Skip to Content

How to Watch Spectrum TV Essentials on Android TV

You can stream Spectrum TV Essentials on Android TV. Here’s how to sign up, download, install, and start streaming Spectrum TV Essentials using your Android TV. Learn how to get the most out of your Android TV while using Spectrum TV Essentials.


Spectrum TV Essentials

Spectrum TV Essentials is a live TV streaming service that includes live entertainment, lifestyle, and news channels for only $15/month. This service is only available to Spectrum Internet customers.

It is most similar to Philo with entertainment channels from A&E Networks, AMC Networks, Discovery, Scripps Networks, Viacom — but also includes channels like Bloomberg TV and The Weather Channel, and some of those in Philo ($25) like American Heroes, Cooking Channel, and Destination America.

The service includes top cable channels like A&E, AMC, BET, Comedy Central, Discovery, HGTV, and Nickelodeon. You can see Spectrum TV Essentials’s full channel lineup below.

It is most notably missing Bravo, Disney Channel, E!, TBS, TNT, and USA Network, and major sports networks like ESPN, FS1, and NBC Sports Network.

If you are looking to subscribe to a more full featured service today, we suggest checking out Hulu Live TV for a full streaming service or Philo for a similarly priced entertainment-only option with an Unlimited DVR.

Android TV

Android TV is a streaming device that can be used to watch Live TV Streaming Services and On Demand Streaming Services.

Limited Warranty

Your Android TV probably isn't covered against mishaps and malfunctions. We've partnered with 5Devices to give The Streamable readers a protection plan for any internet-connected device, including your Android TV, iPhone, etc starting at $2.67 per device per month. And the good news is that it covers devices you already use (ie. no need for proof of new purchase).

Can you stream Spectrum TV Essentials on Android TV?

How to Sign Up and Download Spectrum TV Essentials on Android TV

Unfortunately, Spectrum TV Essentials is not currently available natively using Android TV. Spectrum TV Essentials may launch a native app for Android TV in the future, but for now you can only stream using Google Cast.

You can still watch Spectrum TV Essentials on other devices like Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, iPhone/iPad, Android Phone/Tablet, Mac, Windows, Xbox, LG Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, and VIZIO Smart TV.

Google Cast

  1. Install the Spectrum TV Essentials iPhone/iPad app or Android Phone/Tablet app.
  2. Make sure your streaming device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Android Phone/Tablet or iPhone/iPad.
  3. Start playing the content in the Spectrum TV Essentials app and select the Google Cast icon.
  4. Choose your Android TV and it will start displaying on your streaming device.

How to Sign Up for Spectrum TV Essentials on Other Streaming Devices

If you have other devices, you can learn how to sign up for and use Spectrum TV Essentials on Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, iPhone/iPad, Android Phone/Tablet, Mac, Windows, Xbox, LG Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, and VIZIO Smart TV.


What features are available on Spectrum TV Essentials?

No Cloud DVR

Unfortunately, Spectrum TV Essentials does not include a DVR. The company plans to launch a Cloud DVR in the coming months, but it may be an additional fee.

Single Device Only

You can only watch content on one device at a time.

TV Everywhere Apps

If you prefer to watch if your favorite channel app, you can log-in with your Spectrum TV Essentials credentials.

On Demand

If you missed watching your favorite show live, you should be able to catch up by watching it On Demand.

No Parental Controls

There are no parental controls for Spectrum TV Essentials.

Only DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu Live TV, and Sling TV have parental control features.

DIRECTV STREAM Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $50 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for DIRECTV STREAM.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Sling TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $25 Uber Eats Gift Card when you sign up for Sling TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Hulu Live TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $35 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for Hulu Live TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.