Short Answer
- You can sideload apps on Google TV if the apps you are looking for are unavailable on the Play Store.
- Use apps like Send Files to TV or Downloader for TV to install the APK file directly onto your Google TV.
Can’t find your preferred app on the Play Store? Sideloading on Google TV offers an effective alternative. Sideloading lets you install applications that aren’t listed in the Play Store. This method is useful for installing unofficial and third-party apps that are not yet available for your device. The upcoming section demonstrates the sideloading process on Google TV using two apps.
Steps to Install Sideloading Apps on Google TV
Before diving into the process, it’s crucial to install the necessary tools for sideloading apps on your Google TV. You can use apps like Downloader for TV or Send Files to TV to facilitate the installation of third-party applications on your TV.
1. Connect your Google TV to a stable WiFi connection as a prerequisite.
Note: Ensure your Google Smart TV, Google TV Streamer, or Chromecast with Google TV is running in the latest version to avoid compatibility issues.
2. Go to the home screen on your Google TV by clicking the Home key on the remote.
3. Tap the Assistant icon on the remote, say Send Files to TV or Downloader for TV to locate the app. Alternatively, tap the Search icon, enter the app’s name, and search for it.
4. Choose the Send Files to TV or Downloader for TV app from the suggestions and tap Install to begin the installation.
Enable Unknown Sources on Google TV to Sideload Apps
Sideloading involves a few preparatory steps to ensure your device is ready to install applications from outside sources.
1. Tap the Gear icon on the Home Screen of your Google TV to access the Settings menu.
2. Scroll down and select the System settings.
3. Go to the About section and tap Android TV OS Build rapidly until the “You Are Now a Developer” message appears on the screen.
4. Now, go back to the Settings menu and navigate to the Apps section.
5. Scroll down the list and select the Security Restrictions option. Following that, click Install Unknown Apps.
6. Look for the Send Files to TV or Downloader for TV app and switch ON the toggle.
Steps to Sideload Apps on Google TV
After you have installed and enabled settings for sideloading, you are ready to begin installing the desired app using an APK file.
Using Downloader for TV
1. Open the Downloader for TV from the Apps section on your Google TV.
2. Allow the on-screen required permissions and navigate to the Home tab.
3. Input the required App’s APK URL in the address bar and click the Download button.
4. Once the APK is downloaded, click the Install prompts to begin the installation process.
5. Later, click the Open button to launch the app on your Google TV.
From Send Files to TV
1. Run the Send Files to TV app on your Google TV and permit the required access.
2. Once the main screen appears, click the Receive button.
3. Now, open the Send Files to TV app on your Android phone and click the Send button. If you haven’t installed the app, get it from the Play Store.
4. Select your preferred APK file to upload and choose your Google TV from the list.
5. Wait until the transfer completes, and a Succeeded message will appear on your TV screen.
6. Click on the file to access the Action Menu and select Open.
7. At last, hit the Install button and allow the prompt to complete the installation.
FAQ
No. Currently, the Play Store doesn’t offer any updates for the sideloaded apps. You can only update the apps on your Google TV, which are installed directly from the Play Store. Instead, you can delete the current version and install the updated version APK on your Google TV.
Yes. Copy the APK file to a USB drive. Then, connect it to your Google TV and open File Manager. Locate the APK and click on it to install.