • Voice Control & AI Integration

         When choosing the perfect smart TV, many viewers look for this certain hidden feature. Well, it’s not really a hidden feature, but voice control and AI integration are definitely smart features of smart TVs. Many smart TVs now come with built-in voice assistants like Google Assistant, Alexa, or Bixby, depending on the brand. With just a simple voice command, you can change channels, adjust volume, search for movies, or even control other smart home devices. 

         How to activate voice control on a smart TV: To activate voice control, check your TV’s settings under “Voice Assistant” or look for a dedicated microphone button on your remote. If your TV doesn’t have built-in voice support, you can still connect an external smart speaker for hands-free control. 

         • Screen Mirroring & Casting

         Screen mirroring is a fun and useful feature that many modern smart TVs offer. If your TV has screen mirroring and casting options, you can wirelessly display content on your smart TV from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

         Popular screen mirroring & casting options include: 

         – Chromecast (Google Cast), built into most Android and Google-powered TVs. 

         – AirPlay, available on Apple devices for seamless mirroring to compatible smart TVs.

         – Miracast or Smart View, found in many Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs.

         How to enable screen mirroring option on your TV: To use this feature, open your TV’s settings and look for “Screen Mirroring,” “Cast,” or “Smart View.” On your phone, enable casting in the quick settings menu or through an app like YouTube. 

         • Game Mode & Low Latency Features

         If you enjoy gaming on a big screen, activating Game Mode on your smart TV can make a huge difference. This mode reduces input lag, so you can enjoy smoother gameplay with faster response times. 

         How to activate game mode feature: To enable Game Mode, go to Settings > Picture > Game Mode. Some newer models even have Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) that detects when you start gaming and adjusts settings automatically. 

         For the best experience, combine Game Mode with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and HDR support if your TV has these options. It’ll make action scenes sharper and gameplay more fluid. 

       Your smart TV is a power-hungry device, but you can reduce energy use without sacrificing picture quality. Most modern TVs include an Eco Mode or Energy Saving Mode that dims the screen slightly, adjusts brightness based on ambient lighting, and turns off the TV after inactivity. 

       How to activate energy-saving settings on your smart TV: To enable energy-saving features, check Settings > General > Energy Saving Mode or look for “Auto Power Off” options. If you want to be extra efficient, consider using a smart power strip that cuts off energy when the TV is in standby mode. 

     Smart TVs are connected devices, meaning they collect data about your viewing habits and internet usage. While this helps with content recommendations, it’s important to review and adjust privacy settings to control what data is shared. 

     Here are a few steps to improve TV security: 

     – Disable automatic data collection under Settings > Privacy or Terms & Conditions 

     – Turn off microphone or camera access if your TV has one 

     – Keep your TV software updated to protect against vulnerabilities 

     – Use a VPN on your home network if you want to add an extra layer of privacy 

     By tweaking these settings, you can enjoy your TV without worrying about unnecessary tracking. 

     FAQ
     
     Q1. How to Display Smartphone, Tablet, or PC Content on a Smart TV?

     You can easily display content from your smartphone, tablet, or PC on your smart TV using Chromecast built-in™ or AirPlay 2, depending on your device.

     Using Chromecast Built-in (For Android & Supported Devices)

     1. Ensure your mobile device and smart TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
     2. Open a Chromecast-supported app on your smartphone or tablet.
     3. Tap the Cast icon within the app.
     4. Select your smart TV from the available devices.
     5. Your mobile screen will now be mirrored on the TV.

     Note: An active internet connection is required to use Chromecast built-in.

     Using AirPlay (For Apple Devices)

  Q2. Can I use my Smart TV without an internet connection? 

  Yes, but features like streaming apps, web browsing, and software updates will be unavailable. However, you can still use HDMI inputs, USB, and built-in tuners. 

   

  Q3. Is it safe to browse the internet on a Smart TV? 

  Yes, but it’s not as secure as a PC. Avoid entering sensitive information, and keep your TV’s firmware updated for better security.

If you ever get bored of streaming shows and movies and want to play with your TV a bit, then dive into these features just for fun. Who knows, you might discover some more hidden features!