How to Sideload Apps on Chromecast with Google TV

Chromecast with Google TV is the upgraded version of the Chromecast device. The most important thing about Chromecast with Google TV is that you can install your favorite apps from the store. Just like Amazon Firestick, you can prefer the built-in store to download the supported apps. To install the apps from unknown sources, you have to rely on the sideloading technique. There are several ways to sideload Apps on Chromecast with Google TV. Lets us see the easiest way to sideload apps on Google TV.

Ways to Sideload Apps

Sideloading can be done on any Google TV device for installing apps that are not available in the App Store. You can sideload apps on your device using third-party apps like

• Using Downloader
• Via File Commander

How to Sideload Apps on Google TV using Downloader

[1] Set up your Chromecast with Google TV.

[2] Navigate to the Search menu.

[3] Type Downloader and hit the search option.

[4] Select the Downloader app and click on Install.

[5] Before launching the Downloader, click on the Profile icon at the top right corner.

Note: You can also press and hold the Home button on your remote to view the control center.

[6] Choose Settings from the control center.

[7] Navigate to the About option from the menu.

[8] Click on Android TV OS build option repeatedly until you see the toast message “You are now a developer!“

[9] Get back to Settings and choose Apps.

[10] Select Security & Restrictions and choose Unknown sources.

[11] Below the Install unknown apps section, tap the toggle located next to Downloader.

[12] Now, launch the Downloader and Allow access to Photos, media, and File on your device.

Note: If you have denied accidentally, then Go to Settings >> Apps >> Downloader >> Permissions >> Storage menu >> Allow.

[13] Add any apk URL in the URL box and click on Go to download and then install the app.

If you need to browse a site to download the apk file, then you need to install Downloader Browser Plugin inside Downloader. To do that

[13] Enter the following URL: browser.aftvnews.com in the URL box and click on Go.

[14] Once Downloaded, Install the Plugin and start Browsing via Downloader.

Sideload Apps on Chromecast with Google TV via File Commander

Before jumping into the steps, you need to download the apk file for the app that you want and then upload it on your Google Drive account using mobile or PC.

[1] Go to apps and navigate to File Commander, or just search using your Voice remote with Google Assistant.

[2] Click on Install to start the installation.

[3] Once installed, go to the settings and enable unknown sources for the File Commander app.

[4] Launch the File Commander on Google TV from Apps.

[5] Navigate to the Google Drive section, sign in to your account and locate the apk that you uploaded earlier.

[6] Tap on it and click on Install.

[7] Once installed, choose Open to launch the installed app on your Google TV.

Why is VPN a must for Google TV?

Though sideloading apps are legal, it is not considered to be a bit riskier. As the apk files are available, they are not checked, unsafe, and there is a possibility of getting malicious files. These files are a major reason that allows getting hacked easily. In such cases, you can use a VPN to keep your device protected from hackers and malicious viruses.

These are some ways to sideload apk on Chromecast with Google TV. Due to compatibility issues, some of the sideloaded Android apps may not work properly due to some errors. At the same time, it is advisable not to sideload apps that possess any legal or copyright issues.

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