How to sideload apps on Google TV and Android TV

Do you want to sideload apps on your Android TV? It runs a light modification of Android, fit and scaled for a larger screen. Many times, you’ll come across missing apps on the Play Store. TVs usually don’t have very powerful hardware, and the Play Store has certain requirements for some apps to run. If the chipset isn’t as strong as it needs to run the app without problems, it won’t let you install it. As a result, the collection of apps on the Play Store of Google TV is severely limited.

Check out – Best 5 Browsers for Google TV – Thetecheaven

If you want to install an app that you think will run fine but it’s either not compatible with your TV or if it’s not available on the Play Store, one way to get that app to still run on your TV is with side loading. If there’s a web version of the app on a browser, we recommend trying that first. In case the app is unusable, you can try sideloading the app.

Sideloading lets you install any app on your Google TV, and this article will show you how you can sideload apps on your Google TV and the advantages of it. You don’t have to stick to the first-party Play Store.

Table of Contents

What is sideloading?

Sideloading is the process of manually installing apps on your device, apps that are not available on the conventional Play Store. The official App Store offers a curated compilation that undergoes testing and approval. However, apps that are sideloaded are more freeform.

On Google TV, you have to sideload apps unofficially if you want them to run. While the Play Store collection has its own collection of apps, a lot of apps that you might want to use, like browsing apps, productivity apps, and streaming apps, might not work on your TV directly. The curated app choice is fairly limited. Sideloading will expand the collection of apps. You can access a much wider collection of apps, and as a result, you’ll get better entertainment from your Google TV.

If you don’t want to use Google Services and don’t want to sign in to use the Google Play Store, you can sideload apps on your Android TV as a viable alternative.

As long as you stick to reliable sites like APK Mirror, you won’t really have problems with malware or security threats. We don’t endorse the use of cracked and modded applications since they pose severe security risks.

While there are many reliable websites to sideload apps, it’s still riskier than just installing through the Play Store. Apps on the Play Store have to undergo strict scanning and certifications before a listing is approved. If they fail it, they will not be allowed on the platform. Such security measures are a lot looser, so we don’t recommend sideloading apps with a poor reputation and proceed with caution.

Method 1: Use an Android phone to sideload apps on Android TV

Find the exact APK file of the app that you want to install on your Android TV. For example, if you want to download MX Player, WPS Office, or Button Mapper, search for a reliable APK of that file. We recommend sites like APK Mirror or APK Pure.
Download the APK file on your smartphone. You’ll find it in the Downloads section of your browser or in the Downloads section of your File Manager app.
Now, you have to install the “Send Files to TV” app on your Android phone and also on your Google TV. This app will enable you to send the APK file from your Android phone to your TV. The app has over 10 Million downloads and fairly positive reviews, so it’s reliable. You can use any alternative, but this is the easiest and most popular app for it.
First, launch the app on your Google TV. When presented with the Send and Receive options, you’ll have to choose the Receive option.
Now, open the app on your smartphone as well. Out of the options, you will have to send it from your phone (and receive it on the TV). Tap on the Send button.

Sending the APK file

The next step is to pick the APK of the app that you want to send. Find the APK from your File Manager under the Downloads folder. You have to select the file from there and make sure that you select the correct APK.
After selecting the APK File that you want to send, you’ll get the share screen. Here, you’ll get a list of devices that are around you. Choose your Android TV from this list.
After selecting it, the transfer of the APK File will immediately start. You’ll also see a progress bar on your Android TV. After the transfer is complete, choose the file on your Android TV and open it.
Install the APK and confirm if there are any pop-ups.
If this doesn’t work, you might have to troubleshoot it. Some TVs have corrupted or poorly functioning file managers, which are needed for sideloading to work.

Troubleshooting & Miscellaneous

If you want to transfer APK Files to your TV in bulk, multiple files at the same time, you can do that with a File Manager app. Download a File Manager app on your Google TV using the Play Store. Some popular apps for this are AnExplorer or TvExplorer.
Open the File Manager app after the installation is complete. It’ll ask for storage permissions, which you’ll have to grant.
Go to the Downloads folder, where your APK Files are. Select the app from there and hit install.

Method 2: Use Cloud Storage to Sideload Apps on Android TV

First, download the APK File on your phone or PC. This should be the same file that you want to install on your Google TV. One of the best and easiest options to upload files to the cloud is Google Drive, but you can choose the one that you prefer.
Open the File Manager app on your Google TV. Choose the “Cloud” option.
You’ll see an option called “Add a cloud location.” Pick that option.
You will find Google Drive from the list of options. If you’re using Google Drive for this, choose it, or pick the Cloud Storage that you’ve decided to use (Like MEGA or Samsung Cloud).
After this, log in to your Cloud Storage account on your TV. After logging in, you’ll find the APK file that you uploaded before.
Select the APK File that you’ve downloaded and install it on your TV.

Note: Apps that you sideloaded will not appear normally in the launcher or app menu on Android TV.