Channel 4 App Finally Lands On Google TV – With A Catch

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In a surprisingly quiet move, Channel 4 has finally brought its streaming app to Google TV and Android TV devices – marking the end of a frustratingly long wait for UK viewers.

The app, which gives viewers access to Channel 4’s vast catalogue of content, including Gogglebox, The Great British Bake Off and thousands of other shows, is now available as a native app on devices like the Chromecast with Google TV, televisions with Google TV, and yes – even the new Google TV Streamer.

This should come as good news for Google TV fans, as Channel 4’s streaming app has been conspicuously absent from Google’s TV platforms for years, forcing viewers to rely on casting from their mobile phones – hardly the seamless experience we’ve come to expect in 2024.

Alas, there is a catch – as a small portion of Channel 4’s content is currently missing from the new app.

A Long-Awaited Arrival

The arrival of a native Channel 4 app (formerly known as All4) marks an important milestone for Google’s TV platforms: While the BBC, ITV and other broadcasters have supported Google TV devices for years through their respective apps, Channel 4 has been the notable holdout in the UK catch-up TV landscape.

Until now, Channel 4 was only available on Android TVs that came with Freeview Play built-in. Users of standalone Google TV and Android TV devices had no native access to the app

Channel 4 app on TV

The timing is particularly interesting, coming just weeks after Google’s launch of their new Google TV Streamer.

As we reported earlier this month, that device launched without several key UK streaming apps – most notably BBC iPlayer, which remains conspicuously absent even now.

Google TV streamer BBC iplayer collage

While users of the new Google TV Streamer can still access iPlayer content by casting from their phones (much like they previously had to do with Channel 4), the lack of a native BBC app continues to be a major stumbling block for the device.

Not All Smooth Sailing

However, before you get too excited about the Channel 4 app, there’s a rather peculiar catch: not everything from Channel 4’s catalogue is actually available on the Google TV version of the app.

In a statement, Channel 4 acknowledged this limitation:

“We are working hard to make our full catalogue of content available on the Channel 4 app on Google TV, but there are some specific films and shows that aren’t yet available.

“You can watch our full content catalogue on our website, mobile apps and other Smart TV platforms.”

This partial availability is certainly disappointing for viewers who were hoping for complete access to Channel 4’s streaming library, however Cord Busters understands that the small portion of content that is currently missing, is set to be added within the coming weeks.

How To Get The App

If you own a Google TV or Android TV device, getting the Channel 4 app is straightforward – simply head to the Google Play Store on your device and search for “Channel 4”.

Channel 4 on Google TV install

The app is free to download and use, though you’ll need to register for a Channel 4 account if you haven’t already.

Channel 4+, which removes adverts and gives subscribers early access to some premium content, is also available on the new app, at £3.99/month.

The app works on:

  • The new Google TV Streamer
  • Chromecast with Google TV (both 4K and HD models)
  • Android TV televisions
  • Some other certified Android TV / Google TV streaming devices
Chromecast With Google TV HD official
Google’s Chromecast with Google TV

Update: Unfortunately for Nvidia SHIELD fans, Channel 4’s app still doesn’t work on those devices – and as of this writing, there are no plans to add the app to Nvidia’s streaming device.

All in all, and despite the incomplete content library, finally having a native Channel 4 app is still a significant improvement over the previous casting-only solution.

The interface is smooth and responsive, and being able to browse directly on your TV screen is infinitely more convenient than reaching for your phone every time you want to watch something.

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8 thoughts on “Channel 4 App Finally Lands On Google TV – With A Catch”

  1. There’s horrendous motion judder on the Google TV Streamer despite having the settings at 1080p/50 which doesn’t affect other apps.

    Reply
  2. I guess if you love biased news, endless sit-com repeats and reality TV, this is a good thing. As far as I’m concerned though, not having 4 was no great loss. Same goes for all the UK ‘terrestrial’ channels. I have access to Amazon, Netflix, Paramount, Disney and myriad FAST channels, so why would I want or need iPlayer, ITV, 4 and 5?

    Reply
    • Can’t believe it’s taken so long for this to arrive. Only because I saw a recommendation on there for JuniorTaskmaster and clicked out of curiosity, realised it offered the app download. Pain in the arse that still doesn’t offer live, as do built on apps, though

      Reply
  3. About bloody time, what took them so long, people won’t buy streamer 4K unless you get the full complement of UK streaming apps, once the iPlayer app is available, I will probably get it, but not before, talk about a botched launch.

    Reply

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