Smart TVs have become the epicenter of home entertainment, yet many people only use them for watch series and movies. A Smart TV does so much more: from browsing the Internet to controlling home automation, playing games without a console or taking video calls on the big screen.
If all this sounds familiar but you've never explored it, brace yourself. We have gathered and sorted all the functions These are featured in the best content on the topic, with clear steps, real-life tips, and compatibility across brands and systems. The idea is to get the most out of your TV without complicating things and with immediate results.
Browsing the Internet on your Smart TV
Most current televisions have a built-in browser. You can search the web without taking out your mobile phone or laptop, what if you connect a wireless keyboard or mouse, the experience improves a lot.
- Turn on the TV and connect it to your Wi‑Fi.
- Go to the main menu and locate the browser (it's usually under "Apps" or on the home screen).
- Open it and write the url with the remote, a BT keyboard or a mobile keyboard if your TV allows it.
- Browse like on a computer: move the cursor, select links and switch tabs with the controller.
For more comfortable typing, some brands allow you to use your mobile phone as a keyboard. On Samsung TVs with SmartThings, you can enable "Use phone as TV keyboard." in Settings > Advanced Features.
Play without a console: cloud gaming on your Smart TV
Cloud gaming is here: NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming or Amazon Luna They allow you to run titles on your TV without downloads or a console, just with a good connection and a Bluetooth controller.
- Download your service's app (for example, GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming) from the TV store.
- Create your account or log in and pair a controller via Bluetooth (you can also use your mobile phone as a control in some cases).
- Open the app, choose a game and start streaming games without additional installations.
At Samsung, you also have Xbox Game Cloud integrated into many models. And although Stadia is no longer available, the current offering of the aforementioned platforms covers all genres with a large catalog.
Big screen video calls
For meetings and family, using the TV is very convenient. Zoom, Google Meet/Duo, Skype, Microsoft Teams and even WhatsApp They may work on your TV if the model supports it or if you connect a webcam.
- Check if your TV supports video calls and has built-in camera or compatible USB.
- Install the app (Zoom, Meet/Duo, Skype, etc.) from the store.
- Log in and adjust camera and microphone permissions; activate the TV audio to hear better.
- Call your contacts and manages the meeting with the command or a wireless mouse.
On Samsung Smart TVs, you can use the smartphone camera as a TV webcam with Google Meet: Link your account and select “Join TV” in the mobile app (both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi).
Smart home control from your couch
Your TV can be the brain of the house. Most integrate voice assistants like Google Assistant or Alexa to control lights, air conditioning, plugs and more.
With apps like Google Home, Amazon Alexa or Xiaomi Home (the latter has a TV version), you manage devices, see statuses and create routines. Command with your voice turn the volume up or down, turn on a lamp, or lock a compatible lock.
- Install the ecosystem app (Google Home, Alexa, Xiaomi Home) on the TV.
- Sign in and pair your devices to the same Wi‑Fi network.
- Organize rooms, create scenes like “Cinema Mode” or “Night Mode” and try out the commands.
- If you have a Ring camera/doorbell on Fire TV, you will see video on TV when they knock on your door.
- Activate the microphone on the remote or TV and control everything with your voice.
Eye: Google Home or Alexa don't always have a full app on all TVs., although you can supplement it with integrated assistants and third-party apps like Xiaomi Home.
Music, podcasts and smart speaker
Beyond cinema, your TV is a great player for Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, Tidal or YouTubeThe sound on many modern TVs is more than decent, and you can complement it with a soundbar or speakers.
If you need privacy, connect Bluetooth headphones. On some Samsung models you can pair up to two Bluetooth audio devices at the same time: ideal for watching something without disturbing the person sleeping next to you.
Assistant functions turn TV into smart speaker: Request a list, create reminders, check data or control home automation without touching the remote.
And if you have a Samsung with SmartThings, you can “amplify” the sound of your mobile phone on the TV: Go to Smart View on the TV from the app and choose “Play phone sound on TV” to send audio and voice notes.
Social networks and online life on TV
With native apps or from the browser, you can consult X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch or YouTube on the big screen. It's perfect for live, shorts or reels, and to share with people at home.
If your system does not have an official app, access via browser or send from your mobile with Chromecast or AirPlay. In many cases, mobile apps detect the TV and send the content with a touch.
Mirror your mobile screen and send content
There are several ways to view your phone on TV: Chromecast and AirPlay (mentioned on boxes and manuals) allow you to send videos or mirror your screen wirelessly; Miracast and similar ones do it in many brands too.
Use it to show photos, play casual games in large format, follow a video call with your mobile phone's camera or convert a document to XXL size. This is especially noticeable in demos, recipes, or tutorials.
Recent Samsungs offer Multi-View: You can split the TV in two (or four on Neo QLED 8K) to watch the game on one side and your networks, statistics or a video call on the other.
Extra trick: use your phone as a TV keyboard when prompted to type, by enabling it in SmartThings > Settings > Advanced Features. It's much faster than going letter by letter with the remote.
Teleworking and presentations
With a wireless keyboard and mouse, your Smart TV can be monitor for work or support a meeting. Connect your laptop via HDMI or mirror your screen and gain space for documents and video calls.
For online collaboration, pull from Google Workspace or Office 365 in the TV browser (or compatible apps) and share presentations, spreadsheets, or documents at a large size. The extra inches provide productivity and comfort.
If your model allows it, configure user profiles so that each person has separate recommendations and favorite apps, which is useful in homes with varied tastes.
On models with a USB camera or webcam, use Zoom or Meet directly on the TV. If you prefer the mobile camera, some brands allow send video from smartphone to TV for video calls.
Picture, sound and customization settings
Customizing your image and audio makes all the difference. Adjust brightness, contrast, colors, or equalizer to optimize movies, sports or games according to your room.
- Open “Settings” from the home screen.
- Sign in Image or Sound and choose base mode (Cinema, Game, Standard…).
- Fine-tune: brightness, contrast, color temperature, equalizer, and surround sound if applicable.
- Save the changes and try different contents to tune.
Many models incorporate AI for recommendations and alerts (sports, regular programs, broadcast reminders). Activate it from Settings if you want more proactivity.
Photo frame and art mode
Turn your TV into a digital frame when not in use. On Android TV/Google TV you can pull Google Photos to display your albums; on LG you have Art Gallery with thematic collections and ambient music.
Some models add art mode or low consumption that lowers brightness and refresh to reduce consumption while displaying photos or illustrations. Ideal for decorate the living room with your memories.
Operating systems and compatibility
Not all TVs have the same features. There are differences between Tizen (Samsung), webOS (LG) and those based on Android: Android TV/Google TV, MIUI for TV (Xiaomi) and Fire TV (Amazon). It also sounds TitanOS in some manufacturers.
Android-based platforms usually have more variety of apps and games, although Tizen and webOS are very polished for TV. Apple TV is an Apple set-top box, not integrated into third-party TVs. And if your TV isn't "a lot smarter," you can always add Chromecast or Fire TV to level up.
Many TVs already support video calling apps and controls designed for remote control, avoiding dependence on keyboard and mouse on a daily basis.
Useful tips for Samsung TVs with SmartThings
In addition to what has already been mentioned, the latest Samsung models add functions that make everyday life easier:
- Use your mobile phone as a TV keyboard: in SmartThings > Settings > Advanced Features.
- Multi-View: Split into 2 (Crystal UHD/Neo QLED 4K) or up to 4 (Neo QLED 8K) to combine game, web or video call.
- Using your mobile phone as a camera For Google Meet on TV: Link your account and choose “Join TV” in the smartphone app.
- Connect two audios via Bluetooth (for example, buds + bar) so as not to disturb anyone at night.
- Remote control from your mobile phone: In SmartThings, go to your TV and tap “TV Remote” to turn on/off, search for, and open apps.
- Play phone audio on TV: From Smart View on the TV, select “Phone sound on TV.”
Remember that some functions require the same Wi‑Fi network and may vary by app or region.
USB recording, player and trick ports
The TV's USB ports serve more than just the obvious purposes. Connect a flash drive or hard drive and record broadcasts (PVR) to watch whenever you want; many remotes have a dedicated record button.
Those USBs too feed and charge devices, such as cell phones, external batteries or mini retro consoles, saving on wall sockets. Depending on the model, you can play media files (photos, music, videos in various formats) with the TV gallery app.
Another practical option is set notifications or alarm clock and activate widgets/weather in the menus, if the system allows it.
Weather, sports and "tele-ready"
Many TVs include apps or widgets. meteorology such as Weather.com or AccuWeather to check the weather on the fly without touching your phone.
As for sports, activate alerts from your teams to view scores, schedules, or match kickoffs from the home screen, if your system has that feature.
Integrated intelligence learns from your habits (if you allow it) to recommend content, remind you of programs and customize what you use most. Try it in Settings if you're interested in that layer of customization.
Exercise routines at home
TV doesn't just invite you to sit down: with Internet access and apps like YouTube or Samsung Health, you can follow fitness, yoga or meditation routines in large format, with good metrics and guided sessions.
If you combine this with sound to your liking (bar, headphones) and the appropriate picture mode, you will have a small gym in the living room.
Quick tips to keep everything running smoothly
For cloud gaming or video calling, use 5 GHz or Ethernet cable. You'll reduce latency and dropouts. If you notice audio/video delay, check the "Game Mode» and lip syncing.
Keep your apps and TV updated to gain stability, compatibility with new services and sometimes extra features that are activated with firmware.
When you can't find an app, check if there is a TV version on your system or install a dongle (Chromecast or Fire TV) to expand the catalog.
All of the above demonstrates that a Smart TV goes far beyond streaming: Browse, play, work, call, control your home, play music, and even decorate the living room with your photos, using assistants, apps, and shortcuts that you already have at hand.
