Channel 4 FINALLY available to download on Google’s Android TV streaming devices – but there’s a catch

CHANNEL 4 is finally available to download on Google and Android TV devices after years of being absent.

But there is one catch, that might have caught some viewers off guard.

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The Channel 4 app offers viewers access to a library of UK content, from Gogglebox to The Great British Bake Off, plus thousands of other shows - and some movies.

It is now watchable on Chromecast, Google's new TV Streamer, Nvidia Shield TV and Android TVs.

Until now, Channel 4 fans have been frustratingly forced to cast the app from their phones onto their TVs, if they wish to watch it on the big screen.

Google TV Streamer

The launch of Channel 4 on Google and Android devices comes just weeks after the tech giant unveiled its new TV Streamer gadget.

Google launched its new TV Streamer, which boasts faster speeds, bigger storage and more features, to eventually replace Chromecast.

At £99 apiece, the streaming device is intended to eventually replace Google's ageing Chromecast dongles.

It has access to the classic streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video.

Plus, classic linear channels like ITV, Discovery, STV, UTV and Really.

However, the much-loved BBC iPlayer app is notably missing from the line-up - much like Channel 4 was, until today.

BBC iPlayer is available as an app on Chromecast devices so it's not clear why the service is missing from the new Google TV Streamer.

The lack of BBC iPlayer gave the new gadget a rocky start, with early buyers saying it needed to "be sorted asap".

While this should be resounding good news, unfortunately, the app won't feature everything from Channel 4's library of content.

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The reason behind the peculiar catch, first reported by Cord Busters, is not immediately obvious.

But Channel 4 has said this: “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.”

The broadcaster has not specified which content is affected, but it's a disappointing turn of events for viewers wanting to put their phone-to-TV casting days behind them.

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How to get the app

Simply head to the Google Play Store on your Google or Android TV device.

Tap the search bar and look for Channel 4.

While the app is free to use, you will need to log into or set-up an account to use it.

Channel4+ is also available on the new app, giving viewers the ability to remove pesky adverts and get early access to some content for a cost of £3.99 per month.

How to cut streaming bills with top FREE TV

Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime don't come cheap - and year on year subscription costs seem to go up.

Fortunately there are loads of free streaming TV alternatives not everyone knows about.

And we're not just talking about BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

Here are some free alternatives worth trying:

• Hidden streamed channels on your TV from Samsung and LG
• Pluto TV with more than 100 extra channels
• Amazon's free alternative Freevee
• The free streaming service with more than 30,000 movies and no ads – and all you need is a library card