How to Sideload APK on Android TV / Google TV: Complete Setup Guide

Can You Install APK on Android TV?

Yes — Android TV and Google TV run Android under the hood, which means they can install APK files just like any Android phone. The only catch is that Android TV doesn't have a built-in file browser or an easy way to sideload apps from unknown sources.

Prerequisites: What You Need

• An Android TV / Google TV device (Sony, TCL, Hisense, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, ONN, etc.)
• The APK file you want to install
• A computer and/or a file transfer method

Method 1: Using a File Manager App (Easiest)

Step 1: Install a File Manager

Most Android TVs don't come with a file manager. Install one from the Google Play Store on your TV:

• X-plore File Manager (recommended)
• File Commander
• Solid Explorer

Step 2: Enable Unknown Sources

1. Go to Settings → Device Preferences → Security & Restrictions
2. Find Unknown Sources or Install unknown apps
3. Enable it for your file manager app

Step 3: Transfer the APK to Your TV

Option A: Cloud Download (Simplest)

1. Upload the APK to Google Drive or Dropbox from your computer
2. Open the cloud drive app on your Android TV
3. Download the APK to the TV

Option B: USB Drive

1. Copy the APK to a USB flash drive (FAT32 formatted)
2. Plug the USB into your TV
3. Open your file manager → navigate to USB storage
4. Find and click the APK

Option C: Network Transfer

1. Connect your TV and computer to the same Wi-Fi
2. In X-plore: Tap the menu → Wi-Fi File Sharing → Start
3. Type the FTP address shown into your computer's browser
4. Drag and drop the APK

Step 4: Install the APK

1. Navigate to the APK file in your file manager
2. Click/tap it
3. Click Install
4. Wait 10-30 seconds
5. Click Open or Done

Method 2: ADB Sideload (Advanced)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) lets you install APK from your computer without touching the TV remote.

Enable Developer Options

1. Go to Settings → Device Preferences → About
2. Scroll down to Build and click it 7 times

Enable USB Debugging

1. Go back to Settings → Device Preferences → Developer options
2. Toggle USB debugging ON

Install via ADB

# Connect via ADB over network
adb connect 192.168.1.50

# Accept the prompt on your TV screen
adb install your-app.apk

Method 3: Send Files to TV App

1. Install Send Files to TV from Google Play on your Android TV
2. Install the same app on your phone/tablet
3. On your phone: Tap Send → Select the APK
4. On your TV: Tap Receive
5. The APK transfers over local Wi-Fi and prompts installation

Method 4: Downloader App

1. Install Downloader from Google Play Store on your TV
2. Enable unknown sources for Downloader
3. Type the URL where your APK is hosted (e.g., from GPToAPK)
4. Hit Go — it will download and auto-prompt installation

Best APKs to Install on Android TV

Troubleshooting

"App not installed" error

Fix: Most Android TVs are ARM64. Download the correct variant.

"There was a problem parsing the package"

Fix: Re-download from a trusted source like GPToAPK.

Can't find the installed app

Fix: Install Sideload Launcher from Play Store — it lists all installed apps.

Sideloading APK on Android TV opens up possibilities far beyond what the Play Store offers. Always download APK from trusted sources like GPToAPK.