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Google TV remotes do not all have the same shortcuts. The Netflix and YouTube keys are branded app-launch buttons; the YouTube key can be switched among installed YouTube apps, while Google documents no equivalent remapping for Netflix. The flexible shortcut is the star button on the Google TV Streamer Voice Remote: it can open the Google Home panel, launch an app, or switch a display input.

Which Google TV remote has the customizable star button?

The star-icon customizable button is on the Google TV Streamer Voice Remote, included with the Google TV Streamer (4K). Google’s device comparison says the remotes bundled with Chromecast with Google TV HD and Chromecast with Google TV (4K) do not have that button. Google’s device comparison identifies the different included remotes.

The Streamer Voice Remote can also control a Google TV Streamer or Chromecast with Google TV, as well as a TV, soundbar, or receiver. That compatibility does not add the star button to an older Chromecast’s own bundled remote: the feature belongs to the Streamer remote itself. See Google’s remote guide for compatible devices.

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Google says the Streamer works with a TV or display that has an HDMI connection and recommends a 4K TV for the best experience. That is device context, not a special requirement for creating a remote shortcut. Google TV Streamer (4K) details.

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What the branded Netflix and YouTube buttons do

YouTube

The YouTube button launches an installed YouTube app. Google also documents changing it to open a preferred installed YouTube app, so this is a limited choice within the YouTube app family—not a general-purpose shortcut for any app. Follow the on-screen choices associated with the button to select the preferred app. Google’s remote button guide.

Netflix

Google describes the Netflix button as a launch button for Netflix. Its guide does not document remapping that key, so do not assume it can be reassigned like the YouTube button. The reviewed Google guidance also does not establish support for remapping arbitrary remote buttons.

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Set up a shortcut with the star button

Press the customizable button on the Google TV Streamer Voice Remote and follow the on-screen options. The available shortcut types cover Google Home, an app, or a display input. Google’s customizable-button setup instructions.

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Open the Google Home panel

  1. Press the customizable button.
  2. Select Google Home, then select Create shortcut.

The Home panel may take time to sync after initial setup. If it is still unavailable after an hour, Google recommends restarting the device.

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Launch an app

  1. Press the customizable button.
  2. Select an app from the displayed list and create the shortcut.

Switch to a display input

  1. Press the customizable button and choose the input-shortcut option.
  2. Select a display device, or add one if needed.
  3. Use the customizable button to cycle through that device’s inputs, select the input you want, and confirm that the button worked.

For this setup, Google advises making sure there is no physical barrier between the remote and the display.

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Change or choose the shortcut that fits your needs

To change the star-button assignment, hold the customizable button for one to two seconds, then choose a different shortcut type. Google describes the button this way: “The customizable button allows users the option to create a shortcut to a favorite TV app, change inputs, or open the home panel with just a click.” Google, “Meet the Google TV Streamer Voice Remote”.

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What you want to do What the documented button supports
Launch a preferred YouTube app YouTube key; choose among installed YouTube apps.
Open Netflix Netflix key launches Netflix; remapping is not documented.
Launch a favorite TV app Star button on the Google TV Streamer Voice Remote.
Open the Google Home panel Star button on the Google TV Streamer Voice Remote.
Switch a TV or display input Star button on the Google TV Streamer Voice Remote; configure the display and select the preferred input.

If your remote lacks the star button, the bundled Chromecast with Google TV remote does not provide this feature. Getting it means using the Google TV Streamer Voice Remote; Google’s cited materials identify it as included with the Google TV Streamer (4K), but do not establish whether a separately purchased remote is currently available or compatible in every region.

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