4 Fixes for Google Photos Not Showing in Ambient Mode on Google TV

Paurush dabbles around iOS and Mac while his close encounters are with Android and Windows. Before becoming a writer, he produced videos for brands like Mr. Phone and Digit. On weekends, he is a full-time cinephile trying to reduce his never-ending watchlist, often making it longer.

Basic Fixes

Fix 1: Select Google Photos For Ambient Mode

As prefaced previously, Ambient mode can display pre-installed wallpapers, images from other sources, and your Google Photos, too. What’s more, the TV gives you the option to sift between these different categories seamlessly. So, if you wish to display your Google Photos in Ambient Mode, you must have it enabled on your Google TV. Here’s how to check the same.

OpenSettings > System > Ambient Mode > Enable Google Photos.

Fix 2: Disable Personal Photo Curation

As suggested on theofficial Google Community forum, disabling the Personal Photo Curation feature is a good fix for this issue. Using this feature enables Google Photos to select the best photos from your Recent Highlights and Live Albums. However, this feature might not show you the photos you want displayed in Ambient Mode. So it is better to turn it off.

Step 1:OpenSettings > System > Ambient Mode > Personal photo curation.

Step 2:EnableAll Albums.

Tip:Learn how tosideload apps on your Google TV.

Fix 3: Check Photo Frame Settings For Google TV

If you are still facing the same issue, you can check the Photo Frame settings for your Google TV. The Google Photos app gives you the option to choose what gets displayed on connected devices. Here’s how.

Step 1:Open theGoogle Photos appon your iPhone or Android phone. Ensure that you use the same Google account as yourGoogle TV.

Step 2:Tap theProfile icon > Google Photos settings.

Step 3:Tap onApps and Devices>Photo Frames.

Step 4:Tap on yourGoogle TV model nameand thenselect the albumsthat should be displayed.

Step 5:Tap onDoneat the top-right corner to confirm.

Fix 4: Disable Apps Only Mode

As suggested by auser on Reddit, you need to disable this feature and try. When this mode is turned on, your Google recommendations get hidden from the Google TV home screen.

OpenSettings > Accounts and sign in > Account name > Disable Apps Only Mode.

Tip:You can also see your pictures on your Google TV by using the built-in Chromecast feature. If you’re unable to cast to Google TV,refer to our postfor solutions.

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Last updated on 26 August, 2024

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