How to Sideload Apps on Android TV?

We all android enthusiasts know that Google Play Store has thousands of applications. However, those of you who use Android TV, do not get a lot of apps in its respective app store. So, if we wish to install any app for regular Android devices on Android TV, we need to manually sideload the APK. In this guide, I will tell you how to sideload apps on Android TV.

All you need is your TV which has Android OS support and a PC or your smartphone. Then grab the choice of APK. Next, you have to download a file installer and enable cloud integration. Upload the APK to the cloud and then access it on your Android TV. YOu can then sideload apps of your choice. You can do it for more almost all apps. Though it sounds a bit technical, it’s quite easier to perform. Check out the detailed steps below.

How to Sideload Apps on Android TV?

We will check it step by step.

APK Download

Start by downloading the APK for the app you plan to install on your Android-powered TV. To download, the best approach is to go to the official website of the application. There check for the latest APK build available for the Android TV.

Also, you can grab the APK from non-official websites that host them. Though there are great third-party platforms to download APK, you may also download any wrong build or buggy build. So, be careful about that. Always check for the availability of the latest build.

Getting the File Commander

Open the Play Store on your Android TV.
Search for the File Commander app.
Download and install it.
Now open the app
On the starting screen select Cloud
The idea is to add a cloud storage account. I suggest using your Google Drive account.
You need to log into your Drive though

Enable Permission to Install the App from Unknown Sources

If you have downloaded your APK from third-party or unofficial sources, then you need to allow your device to permit the installation of such apps. These kinds of APK builds are usually termed as untrusted. So, it’s up to the user to decide what app to allow for installation.

On your TV, at the top right side, there should be a gear button that you need to click.
It will open a drop-down menu for Settings.
On the menu select Device Preferences > Security & Restrictions
Click on Unknown sources. A list of apps will show up
Scroll to File Commander
Beside that, a toggle should be there. Tap on it to enable.

Note

If your Android TV OS version is older than Android 8.0, then you may not see the gear button. You have to click on the Settings option.

How to Sideload Apps on Android TV?

How to Sideload Apps on Android TV?

APK Download

Getting the File Commander

Enable Permission to Install the App from Unknown Sources

Transfer APK to Cloud Storage

Sideload Apps

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