You can get past this limitation by sideloading any app onto your device. However, the potential drawback is that the app might not work as intended on your TV if it wasn’t designed for that purpose. In this article, we will walk you through the process of sideloading any application onto your Google TV in detail.
What You Need to Know Before Sideloading
To get started, you will need to make sure that you have two applications downloaded into your device. The first is a program that provides access to the APK files required to install any third-party apps you want to sideload. Keep in mind that there are many apps that can contain viruses, so choose wisely. The APKPure app, available in the Play Store, is an excellent choice because it is reliable, virus-free, and secure. The second program should be one that allows you to access all of your files that are internally stored within your TV, and File Commander is a great choice for this. It is completely free to install and offers a straightforward and uncomplicated user interface.
Installing Required Applications
While downloading any APK from the browser is really straightforward, it requires a lot of effort on TV, especially if you don’t use a mouse. To save time, we would need to go through the hassle of installing APKPure for the first time. To do this, you will need to download an app called “Send Files to TV“. This app is available in the Play Store, so there should be no issue installing it. This app allows you to download files easily on your phone, and then seamlessly transfer them over to your TV. To do this, you will need to download this app both on your phone, and on the TV.
Accessing Developer Options and Allowing Installation from Unknown Sources
Since File Commander and APKPure are third-party applications, they will require additional permissions to access and install programs before running. To do this, you must first allow these apps to sideload applications by accessing the developer options.
Installing APKPure
Sideloading Apps
Risks of Sideloading Apps on Google TV
While some people may find it useful to sideload apps on the Google TV, it is important for them to be aware of its consequences too. Firstly, the compatibility of the app may not be guaranteed, and you may encounter certain issues with functionality or performance. Secondly, sideloaded apps don’t always go through the same security and quality checks as those in the Play Store. This means that malware and other security threats are more likely to show up and attack your device. In a way, you are putting your device at a risk by sideloading unofficial apps. In addition to this, users should not sideload apps unless they are comfortable with the possibility that the app they are installing may collect and misuse personal information. You are never sure what piece of info the app is using to potentially spy at you. As a result, it’s crucial that users take precautions while installing software and only do so from reliable sources.
Conclusion
Sideloading apps on Google TV is useful for those who want to access a wider range of content and services not available on the official Play Store. However, it comes with certain risks and limitations, including compatibility issues and potential security vulnerabilities. To ensure a safe and successful sideloading experience, it is important to only download apps from trusted sources and to always be cautious when installing apps from unknown sources. Check out our guide on how to get ad-free YouTube on your Android/Google TV to enjoy a Vanced-like experience on the couch.
