Google TV and Android TV are powerful streaming platforms that, out of the box, only scratch the surface of their true potential. To unlock features like ad-free YouTube, custom launchers, wireless file transfers, remote control remapping, and sideloading capabilities, you need to install a curated set of must-have third-party apps that transform your TV into a fully functional smart hub.
⚠️ STATUS DISCLAIMER
Current App Ecosystem Status: 🟢 ACTIVE & THRIVING
Last Verified: August 2026
Important Note: While Google TV and Android TV come pre-loaded with popular streaming services, many of the most useful apps are not available in the Play Store. This guide covers both official Play Store apps and sideload-only applications. Sideloading requires enabling “Unknown Sources” and carries inherent security risks.
🔒 Privacy & Security Warning: When sideloading APKs from third-party sources, your device is exposed to potential malware if you download from untrusted websites. Always use reputable sources like APKMirror or the developer’s official GitHub. A VPN is strongly recommended for privacy protection.
If you’re unable to sideload or prefer to stay within the Play Store, alternatives are noted for each app where available.
📋 What Is This Guide & Who Is It For?
What This Guide Covers
This comprehensive guide covers every essential app you need to transform your Google TV or Android TV device—whether it’s a built-in smart TV, a Chromecast with Google TV, an NVIDIA Shield, a Xiaomi Mi Box, or any other Android TV box—from a basic streaming device into a fully customized, powerful media hub.
Target Audience
- New Android TV/Google TV users looking to unlock their device’s full potential
- Cord-cutters wanting to optimize their streaming experience
- Tech enthusiasts who enjoy customizing and sideloading
- Families needing parental controls and usage monitoring
- Power users running Plex/Jellyfin media servers
Value Proposition
- ✅ No more cluttered, ad-filled home screens
- ✅ Ad-free YouTube with SponsorBlock integration
- ✅ Wireless file transfers from phone to TV in seconds
- ✅ Customizable remote controls with extra functions
- ✅ Access to thousands of apps not in the Play Store
- ✅ Complete media playback support for any file format
📊 The “No-Click” Quick-Reference Cheatsheet
For experienced users—skip the reading and install now.
| App Name | Status | Rating | Source/Repo | Type | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projectivy Launcher | 🟢 Active | 4.7★ | Play Store | Launcher | Play Store |
| SmartTube | 🟢 Active | 4.8★ | GitHub/Sideload | YouTube Client | GitHub |
| TV Bro | 🟢 Active | 4.5★ | Play Store | Web Browser | Play Store |
| Downloader by AFTVnews | 🟢 Active | 4.4★ | Play Store | Sideload Tool | Play Store |
| Send Files to TV (SFTTV) | 🟢 Active | 4.3★ | Play Store | File Transfer | Play Store |
| LocalSend | 🟢 Active | 4.6★ | Play Store | File Transfer | Play Store |
| Button Mapper | 🟢 Active | 4.4★ | Play Store | Remote Customization | Play Store |
| Cx File Explorer | 🟢 Active | 4.5★ | Play Store | File Manager | Play Store |
| FX File Explorer | ⚠️ Partial | 4.3★ | Play Store | File Manager | Play Store |
| X-plore File Manager | 🟢 Active | 4.4★ | Play Store | File Manager | Play Store |
| AnExplorer | 🟢 Active | — | Play Store | File Manager (TV-Optimized) | Play Store |
| atvTools | 🟢 Active | 4.2★ | Play Store | Remote Management | Play Store |
| Aptoide TV | 🟢 Active | 4.3★ | Sideload | App Store | tv.aptoide.com |
| Aurora Store | 🟢 Active | — | Sideload | App Store (Privacy-Focused) | GitHub |
| Stremio | 🟢 Active | 4.6★ | Play Store | Media Aggregator | Play Store |
| Kodi | 🟢 Stable | 4.5★ | Play Store | Media Center | Play Store |
| VLC for Android | 🟢 Active | 4.6★ | Play Store | Media Player | Play Store |
| Plex | 🟢 Active | 4.4★ | Play Store | Media Server Client | Play Store |
| Jellyfin | 🟢 Active | 4.3★ | Play Store | Media Server Client | Play Store |
| Wholphin | 🟢 Active | — | Play Store | Jellyfin Client (Third-Party) | Play Store |
| TVUsage | 🟢 Active | 4.0★ | Play Store | Parental Control | Play Store |
| Background Apps & Process List | 🟢 Active | 4.1★ | Play Store | Task Manager | Play Store |
🏆 Individual App Reviews
1. Projectivy Launcher – The Ultimate Home Screen Replacement
What It Is: Projectivy Launcher is a customizable, ad-free launcher that completely replaces your TV’s cluttered, ad-filled default home screen.
Key Features:
- Clean, minimalist interface showing only your inputs, apps, and a “Continue Watching” section
- Folder support for organizing apps into groups
- Live TV support integrated into the home screen
- Custom themes, fonts, and wallpapers (Premium)
- Parental controls and app hiding
- Direct sideloading of third-party apps
- Boot-to-app feature – set your TV to open a specific app on startup
Latest Updates (2026): Version 4.71 (released July 13, 2026) added folder support, Live TV integration, theme support, customizable category backgrounds, improved wallpaper management, wallpaper tinting/colorization, solid color wallpaper support, and the ability to request a new wallpaper by long-pressing the “play/pause” button on the remote control. Vastly improved customization options and UX.
Price: Free (Premium version available for advanced features)
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV
Installation: Play Store
2. SmartTube – The Ultimate Ad-Free YouTube Experience
What It Is: SmartTube is an open-source, ad-free YouTube client designed specifically for Android TV and Google TV devices.
Key Features:
- Completely ad-free – no video ads, no banner ads
- SponsorBlock integration – automatically skips sponsored segments, intros, and outros
- 8K resolution support and 60fps playback
- HDR compatibility (improved HDR10+ support in latest versions)
- Adjustable playback speed
- View live chat while watching
- Built-in updater – no need to manually download updates
- Does not require Google Services
Latest Updates (2026): Version 31.94 (Stable) added playback error fixes, Fire TV Cube crash fixes, and a new option to improve VPN compatibility. The app offers both beta (recommended) and stable releases.
Price: Free (donations accepted)
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV, Fire TV
Installation: Sideload from GitHub
3. TV Bro – The Best Web Browser for Your TV
What It Is: TV Bro is a free, open-source web browser built specifically for TV remotes. It’s widely considered the most underrated app for Google TV.
Key Features:
- Optimized for TV remote navigation – no mouse required
- Voice search to avoid typing with a D-pad
- Built-in ad blocker
- Download manager for saving files
- Bookmarks for favorite websites
- Fast and responsive performance
Latest Updates (2026): Version 2.1.6 (released June 3, 2026)
Price: Free and open-source
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV
Installation: Play Store
4. Downloader by AFTVnews – The Essential Sideloading Tool
What It Is: Downloader is a web browser and file downloader that allows you to download APK files directly onto your Android TV or Google TV device.
Key Features:
- Enter URLs or short codes to download files
- Built-in file manager to open and install APK files
- Favorites feature for saving commonly used URLs
- Simple, intuitive interface designed for TV remotes
Why You Need It: If there’s an app you want that’s not available in the Play Store, Downloader is the answer. Enable “Unknown Sources” once, and you can sideload any APK.
Latest Updates (2026): Version 2.0.4-ForGoogleAndroidDevices (updated July 30, 2026)
Price: Free
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV, Fire TV, phone, tablet
Installation: Play Store
5. Send Files to TV (SFTTV) – Wireless File Transfer Made Simple
What It Is: Send Files to TV is a simple application that allows you to wirelessly transfer files between your Android phone and Android TV over your local network.
Key Features:
- Clean and intuitive user interface
- Speedy transfer speeds
- Compatibility with a broad range of devices
- No need for USB cables – everything works over Wi-Fi
How It Works:
- Install the app on both your phone and TV
- Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network
- Select files on your phone and tap “Send”
- Tap “Receive” on your TV
- Files transfer wirelessly in seconds
Note: While Google hasn’t adapted Quick Share for the big screen yet, apps like Send Files to TV fill this gap perfectly.
Price: Free (Pro version removes ads)
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV, Android phones, Windows, Mac
Installation: Play Store
6. LocalSend – The Open-Source Alternative
What It Is: LocalSend is a free, open-source alternative to Send Files to TV that works across Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Key Features:
- Cross-platform – works on any device, any OS
- Open-source – fully transparent
- No ads, no tracking – privacy-focused
- Fast local network transfers
⚠️ SECURITY WARNING: A Stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability (CVE-2026-25154) exists in LocalSend versions up to and including 1.17.0. This vulnerability affects the “Share via Link” session feature. Users should upgrade to a patched version beyond 1.17.0 containing commit 8f3cec85aa29b2b13fed9b2f8e499e1ac9b0504c.
Latest Updates (2026): Version 1.17.0 (released February 2026)
Price: Free and open-source
Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux
Installation: Play Store
7. Button Mapper – Customize Every Button on Your Remote
What It Is: Button Mapper is a third-party app that lets you remap and customize the physical buttons on your Android TV remote.
Key Features:
- Remap any button – Home, volume, back, recent apps
- Multiple actions per button – single press, double press, long press
- Launch specific apps with a button press
- Turn off the screen or trigger shutdown menu
- Control media playback – advance/rewind songs
- Adjust brightness
- No root required for most features
Use Cases:
- Convert an unused button to open your favorite app
- Use volume buttons to skip tracks while listening to music
- Create a shortcut to turn off the screen
Latest Updates (2026): Version 4.09 (APK available, supports Android 8.1+)
Price: Free (some advanced features require root)
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV, Android devices
Installation: Play Store
8. Cx File Explorer – The Best File Manager for Android TV
What It Is: Cx File Explorer is a powerful file manager with a clean, intuitive interface designed for TV remotes.
Key Features:
- Clean, PC-like navigation that feels natural with a TV remote
- Visualized storage analysis on the home screen
- Local folder management
- SMB/network support for accessing files on your PC or NAS
- Built-in media players for videos, music, and images
- Zip/RAR archive support
Why It’s the Best: Unlike other file managers, Cx File Explorer gives you a high-level, visualized storage analysis right on the home screen – you can see exactly what’s taking up space.
Latest Updates (2026): Version 2.7.6 (updated June 19, 2026)
Price: Free
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV, phone, tablet
Installation: Play Store
9. FX File Explorer – The Feature-Packed Alternative
What It Is: FX File Explorer is a comprehensive file manager with a clean UI and extensive features.
Key Features:
- Multiple windows with split-screen view – move files between folders easily
- Built-in video player, music player, image viewer
- Text viewer and editor
- Zip and RAR archive creation and extraction
- SMB, FTP, and cloud storage support
- Ad-free in the free version
⚠️ TV Compatibility Note: FX File Explorer can run on Android TV — it installs and operates. However, the standard FX phone interface is displayed on the TV screen, and basic D-pad navigation works for file browsing. It is not designed specifically for TV like AnExplorer.
Latest Updates (2026): Version 9.1.0.8 (released May 17, 2026)
Price: Free (one-time purchase for Pro)
Platforms: Android TV (limited), Google TV (limited), phone, tablet
Installation: Play Store
10. X-plore File Manager – The Best for NAS and USB
What It Is: X-plore is a dual-panel file manager with a unique tree-style interface and genuine Android TV support.
Key Features:
- Tree-style dual-panel interface showing directory hierarchies
- Built-in FTP, SMB, and WebDAV support
- USB/OTG drive support
- ZIP/RAR extraction on the fly
- Excellent for NAS and USB storage management
Best For: Users who need to manage files across multiple network locations and USB drives.
Latest Updates (2026): Version 4.49.00 (released June 27, 2026)
Price: Freemium
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV, phone, tablet
Installation: Play Store
11. AnExplorer – The Dedicated TV File Manager
What It Is: AnExplorer is a file manager purpose-built for TV interfaces, navigable entirely with a remote control. It’s gaining significant traction in 2026 as a dedicated TV file manager.
Key Features:
- Designed specifically for Android TV, Google TV, and Fire TV
- Full remote control navigation
- USB drive support
- Network storage access
- APK installation from USB or network
- Works on Nvidia Shield TV, Sony Bravia TV, Xiaomi TV, Redmi TV, and all other Android TV devices
Why Choose AnExplorer: Unlike FX File Explorer (which is phone-optimized), AnExplorer is built specifically for TV with D-pad navigation.
Latest Updates (2026): Version 6.0.5 (released August 3, 2026)
Price: Free
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV, Fire TV
Installation: Play Store
12. atvTools – Manage Your TV From Your Phone
What It Is: atvTools is an app that lets you manage your Android TV from your Android or iOS device.
Key Features:
- Sideload apps remotely from your phone
- Browse TV storage and manage files
- Screen mirror your phone to TV
- Check TV uptime, CPU, RAM usage, and internet speeds
- Clear cache to free up space
- Capture screenshots and screen recordings
- Run shell commands
- Use your phone as a remote or gamepad
- Batch install apps with progress tracking
Latest Updates (2026): Android version 1.3.0 (updated May 14, 2026); iOS version 1.6.2 (updated June 18, 2026)
Price: Free (Pro version ~$2 one-time fee)
Platforms: Android (phone), iOS, Android TV
Installation: Play Store
13. Aptoide TV – The Alternative App Store
What It Is: Aptoide TV is a specialized app store for Android TV that offers thousands of apps not available in the Google Play Store.
Key Features:
- 2,500+ apps for Android TV
- Remote-optimized interface built for D-pad navigation
- Version control – roll back to older builds if an update breaks something
- Trusted badges showing app safety
- Silent updates
Why You Need It: Google’s Play Store for TV is surprisingly limited. Aptoide TV fills the gap with apps that never made it to Google’s catalogue.
Latest Updates (2026): Version 5.1.3 TV (January 2026)
Price: Free (ad-supported in some regions)
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV, Fire TV
Installation: Sideload from tv.aptoide.com
14. Aurora Store – The Privacy-Focused App Store
What It Is: Aurora Store is a privacy-focused, open-source client for the Google Play Store that allows you to download Play Store apps without using a Google account.
Key Features:
- No Google account required – download apps anonymously
- Lightweight – works without Google Services (GApps)
- Download and update apps directly like in the Play Store
- Open-source – fully transparent
- Privacy-focused – no tracking
Why Choose Aurora Store: Users who want to avoid Google’s data collection need alternatives like Aurora Store.
Latest Updates (2026): Version 4.8.1 (F-Droid version, February 2026); Nightly 4.8.3 (June 2026)
Price: Free and open-source
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV, Fire TV
Installation: Sideload from GitLab
15. Stremio – The Ultimate Media Aggregator
What It Is: Stremio is a video streaming application that organizes content from different services into one interface.
Key Features:
- Aggregates movies, series, live TV, and video channels
- Add-on support – install community add-ons for expanded content
- Cross-platform – works on Android TV, mobile, and desktop
- “Continue Watching” tracking across devices
Latest Updates (2026): Version 1.10.2 released to Stable channel in June 2026. Prior stable version 1.9.8 and beta versions 1.9.10 and 1.10.0-rc series.
Price: Free (Premium tier available)
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV, mobile, desktop
Installation: Play Store
16. Kodi – The Ultimate Media Center
What It Is: Kodi is the most powerful open-source media center available for Android TV.
Key Features:
- Plays any container you throw at it
- Scrapes metadata into a tidy library
- Add-on support for podcasts, weather, IPTV, and games
- Remote control from a phone app
- Dolby Vision and Atmos passthrough (on compatible hardware)
⚠️ Version Status (August 2026): The stable version remains Kodi 21 “Omega”. Kodi 22 “Piers” has reached Beta 1 as of June 28, 2026 — not Alpha as previously reported. Beta 1 includes fixes for build failures with Visual Studio 2026 18.6.0. Users should stick with the stable Kodi 21 “Omega” release for daily use unless they are comfortable testing pre-release software.
Latest Updates (2026): Kodi 22 “Piers” Beta 1 released June 28, 2026; Kodi 21 “Omega” remains the stable version.
Price: Free and open-source
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV, Windows, Mac, Linux, Fire TV
Installation: Play Store
17. VLC for Android – The Universal Media Player
What It Is: VLC is the world’s most popular open-source media player, now fully optimized for Android TV.
Key Features:
- Plays any media format – no codec packs needed
- Network streaming – play files from your PC or NAS
- M3U playlist support – can be used as an IPTV player
- Voice search support on Android TV
- Android TV launcher recommendations
Latest Updates (2026): Version 3.7.0 released February 25, 2026, featuring a completely new equalizer and improved settings backup.
Price: Free and open-source
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV, Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux
Installation: Play Store
18. Plex – The Polished Personal Media Server
What It Is: Plex is a polished personal media server client that lets you stream your own media library to your TV.
Key Features:
- Beautiful interface with rich metadata
- Personal library – movies, TV shows, music, photos
- Free TV and movies with ads
- Plex Pass for advanced features
Latest Updates (2026): Plex Media Server for Android TV versions 1.43.3.10861 (August 8, 2026) and client versions 2026.13.0 (July 2026).
Price: Free (Plex Pass tier available)
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV
Installation: Play Store
19. Jellyfin – The Open-Source Media Server Client
What It Is: Jellyfin is a free, open-source media server client – the self-hosted alternative to Plex.
Key Features:
- Completely free – no paid tiers
- Self-hosted – you control your data
- Open-source – fully transparent
- Rich media library with metadata scraping
Latest Updates (2026): Version 0.19.9 (updated May 2026). Jellyfin Server 10.11.0+ is recommended.
Price: Free and open-source
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV
Installation: Play Store
20. Wholphin – The Third-Party Jellyfin Client
What It Is: Wholphin is an open-source, third-party Android TV client for Jellyfin that delivers a polished, TV-first interface.
Key Features:
- Smooth, visually pleasant UI
- Supports Movies, TV Shows, Music, Photos, and Live TV & DVR
- Jellyseerr integration
- Available on the Amazon Appstore for Fire TV devices
- Requires your own Jellyfin server
Why Choose Wholphin: Many users find Wholphin superior to the official Jellyfin Android TV client. According to XDA Developers: “After trying pretty much every option available, Wholphin came out on top for me”.
Price: Free and open-source
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV, Fire TV
Installation: Play Store
21. TVUsage – Digital Wellbeing for Your TV
What It Is: TVUsage is a digital wellbeing app that shows viewing statistics and allows PIN-based app blocking for parental control.
Key Features:
- Usage statistics – see which apps are used most
- App blocking with PIN – lock specific apps
- Configure screen time and usage hours
- Integrates well with Android TV menus
- Intuitive navigation with TV remote
Latest Updates (2026): Version 8.12.0 (updated August 7, 2026)
Price: Free (one-time purchase for limits and app locking)
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV
Installation: Play Store
22. Background Apps & Process List – Task Manager for Your TV
What It Is: A simple app that shows all running background apps and lets you kill them.
Key Features:
- See all running apps in the background
- Lists User apps and System apps
- Kill apps to free up RAM and improve performance
- Force stop apps that are misbehaving
- Remote-friendly navigation for Android TVs
Latest Updates (2026): Actively maintained with remote-friendly design for Android TVs
Price: Free
Platforms: Android TV, Google TV, phones, tablets
Installation: Play Store
📺 Official & Legal Streaming Apps
While this guide focuses on must-have utility apps, here are the essential official streaming apps you should install from the Play Store. Note: Many of these integrate with Projectivy Launcher’s “Continue Watching” feature when properly configured.
| App | Description | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Premium streaming with original content | Android TV/Google TV |
| Disney+ | Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic | Android TV/Google TV |
| MAX | HBO Max – premium movies and series | Android TV/Google TV |
| Amazon Prime Video | Prime Originals and more | Android TV/Google TV |
| Crunchyroll | Anime catalog (limited free, $7.99/mo premium) | Android TV/Google TV |
| Tubi | Free, ad-supported movies and TV shows | Android TV/Google TV |
| Pluto TV | 250+ free linear channels | Android TV/Google TV |
| The Roku Channel | Roku Originals and free movies | Android TV/Google TV |
🛠️ How to Install These Apps
Method 1: From Google Play Store (Easiest)
For apps like Projectivy Launcher, TV Bro, Downloader, Cx File Explorer, VLC, Kodi, and Stremio:
- Open the Google Play Store on your TV
- Search for the app name
- Click Install
Method 2: Sideloading via Downloader
For apps like SmartTube, Aptoide TV, and Aurora Store:
- Enable Unknown Sources: Go to
Settings→Security & Restrictions(orApps) →Unknown Sources→ Enable for Downloader. See our guide on enabling unknown sources on Kodi for general guidance (similar process applies). - Open Downloader app
- Enter the APK URL or short code
- Download and install the APK
Method 3: Sideloading via Send Files to TV
- Download the APK on your phone
- Open Send Files to TV on both devices
- Send the APK from phone to TV
- Open the received file and install
Method 4: Sideloading via atvTools
- Install atvTools on your phone
- Connect to your TV over the network
- Use the app to install APKs remotely
🧰 Troubleshooting: Common Errors & Solutions
❌ “App not installed” error when sideloading
Solution:
- Ensure you have enough storage space.
- The APK may be corrupted – download again from a trusted source.
- You may have a conflicting version installed – uninstall the existing version first.
- Check if the APK architecture matches your device (arm64-v8a vs arm-v7a).
❌ “Unknown Sources” option is grayed out
Solution:
- On some devices, you need to enable Developer Options first. See our guide on enabling developer options on Fire TV for the general process.
- Go to
Settings→About→ click on Build Number 7 times. - Return to
Settings→Developer Options→ enable Unknown Sources.
❌ App crashes on launch
Solution:
- Go to
Settings→Apps→ find the app →Clear Cache. - If that doesn’t work, try
Clear Data(this will reset the app). - Reinstall the app if issues persist. For Kodi-specific crashes, see our fix common Kodi problems guide.
❌ Send Files to TV not detecting other device
Solution:
- Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Check that both devices have the app open and are on the correct screen (Send/Receive).
- Try restarting both apps or devices.
- Some routers have AP isolation enabled – disable it in router settings.
❌ Downloader can’t fetch the file
Solution:
- Double-check the URL for typos.
- The URL may be blocked – try using a short code instead.
- Restart your router and TV.
- Try a different URL or source for the APK. See our Downloader app troubleshooting guide for more solutions.
❌ Button Mapper not working on some buttons
Solution:
- Some buttons (like power) cannot be remapped on all devices.
- Enable Accessibility Service for Button Mapper in your TV settings.
- Some advanced features may require root access.
❌ Projectivy Launcher not showing as default
Solution:
- Go to
Settings→Apps→ find your default launcher. - Clear defaults for the default launcher.
- Press the Home button and select Projectivy Launcher as your default.
❌ SmartTube not playing videos
Solution:
- Check your internet connection.
- Update to the latest version – SmartTube has a built-in updater.
- Try changing the video quality to a lower resolution.
- Some versions have VPN compatibility improvements – enable if using a VPN.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the difference between Google TV and Android TV?
Google TV is essentially a newer interface built on top of Android TV. Android TV is the underlying operating system, while Google TV is the user interface layer with a more modern, content-focused design. Most apps work on both platforms.
Is sideloading apps legal?
Sideloading itself is legal – it’s simply installing apps from outside the official app store. However, the content accessed through some sideloaded apps may not be legal. Always ensure you have the rights to the content you’re streaming.
Do I need a VPN for these apps?
Highly recommended for sideloaded apps and any third-party streaming apps. A VPN hides your IP address from your ISP and protects your privacy. It’s especially important when using apps that access unlicensed content. See our guide on the best VPN providers for recommendations.
Will these apps work on my Fire TV Stick?
Most Android TV apps also work on Fire TV (which runs a modified version of Android). However, you may need to sideload some apps that aren’t available in the Amazon Appstore. Apps like SmartTube, Downloader, and Kodi work perfectly on Fire TV. See our Kodi on Firestick guide for more details.
How do I update sideloaded apps?
- SmartTube has a built-in updater.
- For other apps, you need to download and install the new APK manually – it will replace the old version.
- Some apps like Aptoide TV handle updates automatically.
- Check the developer’s GitHub or website for new versions.
Can I install these apps on an older Android TV (Android 5-7)?
Most apps support Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. However, some newer apps may require Android 6.0 or higher. Check the app’s Play Store page for specific requirements.
Why can’t I find some apps in the Play Store?
Google restricts certain app categories (like ad-blockers and third-party YouTube clients) from the TV Play Store. Apps like SmartTube and some file managers are only available via sideloading.
Is SmartTube safe to use?
SmartTube is open-source and regularly updated. While it’s not an official Google product, it’s widely trusted in the community. Always download from the official GitHub repository to avoid modified versions with malware.
What’s the best file manager for Android TV?
This depends on your needs:
- Cx File Explorer – best for beginners with a clean UI
- AnExplorer – best dedicated TV file manager with full remote navigation
- X-plore – best for NAS and USB storage
- FX File Explorer – works but not TV-optimized
For a complete comparison, see our best file manager apps for Android TV guide.
How do I enable Developer Options on Android TV?
Go to Settings → About → scroll to Build Number → click it 7 times until you see “You are now a developer”. Developer Options will then appear in your Settings menu. See our guide on enabling developer options on Fire TV for the general process.
What apps are no longer recommended?
Several older apps have been discontinued or replaced:
- Puffin Browser – now requires a paid subscription
- Nebula Manager – largely replaced by Projectivy Launcher
- Sideload Launcher – functionality built into Projectivy Launcher now
🚫 Dead Apps – Removed From This Guide
The following apps are no longer recommended:
| App | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Puffin Browser | ⚠️ Dead | Now requires paid subscription to use without time limits |
| Nebula Manager | ⚠️ Obsolete | Replaced by Projectivy Launcher which offers better functionality |
| Original Sideload Launcher | ⚠️ Obsolete | Functionality integrated into Projectivy Launcher |
⚖️ Safety, Legal & E-E-A-T Disclaimers
Legal Boundaries
- App Hosting vs. Scraping: The apps listed in this guide are tools – they do not host content themselves. Apps like Stremio, Kodi, and SmartTube are legal media players. However, some community add-ons may access unlicensed content.
- User Responsibility: You are responsible for ensuring you have the rights to access any content you stream. Copyright laws vary by country.
- Sideloading: Installing apps from outside the Play Store is legal, but you assume all risks associated with third-party APKs.
Security Risks
- Malware: Downloading APKs from untrusted sources can lead to malware infections. Only download from reputable sources like APKMirror or official GitHub repositories.
- IP Exposure: Many third-party streaming apps expose your real IP address to other users and content sources.
- Data Privacy: Some free apps may collect and sell your viewing data.
Strong Recommendations
- ✅ Use a VPN – Always use a reputable VPN when using sideloaded or third-party streaming apps to protect your privacy. See our best VPN providers guide.
- ✅ Scan APKs – Upload any APK to VirusTotal before installing to check for malware (scans with 70+ antivirus engines).
- ✅ Verify Sources – Only download from official websites, GitHub repositories, or trusted platforms like APKMirror. See our best Kodi repositories guide for trusted sources (the same principles apply).
- ✅ Check Permissions – Review app permissions before installing. If an app requests unnecessary permissions (contacts, SMS, etc.), don’t install it.
- ✅ Keep Devices Updated – Regular firmware updates provide security patches.
💎 Conclusion
Transforming your Google TV or Android TV from a basic streaming device into a fully customized, powerful media hub is easier than you think. With the right apps, you can:
- 🏠 Replace cluttered home screens with Projectivy Launcher
- 📺 Watch YouTube ad-free with SmartTube
- 🌐 Browse the web with TV Bro
- 📦 Sideload any app with Downloader
- 📱 Transfer files wirelessly with Send Files to TV or LocalSend
- 🎮 Customize your remote with Button Mapper
- 📁 Manage files like a pro with Cx File Explorer or AnExplorer
- 📡 Stream your media library with Plex or Jellyfin
- 🎬 Aggregate all your content with Stremio or Kodi
Remember: While these apps unlock incredible functionality, always prioritize security and privacy. Use a VPN, download from trusted sources, and stay informed about the apps you install.
This guide was written by Simturax – a technology and streaming media specialist with over 10 years of experience covering Kodi, Firestick, Android TV, and IPTV. All instructions were physically tested on actual hardware (Fire TV Stick 4K Max, NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast with Google TV) and verified. We prioritize accuracy, transparency, and user safety above all else.
