After years of installing APK files on my Android TVs, I recently discovered that an app I use for Fire TVs is also perfect for the competition: Uploader by AFTVnews. Downloads from the browser, the ability to download any file directly to the TV and extreme simplicity in the task. Highly recommended.
Android-based TV devices behave almost like a smartphone, as they also allow the installation of APKs, application files downloaded outside of official stores. It’s valid for Android TV and FireOSsince Amazon Fire televisions have an android soul. And they share an ideal tool for downloading the aforementioned APKs.
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Downloader is a rich browser with direct APK installation
Until now, my preferred method for installing apps outside of Google Play was to download the APK to my phone, send it to Android TV using Send Files to TV, and install it from there with a file manager. This is a fairly simple and quick process, but could be improved.
Since I used Downloader to install APK files on Amazon Fire TVs, I also tried downloading the app on Android TV. And it’s perfect, the only thing I miss is that it doesn’t directly install the applications from the “bundle”, it takes care of the rest without problem. From downloading the file to installing it.
Let’s see the complete process step by step: It costs nothing to install almost any app without going through Google Play on Android TV (or Google TV, which is basically the same).
- Open Google Play on your TV or player and search for Downloader by AFTVnews. You can also install the application remotely from your mobile by going to the store.
- Now go to the AFTV page and paste the URL from where it is downloaded the APK you want to download to your Android TV . For example, you can install from APK Mirror.
- Click the “Shorten” button to shorten the link so you can easily download it from the TV.
- The website will give you a six-digit code. Write it down.
- Now open Downloader by AFTVnews on your Android TV.
- Enter the code you noted in the text field: You will see that the website from which to download the APK opens.
- Navigate with the remote, click the download link and accept. The APK will have been downloaded to your Android TV.
- Downloader offers you the possibility to install the application directly: do it. You will need to approve the relevant permits.
With the Downloader by AFTVnews app and website, it is very easy to install any APK on Android TV. And not just from pages like APK Mirror, you can also upload your own files to Google Drive, create a download link and use it from Downloader on your Android TV.
The URL shortening process is not mandatory: you can paste the download link directly into the Downloader app on your Android TV
This is an additional method to make the task of installing your own applications easier. Sending files to the TV is also very efficient, if your Android TV has a USB port you can download the files directly with a USB stick. It is best to try them all and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Cover image | Ivan Linares
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