By default, devices with Android TV do not have a web browser, but that does not mean that they are deprived of these types of applications: there are compatible browsers. Same it is possible to install a whole Google Chrome: we explain the way to get there.
Strange as it sounds, especially in the case of the effort Google has made to get Chrome everywhere, web browser is not available in Android TV Play Store. This implies that it cannot be installed on televisions (or compatible players), a drawback that reduces the performance of the big screen. Yes, it’s not that the TV and remote are very convenient for browsing the web, but you might have to visit a page from the big screen.
Download and install the APK
As Android TV is designed for televisions, the system remains Android; it therefore not only allows the installation of applications from the Google Play S tore, also from APK files
To simplify the process of install Google Chrome and Android TV we are going to use two applications: the file manager File Commander (to install the APK) and the launcher Side loading launcher (to open Google Chrome). Both are reliable and secure applications and do not exceed permissions. You can download them below.
File Commander
Side loading launcher
When you have both apps on your Android TV, it’s time to start the Google Chrome installation process:
- Download the browser as APK. It is better to install one of the latest versions, for example from Apk mirror.
- Once you have Google Chrome in the form of Apk upload the file to your Drive account. It is recommended to download it in the root folder (the home folder).
- Open File Commander on your Android TV and connect to the Google Drive section.
- Once logged in with your Google account, go to the APK file you downloaded and click on it: File Commander will ask you if you want to download it. You accept.
- Once downloaded, click on ‘Install’. You will need to accept permission to install files outside of Google Play.
Use Google Chrome on the Nvidia Shield TV with the controller
- When you have installed Google Chrome on your Android TV, it will already be available to work, but it will surely not appear among the installed applications since you did not download it from Google Play. To access it you just need launch it from the Sideload Launcher app, that you should already have it installed.
While Google Chrome isn’t specifically designed for Android TV, it works almost flawlessly – you won’t notice too many differences with the desktop or mobile browser. Yes there is a downside: not 100% suitable for control by TV remote control (or from the Android TV player). This is solved by connecting a mouse, both wirelessly and via a USB cable. Additionally, you can control the on-screen cursor with a physical game controller (we recommend).
