I cannot seem to add my own images to backdrop? i have tried adding photos to google + photos, downloading the iOS app, but there is no option on there to add my own album, it only has the ability to turn off and on the album streams offered by chromecast/backdrop. Any suggestions?? I am using a Mi Box as my android tv system. My TV also has chromecast built in.
The Chromecast app on your phone should be able to customize your backdrop
I am pretty sure you can't on non-Chromecast devices.
On both my Nexus Player and my Shield I've never seen the option in backdrop settings (using the Google Cast app) to use my own photos. However it's there for an actual Chromecast I have.
I assume it's the same for the Mi Box.
That said, you are not limited to using the built in backdrop on your Android TV.
Here's what you do:
Go to
http://photos.google.com
and upload the photos you want to use for your backdrop. If they're already there, great. Select all the photos you want to use and place them in a new album.
Name it whatever you want.
Once you have your photos in an album, install this app to your Mi Box:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.dip.mukacho.picasadaydream&hl=en
Now after it is installed, from your home screen on your device, navigate to Settings -> Daydream
You should now see a new 'Slideshow for Picasa' option. Click on it.
Click on 'Select Albums'
Click on your Google account
Now all your albums that you've created in google photos are shown. Select which album you want to make as your backdrop. You can select multiple albums.
Navigate back out of the album selection screen and fiddle with the customization options if you want. Like enabling the clock (not necessary though).
Scroll to the bottom and click 'Finish'
Scroll down and click 'Start now' to immediately start the daydream (so you can test that it's working).
That's it. All your album pics will be used now instead of the regular backdrop.
If I remember it's an option within the Chromecast app but I'm Android if it's different.