How to Sideload Apps on Android TV / Google TV (2026)

This guide will show you how to sideload apps on Android TV and Google TV. I have tested the steps on Android TV, Android TV Box, and Google 4K Streamer.

What is Sideloading?

Sideloading is the process of installing apps that aren’t available on official app stores. For Google TV and Android TV, the official app store is the Google Play Store.

Sideloading on TV devices differs from sideloading on Android phones. On mobile devices, you can download APK files for sideloading via any browser. TV devices do not support browser downloads. You need a special utility called Downloader.

The Downloader app is officially available on the Play Store.

You need to enter the URL of the source hosting the APK file you want to install. The Downloader app first downloads the file, then starts the installation process.

You can also type a Downloader code if you don’t want to type a long URL.

Downloader codes are numeric codes that function as URL shorteners. Let me give you an example.

Imagine typing this URL in the Downloader app:

https://download2300.mediafire.com/1e7xem4p5wpgzpYarAgZR7g1Skk8sL8ECPUb87qcGz_eKCsD_R3JPSNllokZ3MnEO9RX50IxklJQrvXmwwF0AMBCu8pSgmDyvagKtBxCyh0KULAzW5y5v1Np1R4If5gx3IVwFAjGaq4LMnLFqUisfqAb-9Skk4mm2lZUREkEeDUSpjw/8miioqg59zs29wg/kodi-21.3-Omega-armeabi-v7a.apk

The Downloader code for the same URL is this:

6075994

Instead of typing the full URL, enter just these 7 digits.

• 👉 Read: Best Downloader Codes

How to Sideload on Google TV/Android TV

There are two ways to sideload on Google and Android TVs:

• From a direct APK URL
• From a webpage

I will cover both. But first, let’s install the Downloader app.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. FireStickTricks.com does not own, host, operate, resell, or distribute any apps, services, or content mentioned. 

Steps to Install Downloader

Here is how it goes:

1. Go to the Google TV/Android TV home screen.

2. Select Apps in the menu at the top

3. Click the Search box.

4. Type “Downloader” and click the lens icon in the keyboard.

5. Click Downloader by AFTVnews.

6. Click Install.

7. Wait for the installation to finish. Click Open to start the Downloader app, or you can open it from the home screen.

8. Go back to the home screen and scroll down to the Your Apps section. Scroll horizontally to find and open the Downloader app.

9. Click OK to dismiss this prompt (appears only the first time).

10. This is the home screen of the Downloader app.

Method 1: Sideload with the direct APK URL

A direct APK URL immediately starts downloading the file without redirecting you to a webpage. Here are the steps:

1. Click the textbox on the Downloader home screen.

2. Type the URL or the Downloader code and click the checkmark button on the keyboard.

3. Click Go.

4. Wait for the download to complete.

5. A one-time permission is required to allow Downlaoder to sideload apps. Click Settings when prompted.

6. Select and click the Downloader to allow it.

7. Once allowed, click Install on the prompt.

8. When the installation is complete, click Done (recommended) to delete the installation file and free up the storage. You may also click Open, but it’s best to remove the file.

9. Click Delete when prompted.

10. Click Delete again.

You have successfully sideloaded an APK on Android TV using the direct APK link.

Method 2: Sideload from a webpage

The Downloader app also includes a browser that lets you download files from web pages. Here’s how it works:

1. Click the textbox on the home screen of the Downlaoder app.

2. Type the download URL or the Downlaoder code and click the checkmark button on the keyboard.

3. Click Go.

4. Click the download link or button on the webpage.

5. Wait for the download to complete.

6. Again, if it is your first time, you will be asked to allow sideloading. Click Settings.

7. Click Downloader to allow it.

8. Click Install.

9. Click Done.

10. Click Delete.

11. Click Delete again.

This is how you sideload on Google TV/Android TV from a webpage using the Downloader app.

Wrapping Up

This is how you sideload apps on Android TV and Google TV. All you need is the Downloader tool, and you can install any compatible third-party app on your device. If you have any feedback or comments, please let us know in the comments box below.

Legal Disclaimer - FireStickTricks.com does not verify the legality or security of any add-ons, apps or services mentioned on this site. Also, we do not promote, host or link to copyright-protected streams. We highly discourage piracy and strictly advise our readers to avoid it at all costs. Any mention of free streaming on our site is purely meant for copyright-free content that is available in the Public domain. Read our full disclaimer.