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

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, LionTV 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.

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 that aren't in the Play Store?

Enable "Unknown sources" for your downloader app in Settings, then sideload the APK from the provider's official 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.

Where do my installed apps appear?

In the Apps drawer on the home screen. You can usually rearrange them so favourites sit first.

Ready to watch?

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