Android TV is an Android-based OS specifically developed for smart TVs and devices that connect to the TV. Although it looks different to make it easier to use with a remote control instead of taps on the screen, it is still Android on the inside, so it lets you do the same things you do on your phone. In other words, if you do not find interesting apps and games in the official Android TV store, you can look for them elsewhere.
On Android, there are thousands of apps. And many of them are designed for TVs using Android TV. So, in addition to the applications found on official app stores, you can nourish your TV with exclusive apps you can install with an APK file. Installing APK files on your smartphone is a relatively easy process you might already be familiar with it. Thankfully, the process is also simple on devices using Android TV. Therefore, this is an ideal method to enjoy the best content thanks to the Internet and the applications you install on your TV.
How to install APKs on Android TV if they are not on Google Play
Although the official Android TV store, Google Play, is packed with apps and games, one of the best things about the Android OS is that there are many apps you can download. And even if some of them are not in the official store, you can freely download their APK and install them on your device. Let's see what you need to install an APK on Android TV, and then three different methods to get APK files and install them on your Android TV or Android TV device.
Previous steps to install an APK on Android TV
Android gives you the freedom to install applications in several ways. But, for your safety, this option is disabled by default. To activate it, you will have to follow a few steps. But do not worry, the process is easy. To enable the installation of APK files on Android TV, you must activate the Unknown Sources option.
Installing an APK from unknown sources
These are the steps to find it:
- Open your Android TV Settings. It is at the top right of the main screen.
- Go to Security and restrictions. It is at the bottom of the list. It may be under Personal or Applications. It will depend on the version of Android TV you have installed.
- Select the Unknown sources option.
- Inside, you will see the applications that can benefit from this option.
- For security, the fewer apps you activate, the better.
However, if you cannot find the Unknown sources option, you may need to enable the Developer options. You will find this option under System, hidden by default. To activate these advanced options along with the Unknown sources one, follow these steps:
- Open your Android TV Settings.
- Go to Information.
- Look for the Android TV Compilation option.
- Click on this option seven times.
- A message will appear indicating that you have enabled the developer options.
- Now go back to Security and restrictions and find the Unknown Sources option.
How to install APKs on Android TV with Send Files to TV
One of the most recommended apps for sending and receiving files between your Android phone and your Android TV is Send Files to TV. This app is free, but you must install it on your TV and smartphone. You do not need to connect both devices with USB cables or anything like that, it uses your internet connection via WiFi. And it is fairly easy to use.
Send Files to TV for Android TV
Once you install the app on both devices, go to your Android TV, open the app, and indicate you want to receive files. From the app installed on your phone, indicate you want to send files and the device receiving them. Then you select the APK installer you want to install on the TV and send it. You accept the file transfer on the TV and that's it. Once you receive it, you can open it and install it.
Send Files to TV for Android
- Open Send Files to TV on your Android TV device.
- Activate the Recieve option.
- Open Send Files to TV on your Android device.
- Activate the Send option.
- Choose the file to send.
- Select the target device, the one with Android TV.
- If necessary, accept the file transfer.
- You can now open the APK. Follow the instructions to install it.
- If you can't install the APK, enable Send Files to TV in Unknown Sources.
How to install APKs on Android TV via USB
Another method to install APKs on Android TV is to copy them to a thumb drive or another similar USB storage device. Then, you must connect it to your TV or device with Android TV. Not all TVs support thumb drives, but most of them do. And devices with the Android TV OS that connect to the TV also have a USB input. However, you might need an adapter to make the USB thumb drive compatible with the USB input.
Installing an Android APK from USB
Once you connect the thumb drive to the Android TV device, you must use a file explorer to locate that APK. There are several apps available for Android and Android TV that serve this purpose, so we cannot recommend just one. You can use any of the following:
All of them work similarly. With them, you can access the USB and open the APK inside it. If you can't install the APK file, check that you enabled whichever file explorer app you chose under Unknown Sources.
How to install APKs on Android TV via direct download
Unfortunately, there is a drawback if you want to download and install APKs directly on Android TV. This operating system does not have a web browser by default like its version for smartphones and tablets. Instead, you have to install one manually. Moreover, Android TV does not let you install APKs from web browsers. Fortunately, there is a solution: the Downloader app.
The Downloader app's original purpose was to install APKs on Amazon Fire TV devices, which use Fire OS as their operating system. And since Fire OS is based on Android, you can use this app on Android TV devices to download and install APKs.
Downloading APKs to Android TV with Downloader
Using this app is very straightforward. In short, it works as a web browser and download manager. And if you give it permission from the Android TV Settings, it will also allow you to install APKs you download.
- Open Downloader.
- Enter the link to download the APK.
- Or search for the APK on the internet from the app's search box.
- When the app detects a download link, it will ask you what you want to do.
- Accept the download and wait for it to finish.
- Select the Install option if necessary.
- The installation window will open. Choose Install and follow the instructions.
- When it finishes, you will have the APK installed.
