How to Install Apps on Android TV (Play Store + Sideload)

Aug 7, 2026

Learn how to install apps on Android TV from the Play Store, sideload APKs from your phone or computer, and use Google TV. Step-by-step with safety tips.

Half the point of an Android TV is the apps — streaming, live TV, music, games. There are two ways to get them onto your device: the Google Play Store, and sideloading. This guide covers both, clearly, and explains when to use each. If you are brand new, start with our beginner's guide to Android TV first.

Method 1: Install from the Play Store (the easy way)

The Play Store is the simplest and safest route, and it covers the large majority of apps.

From the home screen, open the Google Play Store (or the Get more apps row).
Use the search box — or press the microphone button and say the app name.
Open the app's page and select Install.
When it finishes, the app appears in your Apps drawer, ready to open.

To keep apps current, leave auto-updates on under the Play Store settings so you always get the latest fixes and features.

Method 2: Sideloading (for apps not in the store)

Some legitimate apps are distributed directly by their providers rather than through the Play Store. Installing one is called sideloading. It is straightforward, but you should only ever sideload from trusted, official sources.

Step 1 — Allow installs from your downloader app

Go to Settings > Device Preferences > Security & restrictions > Unknown sources and enable the file or downloader app you plan to use. This tells Android TV it can install from that app.

Step 2 — Get a downloader tool

From the Play Store, install a file/downloader utility (a "Downloader" style app, or "Send files to TV"). These let you fetch an APK file or receive one from your phone.

Step 3 — Enter the official download link or code

Open the downloader and enter the provider's official URL or download code. For example, Playly TV publishes its official app and download code on the Download page — you enter that and the APK downloads.

Step 4 — Install

When the download finishes, select Install, then open the app. Done.

How to Install Apps on Android TV from Your Phone

You don't have to type on your TV's remote. Here are two easy ways to install apps from your phone:

Use the Google Play Store app on your phone: Open the Play Store on your phone, find the app, and tap the install button. Choose your Android TV from the list of devices — it will install remotely.
Use "Send files to TV" or a similar app: Install a file-transfer app on both your phone and TV, then send the APK directly. This is handy for sideloading.

This works for both Play Store apps and sideloaded APKs. For more on using your phone with your TV, see how to cast to Android TV.

How to Install APK on Google TV (and other Android TV devices)

Google TV is the newer interface on top of Android TV. The steps are almost identical:

Open the Play Store (or the "Apps" tab) and install from there.
To sideload, go to Settings > System > About and tap "Android TV OS build" 7 times to enable Developer options.
Then go to Settings > Apps > Security and restrictions > Unknown sources and allow your downloader app.
Use the same downloader steps as above.

This works on all Android TV devices, including Sony, TCL, and NVIDIA Shield.

How to Install Any App on Android TV (Including Third-Party Apps)

If an app isn't in the Play Store, you can still install it by sideloading. The key is to find a trusted APK file. Here's the general process:

Find the official APK from the app's website or a reputable source.
Transfer it to your TV using a downloader app or a USB drive.
Enable "Unknown sources" for that downloader app.
Open the APK and install it.

This is how you install third-party apps that aren't on the Play Store. Always be careful — only use official sources to avoid malware.

Which method should you use?

Use the Play Store whenever the app is listed there — it is the safest and updates automatically.
Sideload only for legitimate apps distributed outside the store, and only from the provider's official source.

Troubleshooting installs

"App not installed" error: free up storage, or clear the Play Store / downloader cache and try again.
Install button greyed out: check your internet connection and that you're signed in to a Google account.
Sideloaded app won't open: make sure the app supports Android TV, and that you downloaded the correct, current version from the official source.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I install apps on Android TV?

You can install apps from the Google Play Store directly on your TV, or sideload APK files from a downloader app or your phone.

How do I install apps on Android TV from my phone?

Use the Google Play Store app on your phone and select your TV as the target device, or use a file-transfer app like "Send files to TV" to send APKs.

How do I install third-party apps on Android TV?

Enable "Unknown sources" for your downloader app in Settings, then sideload the APK from a trusted source.

Is sideloading safe?

It is safe as long as you install only legitimate apps from trusted, official sources. Avoid unknown third-party APK repositories.

How do I install APK on Google TV?

Enable Developer options by tapping the build number 7 times, then allow unknown sources for your downloader app and install the APK.

Can I install apps on my smart TV?

If your smart TV runs Android TV or Google TV, yes. For other smart TVs, check the app store — many popular apps are available, but sideloading may not be possible.

Ready to watch?

Once your streaming app is installed, all you need is a subscription. Playly TV bundles live TV, live sports and movies into one Android TV app — no activation code required. See the membership plans or the FAQ.