How to sideload apps on Android TV

The Android TV platform is one of the most diverse application platforms. Just like on Android phones, you can access the Google Play Store on Android TV to download applications and games to your device. However, not all applications on the Play Store can be downloaded to Android TV. Therefore, sideloading applications becomes more necessary. In the article below, Quantrimang will guide you how to sideload applications on Android TV.

How to sideload apps on Android TV via phone

If you have an Android phone, sideloading apps on Android TV is easy. Before you get started, you'll need to download the required APK file on your phone.

One of the best sources for APK files for such apps is APKMirror. Open the website on your Android phone and install the APK file for the app you want to download. In this article, we will use the example of installing Google Chrome on Android TV.

Once the APK file is installed on your phone, follow these steps to install it on Android TV.

  • Download the Send Files To TV app on your phone and Android TV via the Google Play Store .
How to sideload apps on Android TV
  • Once the app is installed, open it on your TV and select Receive . At the same time, open the app on your phone and select Send.
  • You will see a file menu on your phone. The downloaded APK file will be in the Download folder .
  • Select the downloaded APK file and click on the name of the TV on your phone to transfer data.
How to sideload apps on Android TV
  • Once the transfer is complete, open the file on your TV. You will then see instructions on how to install the file on your TV. However, if pressing the open button doesn't work, install the File Commander app .
  • Download File Commander on Android TV from the Google Play Store .
  • Open the app and select Internal Storage .
How to sideload apps on Android TV
  • Here you will see the transferred APK file in the Download folder .
  • Click on that file and a Staging app message will appear on the screen .
  • You may get a notification saying that the installation is from an unknown source. Go to Settings on that notification, and swipe to allow the app to be installed (File Commander or Send Files To TV).
  • When the application is installed on the screen, press Open to run the app.

How to sideload apps on Android TV via cloud storage

Another way to sideload apps on Android TV is via cloud storage. You can use Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to install APK files on Android TV. The process is similar to the method mentioned above and also uses File Commander to get the job done.

Download the APK file from APKMirror on your phone or PC and add it to Google Drive (or any other cloud service). Then follow these steps:

  • Download and open the File Commander app on Android TV.
  • Sign in to your cloud service account. Let's take Google Drive as an example.
  • You can see Google Drive files on Android TV.
How to sideload apps on Android TV
  • Select the APK file you want to install and a Staging app notification will appear.
How to sideload apps on Android TV
  • If you haven't allowed access to install the File Commander app , tap Settings in the on-screen notification and enable access.
  • The application will start installing and you can start using it once the application is installed.

How to open sideload apps on Android TV

Unlike on an Android phone, you won't see sideloaded apps in the apps menu. However, you can still access them through your Android TV device's settings menu.

To find sideloaded apps, tap the settings icon on the Android TV home screen. Go to Apps to open the sideloaded app. Or you can download the Sideload Launcher app, which contains all the apps on your Android TV.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

How to fix blurry photos on Android

How to fix blurry photos on Android

Let's learn how to (partially) fix blurry photos on Android phones.

6 Best File Managers for Android TV

6 Best File Managers for Android TV

Every Android TV user needs to install a file manager for a number of reasons.

How to Check Which Apps Are Using the Most RAM on Android

How to Check Which Apps Are Using the Most RAM on Android

If an application “consumes” too much of the device's RAM, it will severely reduce the system's multitasking ability, as well as cause lag, seriously affecting the experience.

How to create your own custom Android mascot

How to create your own custom Android mascot

Now you can create your own version of an Android mascot called The Bot. By choosing materials, clothes, accessories, and props, you can customize The Bot to your liking.

How to use FaceTime on Android?

How to use FaceTime on Android?

Finally, Apple is allowing Android device users to use FaceTime.

Have Fun With These 6 Voice Changing Apps on Android

Have Fun With These 6 Voice Changing Apps on Android

Ever wanted to prank your friends with a silly voice? Thanks to some smartphone apps, you no longer need bulky computer software to do that.

How to Stay Safe from SpyLoan Android Apps That Use Your Data to Blackmail You

How to Stay Safe from SpyLoan Android Apps That Use Your Data to Blackmail You

A typical case is the SpyLoan app that tricks users with promises of low-interest loans but instead collects personal data and blackmails victims with that data.

How to Fix Android Auto Not Working

How to Fix Android Auto Not Working

In the article below, Quantrimang will introduce you to some tips to fix Android Auto not working, whether on the phone or the car screen.

Instructions for taking a scrolling screenshot of an Android device to capture the entire web page

Instructions for taking a scrolling screenshot of an Android device to capture the entire web page

Instead of “bombarding” your friends' messages with dozens of screenshots, you can take a scrolling screenshot and send it.

How to fix recent app crash errors on Android

How to fix recent app crash errors on Android

Android smartphones seem to be experiencing an annoying bug that causes applications on the device to frequently crash.

4 Signs Android Apps Are Tracking You

4 Signs Android Apps Are Tracking You

Strange battery drain or data spikes aren't necessarily a bug. It could be a malicious app secretly tracking your location, habits, etc.

6 ways to hide and restrict apps on Android

6 ways to hide and restrict apps on Android

It's easy to get distracted by the many apps on your phone. The best way to reduce screen time is to put those apps out of sight.

Tencent brings Android games to Microsoft Store Windows 11

Tencent brings Android games to Microsoft Store Windows 11

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced its decision to discontinue the Windows Subsystem for Android, which was designed to allow Android apps to run natively on Windows 11.

How to Never Pay for Games and Apps on Android

How to Never Pay for Games and Apps on Android

When it comes to making purchases on the Play Store, many people haven't spent any real money in years, thanks to Google Opinion Rewards.

What do the icons on the Android status bar mean?

What do the icons on the Android status bar mean?

As features are added, more icons appear, and it can sometimes get confusing. Here's what they all mean.

How to fix blurry photos on Android

How to fix blurry photos on Android

Let's learn how to (partially) fix blurry photos on Android phones.

Chrome is the reason why your iPhone battery drains so quickly

Chrome is the reason why your iPhone battery drains so quickly

Some people have shared tips to improve battery life by uninstalling a single app: Chrome. Your battery life will be better after that!

6 Best File Managers for Android TV

6 Best File Managers for Android TV

Every Android TV user needs to install a file manager for a number of reasons.

Handy Galaxy Features iPhone Users Wish They Had

Handy Galaxy Features iPhone Users Wish They Had

Screenshots are great for saving information, but they often leave you guessing where you found it. Samsung Galaxy devices solve this problem with a great feature: Screenshots link back to the original web page.

How to Check Which Apps Are Using the Most RAM on Android

How to Check Which Apps Are Using the Most RAM on Android

If an application “consumes” too much of the device's RAM, it will severely reduce the system's multitasking ability, as well as cause lag, seriously affecting the experience.

6 ways to reduce video size for iPhone

6 ways to reduce video size for iPhone

Not only does large file sizes affect storage space, they also make sharing files more difficult. Plus, sending large files can quickly drain your data and mobile bandwidth.

Summary of some ways to fix No Service error on iPhone

Summary of some ways to fix No Service error on iPhone

Some causes of No Service error are no coverage, SIM card problem, iOS system error,... Because there are many different causes, you can try some solutions to fix No Service problem on iPhone according to the instructions below.

How to change measurement units on iPhone extremely simple

How to change measurement units on iPhone extremely simple

On iOS 17, there is a setting to change the measurement unit right in the options for the document when we highlight the iPhone without having to install any other supporting applications.

How to fix Liquid Detected in USB-C Connector warning on iPhone

How to fix Liquid Detected in USB-C Connector warning on iPhone

Are you trying to charge your iPhone but seeing a warning telling you that liquid has been detected in the connector? Check out the troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the Liquid Detected warning and get your iPhone charging normally again.

How to Fix Underexposed Photos on iPhone and Android

How to Fix Underexposed Photos on iPhone and Android

Low light conditions can result in underexposed, blurry, and lifeless photos, but you can easily fix this right in your phone's native photos app. Here's how to fix underexposed photos on iPhone and Android!

How to Hide Apps You Have Downloaded on iPhone

How to Hide Apps You Have Downloaded on iPhone

To keep the applications that have been downloaded to iPhone secret, we can delete them in the list according to the article below.

How to create your own custom Android mascot

How to create your own custom Android mascot

Now you can create your own version of an Android mascot called The Bot. By choosing materials, clothes, accessories, and props, you can customize The Bot to your liking.

How to use FaceTime on Android?

How to use FaceTime on Android?

Finally, Apple is allowing Android device users to use FaceTime.

Have Fun With These 6 Voice Changing Apps on Android

Have Fun With These 6 Voice Changing Apps on Android

Ever wanted to prank your friends with a silly voice? Thanks to some smartphone apps, you no longer need bulky computer software to do that.

This iPhone 16 Feature Will Make Your Videos Sound Better

This iPhone 16 Feature Will Make Your Videos Sound Better

The iPhone 16 models have a hidden feature that gives you more control over the audio in your videos. And that's thanks to Spatial Audio Capture, which uses all four of your iPhone's built-in microphones while recording video.