How to Install APK Files / Sideload Apps

to Android TV
August 1, 2018
by Taimur Akmal
Android recently has been expanded to run on hardware that isn’t necessarily a
smartphone or tablet, a prime example being Android TV. In this guide, we will
take our readers through the complete process of how they can install APK files
manually to their Android TV. Generally referred to as sideloading, this procedure
comes in quite handy as not all Android apps have made their way to the
Android TV Play Store. Also, through this, developers can easily test out their
own apps directly on Android TV. Read ahead for multiple methods that let you
install APK files on your TV, manually.
Much like an Android smartphone, Android TV relies on the same basic
framework. Using this concept, we can manipulate few settings and have our
APK files running. The main hurdle when installing APK files on the TV is how to
transfer over the downloaded APKs. Well, there are a couple of methods and we
have them listed right ahead.
How to Install APK files / Sideload Apps to Android TV
As discussed, there are two main ways through which apps can be manually
installed on any Android TV. Both of them are listed ahead. We advise reading
them both and implementing the one you find convenient.

Common to both methods is, enabling Unknown Sources installation so follow

these steps before going further.
Enable Unknown Sources on Android TV
Step 1 – Open the Settings. To do this, browse down to the last row of options
and then click on the Gear icon.
Step 2 – In Settings,  you should be able to see an option Security &
restrictions, click it!
Step 3 – Now, there will be an option listed for Unkown sources, enable it.
Method 1: Transfer APK File through Web
One clever idea is to transfer your APK file over the web. All you would need for
this procedure is an internet connection and proper apps to explore internal
storage of your Android TV.

Step 1 – Head to the Play Store on your Android TV and install ES File Explorer.
Step 2 – Upload the desired APK file to your Dropbox or Google Drive account.
Step 3 – Open ES File Explorer on your Android TV and go to Network section
and select Cloud.
Step 4 – There should be an option of adding New account. From here,
configure the account where you had your APK file uploaded.
Step 5 – After configuration, browse to the uploaded file and open it. The app
should now display an option of Install, select it!
Step 6 – Follow the installation wizard till the app is installed.
Your desired app should now be installed. Now, as how to launch it, read ahead.

Method 2: Transfer APK File through ADB

This method is generally for users who are a bit more tech inclined than normal
users as it involves a bit of command line.

Step 1 – Open the Settings. To do this, browse down to the last row of options
and then click on the Gear icon.
Step 2 – In Settings,  you should be able to see an option About, click it!
Step 3 – Now, browse till you see Build number. Click it several times until there
is a notification saying You’re a developer  now.
Step 4 – Browse back to main Settings menu. There should now be a new
section called Developer Options. Select it!
Step 5 – Within this menu, there would be a setting for USB Debugging, you
should enable it.
Step 6 – Now, again browse back to Settings menu and go to Network Settings.
Step 7 – From here, find the IP Address (Local IP) of your Android TV.
Step 8 – On your computer, issue the following command:
NOTE: It is assumed you have ADB configured already on your computer. If not,
read: How to download ADB for Windows and Mac.
adb connect INSERT_IP_ADDRESS
Step 9 – There would be a pop-up on your Android TV saying Allow
debugging? Select Always.
Step 10 – Run this command to install your desired APK. Make sure you are in
the correct directory of the APK file.
adb install AppName.apk

That’s it! There should be a Success text once the install is finished on your
computer.
Launch Installed App
Once you finish installing, you should install Sideload Launcher from Android TV
Play Store. This app will have its own shortcut and within it, it will contain all
side-loaded app shortcuts on your Android TV.
Hopefully this guide helped you out, if you have any further questions, reach us
through the comments.