Objective & Introduction
This guide explains how to sideload apps on Google TV and Android TV devices using the Downloader app. Sideloading allows you to install applications that are not available on the Google Play Store but are still compatible with your device.
I used the Google TV Streamer 4K (Chromecast replacement) while preparing these steps. However, the interface is nearly identical across most Google TV and Android TV devices. You can follow this guide on devices such as:
- Google TV Streamer 4K
- Chromecast with Google TV
- NVIDIA Shield TV and Shield TV Pro
- TiVo Stream 4K
- Xiaomi Mi Box and Mi TV Stick
- Realme TV Stick 4K
- OnePlus TV (Google TV models)
- Sony TVs with built‑in Google TV or Android TV
- TCL TVs with Google TV or Android TV
- Hisense TVs with Google TV or Android TV
- Skyworth, Vu, and other Android TV‑powered smart TVs
How to Sideload Apps on Google TV & Android TV
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I have used Google Streamer 4K for the steps below. The interface of most Android TVs is more or less the same. Therefore, these steps apply to any Android TV device you may have.
The sideloading process is divided into the following parts:
- Part 1: Enable Developer Options
- Part 2: Install the Downloader App
- Part 3: Sideload Apps Using Downloader
Part 1: Enable Developer Options
Most devices come with Developer Options disabled by default. This option must be enabled to sideload apps. Here is how you can do it:
1. Click Quick Settings in the menubar at the top of the home screen of your Google or Android TV.
2. A pop-up menu will appear on the right. Click All Settings in the top-right corner, next to your profile picture.
4. Click System on the following window.
5. Next, click About.
6. Scroll down and select Android TV OS build.
7. Click this option quickly multiple times until you see a notification at the bottom saying, “No need, you are already a developer.”
Developer Options is now enabled.
Part 2: Install the Downloader App
The Downloader app is needed to download APK files from external sources. Here are the steps to install it:
1. Go back to the home screen and select the search/magnifying glass option in the menu at the top.
2. On the next screen, click the search text box.
3. Type Downloader and click the magnifying glass icon on the keypad.
4. Click Downloader by AFTVnews. Please note that this is the only authentic Downloader app. The others are poor copies that either ask for your money or don’t work properly.
5. Click Install.
6. Click Open if you want to run the Downloader app immediately. You will also find it in the Your Apps section, as I will show you in the next part.
Part 3: Sideload Apps Using Downloader
In this part, we will use the Downloader app to sideload an app. I am using Kodi for demonstration purposes.
1. Go to the home screen of your device and navigate to the Your Apps section. Select and open Downloader.
2. This is the Downloader home screen. Click the # icon on the right in the menu bar at the top to enter a Downloader code. If you are using a URL, click the text box labeled “Click here to enter a URL, Short Code, or Search Term…” instead.
3. Type the Downloader code or URL using the keypad. We will enter the Downloader code 242913. This code redirects you to the official Kodi download page – https://kodi.tv/download/android. Click the checkmark icon on the keypad to continue.
4. This redirect screen will stay for about 5 seconds. It displays the URL you are being redirected to before actually redirecting you.
5. Click the download link on the page.
6. Wait for the APK to download.
7. If you are using the Downloader app for the first time for sideloading, the following one-time prompt will appear. It asks you to enable a setting that lets you download apps from unknown sources. Click Settings. It is different from how this setting is enabled on FireStick.
8. As you can see, Downloader is currently “Not allowed.” Go ahead and click the toggle to enable it.
9. Click Install when prompted.
10. Click Done when the app has been installed. Let’s delete the downloaded APK file first before opening the app.
11. Click Delete.
12. Click Delete again.
13. You have successfully sideloaded Kodi on Google TV & Android TV. You will find the sideloaded app on your device’s home screen in the Your Apps section.
Why Sideload Apps on Google TV & Android TV?
The Google Play Store on Android TV and Google TV does not include every compatible application. Many useful apps are available only as APK files from their official websites.
Sideloading helps you:
- Install apps that are not available in the Play Store
- Install newer versions of apps before they reach the Play Store
- Access developer beta versions of supported apps
- Install utility tools such as media players, browsers, and file managers
If the APK is compatible with Android TV, you can install and run it using Downloader in just a few minutes.
Safety & Legality Considerations
Safety
The Downloader app itself is safe and widely used for installing APK files on streaming devices. However, safety depends on the source of the APK file you install.
Always download APK files from official developer websites whenever possible. Avoid modified or unofficial app versions from unknown sources.
Before installing any APK, you may also scan the file using services like VirusTotal to check whether security vendors detect any issues.
Legality
Sideloading apps on Google TV and Android TV is completely legal. Android allows users to install applications from outside the Play Store.
However, the legality of the content you access depends on the app you install and how you use it. Always stream content from legitimate sources available in your region.
FAQs
Can I sideload apps on all Google TV and Android TV devices?
Yes. Most Google TV and Android TV devices support sideloading, provided Developer Options and installation from unknown sources are enabled.
Do sideloaded apps appear on the home screen?
Some sideloaded apps appear normally in the Apps section. Others may not appear on the home screen, but can still be launched from Your Apps or via a launcher app.
Can I remove sideloaded apps later?
Yes. You can uninstall sideloaded apps the same way you uninstall Play Store apps from Settings > Apps.
Is Downloader required for sideloading?
Downloader is the easiest method. However, you can also sideload apps using a USB drive, cloud storage apps, or file-transfer tools.
Conclusion
Sideloading apps with Downloader is one of the simplest ways to expand what your Google TV or Android TV device can do. Once Developer Options are enabled and Downloader is installed, you can install compatible APK files in just a few steps.
If an app is not available in the Play Store but supports Android TV, sideloading usually makes it accessible on your device.