Google TV is getting stuck in a search loop thanks to Gemini

Google TV Users Report Gemini Search Loop Bug Breaks Core Functionality
By C. Scott Brown | February 3, 2026

In a bizarre twist of AI integration gone wrong, Google TV users across multiple devices are reporting that the recent Gemini rollout has completely broken the platform’s search functionality, trapping viewers in an endless setup loop that renders their smart TVs nearly unusable.

The issue appears to be affecting users who recently received the Gemini update, which Google began rolling out in September 2025 starting with TCL QM9K televisions before expanding to other compatible devices. What should have been a helpful AI assistant addition has instead become a source of frustration for many.

The problem manifests when users attempt to search for content or applications. Instead of returning search results, the TV initiates a search briefly before immediately redirecting to the Gemini setup screen. This screen asks users whether they want to enable personal results from Google Photos, Calendars, and other connected services. Regardless of the choice made—enabling personal results or selecting “No, thanks”—the setup process repeats endlessly, creating an infinite loop that prevents any actual searching.

One particularly frustrated user documented the issue on Reddit, recording their television stuck in this unending cycle. The video shows the TV beginning to search for an application, only to be interrupted by the Gemini setup prompt, which then restarts the process immediately after any selection is made. The user reports that this occurs every single time they attempt to use the search function, making it impossible to find and launch content.

The scope of the problem appears broader than initially thought. Multiple Reddit threads and forum posts from over the weekend indicate that numerous Google TV owners are experiencing identical issues. Some users report the bug affecting different television models and streaming devices running the Google TV platform, suggesting the problem lies within the software update itself rather than being isolated to specific hardware configurations.

One user claims to have discovered a potential workaround: uninstalling the Google TV update that introduced Gemini. While this solution would remove the AI assistant entirely, it reportedly restores normal search functionality to affected devices. However, this fix comes with its own complications, as it may prevent users from receiving future updates or security patches until the issue is resolved.

The timing of this bug is particularly unfortunate for Google, as the company has been aggressively pushing its Gemini AI across all its product lines. The search loop issue not only frustrates users but also potentially damages consumer confidence in Google’s ability to properly integrate AI features into existing products without breaking core functionality.

Google has not yet issued an official statement regarding the widespread reports, though the company has been contacted for comment. Given the scale of the complaints and the fundamental nature of the broken functionality, an official response and patch are expected in the coming days.

This incident highlights the challenges tech companies face when rapidly deploying AI features across diverse hardware ecosystems. While the promise of AI-enhanced television experiences is appealing, the reality of implementation can sometimes fall short, especially when dealing with the complex interactions between new software layers and established user interfaces.

For now, affected Google TV users are left with limited options: endure the frustrating search loop, attempt the uninstall workaround if possible, or wait for Google to address the issue with a software update. The situation serves as a reminder that even tech giants can stumble when integrating cutting-edge AI features into everyday devices.

Tags: #GoogleTV #Gemini #AI #SmartTV #TechSupport #SoftwareBug #CES2026 #Google #ArtificialIntelligence #Streaming #TechNews #AndroidAuthority #TV #Search #Update #Loop #Glitch #Reddit #TechIssues #ConsumerTech,