This guide will show you how to install SmartTubeNext – an open-sourced software that allows users to use YouTube on various streaming devices such as Smart TVs, FiresStick, Fire TV, Android boxes, and even Roku without having Google Play services installed
What is SmartTubeNext apk?
SmartTubeNext is an unofficial YouTube client for Android TV that not only allows you to play videos on TV but also perfectly adapts the interface to the use of the remote control. And without losing advanced options, such as synchronization with the Google account to add subscriptions, favorites, or history and ad-free.
It is not that Android TV lacks options when it comes to playing YouTube videos since it not only includes an application created by Google, it also allows the sending of videos from the mobile thanks to its integrated Chromecast.
Even so, there is always room for more options, like the one we suggest here: SmartTubeNext.
This new YouTube client is based on open source and offers an excellent service if you get tired of the official application.
SmartTubeNext, a great experience without losing features
Installing a YouTube client when you already have the official application may seem redundant, but it doesn’t have to be: the idea is to complement the experience with an application that not only allows you to view the videos on the TV screen but also to access them having a large number of playback options. And without the hassle of ads, which is another great benefit of using SmartTubeNext.
The SmartTubeNext APK is organized into categories to allow users to easily find whatever it is they’re looking for.
Unlike the original YouTube app that brings you random entertainment videos on your home page, this app organizes its content into various categories such as the recommended section, breaking news, cartoons, gaming, television shows, lifestyle, comedy, nature, and recently uploaded videos among others.
Whenever you want to download and use any Google product such as YouTube, you must have Google Play services installed. This rule also applies to smart TVs and other streaming devices alike.
However, with SmartTubeNext APK, you don’t need Google Play services to enjoy the full premium benefits of YouTube on the go. Simply download and install the APK and enjoy the experience. You can opt to sync your Google account with the app to access all your subscriptions and liked videos.
How to install SmartTubeNext on Firestick?
Installing SmartTubeNext on Firestick / Fire TV would expand the potential of this amazing streaming device.
To be able to use SmartTubeNext on a jailbroken Firestick, we should rely on the sideloading method. This means that SmartTubeNext is not available in the Amazon App Store, and the installation process requires the APK file of the app.
- This guide shows you how to jailbreak Firestick / Fire TV
There are several ways to sideload third-party apps on Firestick. The Downloader App method is the most straightforward. This is the one we are using for this guide which will be carried out in three steps:
- Install Downloader App
- Enable unknown sources
- Sideloading SmartTubeNext
Install Downloader App
From your Firestick the Home screen, press on FIND then Search
After clicking on the search box, an on-screen keyboard will appear. Search for the “Downloader app”
Select Downloader app from appeared search results
Tap on Download.
Wait for the app to finish installing
Once the app is installed, click Open to launch Downloader
A prompt will come up asking you to allow the Downloader to access your device. Click on Allow.
If there is any new update for the Downloader app, it will prompt you, so click OK.
Enable unknown sources
Before using the Downloader App to install APKs, you need first to allow it to install from unknown sources. Follow these steps:
From the Home screen open the Settings option ( Gear icon )
Scroll down and select My Fire TV Click on it.
Select Developer options.
- If Developer options don’t appear on this menu, this is how to activate it
Then click Install unknown apps
- If you are using an older version, find “Apps from Unknown sources” and turn it ON to enable it.
Find the Downloader App from the list and turn it ON.
Install SmartTubeNext APK on Firestick
Having met the above requirements, your Firestick is now ready to install any APK from outside the official App Store.
Go back to the home screen and launch the Downloader App
Use the URL box and type this exact link: simturax.com/stn
The download will start immediately. You will have to wait till it finishes downloading.
After downloading, click on the Install
The APK file should start downloading immediately
Once finished installing, click on Done
Then click on Delete to remove the APK file from your device to free up some space.
Click on Delete again to confirm your action
To see your newly installed app, go back to your Home Screen and select Your Apps & Channels. Click on See All, scroll down till you find the SmartTubeNext icon, and move it up to the top for easy access.
How to install SmartTubeNext on Android TV?
This guide accompanied by screenshots will show you how to install SmartTubeNext APK on an Android TV device. The process can apply to all devices sharing the same Android TV OS.
The process will take three steps:
- First, we will install the Downloader app from the Play Store
- Second, we will enable installation from unknown sources for the Downloader app
- Finally, we will find, download, and install the APK file
If the first two steps are already done for you, then skip directly to the third one
For this guide, we are going to go through the Downloader app method to directly sideload the SmartTubeNext APK file to your Android TV device, but you can download the APK on your mobile and then transfer it to your Android TV to be installed.
Install Downloader app
The first thing you need to do is to install the Downloader app, a powerful browser and file manager specifically designed for Android TV-based devices, this is the element that interests us the most since we will use it to download any app on the net.
Say that the Downloader app is available in the official Play Store, so you can download it directly to your device.
Open Play Store, search Downloader >> Install >> Open
Once launched, it will ask you to grant permission to access local storage. Since this is a file manager, it will need that permission to function. Just press Allow
If there is any new update for the downloader app, it will prompt you, so click OK.
That’s it, your browser is now ready to use. just go to the search box, and type an address or query to start surfing the net. And this is exactly how we are going to find and install apks on Android TV.
Enable Installation from unknown sources
The most interesting apps for Android TV are found in third-party sources. So, the first thing you have to do is enable installation from unknown sources. If not already done, just follow these steps:
Launch your Android TV device and click on the “System Settings” Icon.
Select Device Preferences
Go to Security and restrictions
Enter the Unknown Sources option
Allow Downloader app to install from unknown sources
Install SmartTubeNext APK on Android TV
After having enabled installation from unknown sources, your device can now install any app you want from outside the official Play Store.
Once the Downloader app is ready to use, all you have to do is click on the Browser option and use the web browser to download any application in APK format.
To install SmartTubeNext APK, follow the steps below:
Launch the Downloader app and in the search box and type the download link: simturax.com/stn then press GO
Download should start immediately
Once the file is downloaded, Press Install
Now click Done to go back to the previous screen
Delete the installation package
Again press Delete to confirm your action
That’s it, SmartTubeNext APK is installed and ready to use.
Go back to the home screen, in the app drawer, and find and open your app normally.
If you’ve gone through all the steps and can’t see the APK app installed on your Android TV, you’ll need to download and install a launcher. Sometimes some applications are not displayed on the main screen of the device or Smart TV with Android TV, don’t worry, it is normal.
Fortunately, the solution to this problem is extremely simple. The only thing you have to do is install an app like Sideload Launcher to see the sideloaded apps.
With the launcher downloaded, installed, and started, you will be able to find that app that you have installed and that was not previously displayed on the main screen. Of course, you will have to get used to using this new interface, because this launcher changes the entire aspect of the interface of your Android TV.
Apart from the Sideload Launcher, you can also try many other alternatives from our list of the best Android TV Launchers then choose the one that best suits you
That’s it, you can now use your SmartTubeNext app.
Go back to the home screen, in the app drawer, find and open your app normally, open the player, and enjoy everything it offers.
Since SmartTubeNext APK was sideloaded from outside the Official Play Store, it may not appear in the app drawer like other apps. This is why it is important to use a launcher app that will allow you to find all the installed apps on your device regardless if they come from the Play Store or some other source. Check our list of the best launcher apps for Android TV.
With the guide above, you can install any APK in just a few minutes.
The app does not involve any difficulty since its interface is perfectly adapted to Android TV. Large cards with videos, recommendations, lists, and a side menu with different categories: Gaming, News, and Music. Each one produces results according to that theme and depending on how you have used the application on your Android TV. You can also search from the same side menu, going to the top icon of the magnifying glass.
SmartTubeNext allows you to log in with your Google account to bring all the stored content to the TV screen, similar to what the YouTube app itself does. In this way, you can access your subscriptions, playlists, favorites, and even the playback history. And everything you do in SmartTubeNext will be registered in your Google account.
The player itself allows you to vary the playback quality (video and audio) to adjust the playback speed. Favorites can be added, thumbs up or down, it allows the activation of subtitles, and even a quick search in the video by moving the playback line. As we said, the controls are perfectly adapted to the remote control.
If you are interested in trying SmartTubeNext, you just have to go to download the latest available Apk. We have tested the application and it works perfectly.