ArtFrame

Connecting your Mac to the TV

Last reviewed 2026-11-02.

ArtFrameRemote talks to the TV with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), Android’s standard tool for developers. It’s switched off on every TV until you turn on Developer options and debugging.

Step 1: Developer options

System Path Press OK 7× on
Google TV Settings › System › About Android TV OS build
Android TV Settings › Device Preferences › About Build
Very old Android TV (Android 6–7) Settings › About Build

The TV counts down, then says “You are now a developer!” Developer options then appears under Settings › System (Google TV) or Settings › Device Preferences (Android TV).

“Developer options are not available for this user” means you’re in a kids’ or restricted profile. Switch to the main account.

Step 2: Choose a kind of debugging

TVs offer up to three switches. Names vary by brand; see your brand guide.

Switch What it does Typical devices
USB debugging On most TVs, also opens network port 5555 Almost all
ADB debugging / Network debugging Opens network port 5555 explicitly Sony (ADB debugging), NVIDIA SHIELD (Network debugging)
Wireless debugging Android 11+ encrypted connection using a pairing code and a changing port Required on Android 14 Google devices

Port 5555 (most TVs)

Turn on USB debugging (and ADB debugging / Network debugging if listed). In ArtFrameRemote, choose the TV and click Connect.

Pairing code (Wireless debugging)

Needed when the TV refuses port 5555. This is normal on Chromecast with Google TV after its 2025 Android 14 update, the Google TV Streamer, and expected on onn. boxes on Android 14.

  1. TV: Developer options › Wireless debugging → on.
  2. Open it and choose Pair device with pairing code. The TV shows an IP address & port and a six-digit code.
  3. ArtFrameRemote, Connect step: open My TV uses Wireless debugging with a pairing code and enter both.
  4. Also enter the IP address & Port shown on the main Wireless debugging screen. It’s a different port from the pairing one.
  5. Click Pair and Connect. Codes expire quickly; request a new one if it fails.

Android 14 Google devices switch Wireless debugging off after every restart, and the port changes. ArtFrame keeps working as the screensaver. To change things from your Mac afterwards (new art, HUD settings), turn Wireless debugging back on and connect again. Pairing is remembered, so you won’t need a new code unless you choose Forget or revoke access.

Step 3: Allow this Mac

The first connection makes the TV show “Allow USB debugging?” with your Mac’s key fingerprint.

  • Tick Always allow from this computer, then OK. Without the tick the TV asks every time.
  • The prompt only shows while the TV is on and awake. Press a remote button, then connect again.
  • Pressed Cancel by mistake? Developer options › Revoke USB debugging authorizations, then connect again.

The Mac’s key lives in ~/.android/adbkey. Replacing or wiping it (for example, setting up a new Mac) means every TV asks again.

One connection at a time

Some TVs accept only one debugging connection. If another app or service (Home Assistant, a phone remote app, another computer) is connected, ArtFrameRemote may be refused. Disconnect the other one, or restart the TV.

Taking access away again

Goal Where
Stop this Mac (and all others) connecting Developer options › Revoke USB debugging authorizations
Forget one paired computer (Wireless debugging) Developer options › Wireless debugging › Paired devices › Forget
Turn debugging off Switch off USB / ADB / Network / Wireless debugging
Hide Developer options Switch off Developer options at the top of its screen

ArtFrame keeps running as the screensaver with debugging off. You only need debugging when you want to change things from the Mac.

Sources