Hidden TV Tricks That Make Your Screen Work Smarter

Many people own a smart TV, but most use it only for streaming shows or gaming on a console. A few overlooked functions can make the device more useful without needing tech skills. One useful feature is watching a doorbell camera on the TV. If you have a Ring Doorbell and a Samsung SmartThings‑enabled TV, add the camera through the SmartThings app. For Google Home or Alexa built‑in TVs, link the Ring device in the corresponding app and then say “Hey Google, show (camera name) on (TV name)” or “Alexa, show me (camera name). ” Gamers can stream Xbox titles even without an actual console. Compatible Samsung or LG TVs let you download the Xbox app and play games via an Xbox Game Pass subscription. If your TV isn’t supported, a Fire TV Stick can bridge the gap, but you’ll need a solid 20 Mbps internet connection and a Bluetooth controller such as the official Xbox Series X|S controller.Smart TVs also double as remote controls for home automation. Android TVs often include Google Home or Alexa, letting you command lights and other devices by voice. Apple TV users can access HomeKit with the Siri Remote, while Philips Hue owners benefit from a dedicated Hue app that syncs lighting to the TV’s screen for an immersive ambiance. Finally, many TVs can display personal photos as a screensaver. Built‑in Google Photos or Amazon Photos integration makes it easy to pull images from the cloud, and older models can use a USB drive to show slideshows. This feature turns your TV into a family photo gallery.