How to Sideload Apps on Google TV

Sideloading apps will enable you to install any application which is not available in the Play store. Sideloading apk in Chromecast with Google TV will enable to the installation of those applications in Chromecast with Google TV. For this purpose, the user first needs to enable the developer mode to allow the system to sideload any application. The user will need an android phone which will enable them to download the apk file and share it with the TV to install the sideloading application.

This article will cover step by step how to enable developer mode and how to use android mobile to sideload applications on Chromecast with Google TV. 

Step 1: Go to Settings

On the Home screen press the right navigation key on the voice remote to access the right-hand side menu. The settings option will be right after the user ID logo with a gear icon. Press OK to access the settings option. 

settings on home screen

Step 2: Enable Developer Mode

In the settings, go to the About section and scroll down to find the Android TV OS build option. Press OK seven times will provide a message ‘You are now a developer’. After the option is enabled go back to the Home screen using the left navigation key. 

enable developer mode

Step 3: Go to the Play Store

Use the voice command open Play Store on the voice remote to access Play Store on Google Chromecast. 

play store on google tv

Step 4: Find Send Files to TV application

Once Play Store is open, either type the name of the application ‘Send Files to TV’ or use the voice remote to give the Chromecast a command to search it. The user has to access the search button on the Play Store to utilize the commands or type the app name. 

send files to tv application

Step 5: Install the Application

Once the application is found, use the Install tab on the application to install it on Chromecast. 

install send files to tv Step 6: Download Send Files to TV application on an Android phone

Use the Play Store on an Android phone to download the same Send Files to TV application and install it. 

send files to tv in android phone

Step 7: Install File Commander on Chromecast

Use the Play Store option on Chromecast to download and Install File Commander which will act as a file manager for the device. 

file commander install

Step 8: Download the desired application from apkmirror on the android phone

In the android phone use any browser to visit apkmirror.com and download any desired app which will be sideloaded on the Chromecast device.

sideload app apk mirror

Step 9: Open Send Files to TV on the Chromecast

Use the all-application option on the Chromecast Home page to find the Send Files to the TV app. It can be available on the App list if there is a limited application.  

send files in tv

Step 10: Open Send Files to TV on an Android phone

Open the Send Files to TV application on an android phone and find the Chromecast device. The user has to use the Send option and find the Chromecast device to send the apk file downloaded on the phone to the TV. 

send files in android device

Step 11: Access Files commander to find the received apk

Use the File Commander file manager to find the received apk of the application on TV. The apk file will be available in the Download folder of the file manager. 

apk in file commander

Step 13: Enable Install unknown app

Upon installation, the File Commander will ask for permission to visit settings and enable the Install unknown application. 

allow unknown app install

Step 14: Use the Settings button on File Commander

Use the setting button from the dialogue box generated by File Commander to directly visit Install Unknown apps option and enable the option by turning it on. It will allow Chromecast to install apps from unknown sources. 

app installed

Step 15: The application is installed 

As the permission to Install Unknown apps is given it will install the application. The application can be found in the App section on the Home screen or under the All-apps section for use. 

Frequently Asked Questions on How to sideload applications on Chromecast with Google TV

What is sideloading apps on Chromecast with Google TV?

Sideloading refers to installing apps on a device from sources outside its official app store.

Is sideloading safe on Chromecast with Google TV?

Sideloading apps from untrusted sources can pose a security risk. It is recommended to only sideload apps from trusted sources and to ensure the device’s security features are enabled.

How do I sideload apps on Chromecast with Google TV?

To sideload apps on Chromecast with Google TV, you need to enable developer mode and install the app using an Android file manager app.

What do I need to sideload apps on Chromecast with Google TV?

To sideload apps, you need a Chromecast with a Google TV device, a file manager app installed on an Android device, and the app APK file.

Can I sideload all types of apps on Chromecast with Google TV?

Not all apps are compatible with Chromecast with Google TV and may not function properly. It is recommended to only sideload apps specifically designed for Android TV devices.

How do I enable developer mode on Chromecast with Google TV?

To enable developer mode, go to “Settings,” select “Device Preferences,” then select “Developer options” and turn on “Debugging over ADB.”

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