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You don’t always need to spend a fortune to upgrade your old TV. This guide explains how to turn your old TV into a Smart TV, so you can easily binge-watch your favorite shows and movies on Amazon Prime or Netflix.
3 Methods to Turn Your Old TV Into a Smart TV
Method 1. Using Apple TV
First, find the TV’s HDMI port. This is the input signal you will need to use Apple TV. If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI port, you will need an HDMI-to-RCA adapter to connect modern devices.
Plug it into the red, white, and yellow ports. Then, you need to connect the HDMI cable. HDMI cables of varying lengths are widely available online and in electronics stores.
Right after that, place the Apple TV box near your TV. It must be close enough to the TV so that both the HDMI and the power cable can reach the box.
Then, build the connection of one end of the HDMI cable to the Apple Box TV. This is the cable that will be fitting into the HDMI port on the back of the TV.
Build the connection of one end of the HDMI cable to the TV and the other end into the wall socket.
Now turn on the TV with the power button. Just change the input to the HDMI channel. If the page setup doesn’t display, press the Apple TV remote Centre button.
There, you have to find an Apple TV box.
Now follow the onscreen instructions that will ask you to select the language, set the Wi-Fi network, and enter the password.
That said, you need to start downloading the suggested updates. Now, you can use your old TV as a smart TV.
Method 2. Using an Amazon Fire TV stick
Like the previous method, you also have to look for an HDMI port here. If your old TV doesn’t have that, you must purchase an HDMI-to-RCA adaptor.
You must plug the Fire Stick into the TV’s HDMI port. If the TV is against the wall or doesn’t have enough room, you must plug the HDMI extension cable that comes with the Fire Stick into the TV.
Build the connection of the fire stick to the power outlet. For that, you have to plug the end of the cable into one port while plugging the other end into the wall socket.
Insert two AAA batteries into the Fire Stick remote. Batteries are typically included in the package.
Press the power button to turn on the TV. Then, change the input to the HDMI channel, which may vary depending on your TV model.
Now press the Play or Pause button when prompted. This will prepare the remote to connect to the Firestick TV.
After entering the password, select the wireless network and wait for the updates to be downloaded.
When prompted, sign in with your Amazon account. However, you must ensure that you have completed the Amazon subscriptions and related processes beforehand.
You can now use your OLD TV as a smart TV. Once you get signed into the Amazon account, you will be available to watch your favorite movies, watch shows, play games, and do everything else.
Method 3. Using Chromecast
Locate the HDMI port on your TV and note the input number labeled next to it. If your TV doesn’t have one, you must purchase an HDMI to RCA adaptor.
Gently plug the Chromecast into the TV’s HDMI port and connect the USB power cable to the TV’s USB port or a power adapter.
If you can’t find it, connect the power adaptor to a USB and plug it into the wall socket.
Now turn on the TV and change the input to the HDMI channel. You will then see the input screen, where you must download the Google Home application for iPhone or Android.
It is available for free.
Open Google Home, and you’ll see the area in the red, green, yellow, and blue outline. Now click on the Accept button.
As the TV prompts, you must go to the Google home page. Afterward, click “use without Bluetooth” and then set up the homepage of the Google Home application.
You have to wait for the Chromecast to start connecting to your phone. Once you do it, you will see the Chromecast on your TV.
Press on the continue button once it prompts you. Confirm the code that applies to your TV. Tap on yes. Tap ‘Continue’ to proceed. Follow the on-screen messages to complete the setup.
Select the wireless network for the Chromecast and tap on it while entering the password. Then, follow the instructions to confirm the update or sign in with a Google account.
The bottom line for how to turn your Old TV into a Smart TV
Using the abovementioned methods, you can easily turn your Old TV into a Smart TV.
Consult a certified TV technician or electrician for assistance if you’re unsure about the setup process.
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