Google TV has quietly become one of the easiest ways to get IPTV running on a TV that doesn’t already have it built in. But before you start, there’s one thing worth clearing up: “Chromecast” and “Chromecast with Google TV” are not the same device, and the setup process is completely different between them. Here’s how to tell which one you have, and exactly how to get Shamel TV running either way.
Step 1: Figure Out Which Device You Actually Have
This matters more than almost any other step, so don’t skip it.
- Chromecast with Google TV (2020 or newer): Comes with its own dedicated remote control and a proper on-screen home interface with app icons. This runs full Android TV OS, which means it has the Google Play Store built in and can install apps directly — no phone required.
- Older Chromecast (2nd/3rd generation, no remote): Just a small dongle with no remote and no home screen of its own. It only receives a “cast” signal from your phone or laptop — it can’t install or run apps on its own.
If you’re buying new specifically for IPTV, get the one with the remote. It’s a genuinely different, more capable device, not just a cosmetic difference.
Method A: Chromecast with Google TV (Direct Install — Recommended)
Since this version runs full Android TV, setup looks almost identical to setting up a Firestick:
- From the Google TV home screen, open the Google Play Store.
- Search for TiviMate, IPTV Smarters Pro, or GSE Smart IPTV and install one.
- Open the app and select Add Playlist or Login with Xtream Codes API.
- Enter your M3U URL or Xtream Codes login from your Shamel TV account.
- Your channels and EPG should load within a few seconds.
If Your Preferred App Isn’t on the Play Store: Sideloading
Some IPTV apps aren’t listed in Google’s official store. If that happens, sideloading via the free Downloader app is the standard workaround:
- Go to Settings → System → About, then click the build number (labeled “Android TV OS” or similar) 7 times until you see “You are now a developer.”
- Go back to Settings → Apps → Security & Restrictions and enable “Unknown Sources” for the Downloader app specifically.
- Install Downloader (by AFTVnews) from the Play Store.
- Open Downloader, enter the direct APK URL for your chosen app, and confirm the install when prompted.
Method B: Older Chromecast (Casting from Your Phone)
If you have the remote-less dongle version, you’re casting rather than installing:
- Make sure your phone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network — check this in the Google Home app if you’re not sure.
- Install an IPTV app that supports casting (most major players do) on your Android phone, and log in with your Shamel TV credentials.
- Start playing any channel, then tap the Cast icon (the rectangle with Wi-Fi-style waves) inside the player.
- Select your Chromecast from the list — the stream transfers to your TV within a couple of seconds, and your phone becomes the remote for changing channels.
Common Chromecast-Specific Issues
- Limited RAM causing stutter: Some Chromecast with Google TV models only have 2GB of RAM. Close background apps before starting a stream if playback feels sluggish.
- Weak Wi-Fi performance: Use 5GHz Wi-Fi rather than 2.4GHz, or a USB-C Ethernet adapter if your unit supports one — see our internet speed guide for what your connection actually needs.
- Casting instead of installing on the newer model: If you have the Chromecast with Google TV, always install the app directly rather than casting from your phone — direct installation performs better and doesn’t rely on your phone staying connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same Shamel TV login on Google TV and my phone at the same time?
Yes — your subscription works across devices. Check your plan’s simultaneous connection limit if multiple people want to stream different content at once.
Why can’t I find TiviMate through casting on my old Chromecast?
TiviMate installs directly rather than casting, so it requires the Chromecast with Google TV specifically. On the older dongle-only model, you’ll need an app built for casting instead.
Does Google TV support 4K IPTV?
Yes, the Chromecast with Google TV 4K model handles 4K streams natively — just make sure your internet connection and the specific stream both support it.
Can I test my setup before subscribing?
Yes — our 24-hour free trial lets you confirm everything works on your specific Google TV device before committing to a plan.
