How to Install APK on a TCL Smart TV (Google TV and Android TV)

TCL is one of the biggest TV brands in the world, but "TCL TV" covers several operating systems. Before you try to sideload, you need to know which one yours runs, because the answer decides whether APK files can be installed at all.

Which TCL TV do you have?

So can you install an APK on a TCL smart TV? Yes on Google TV and Android TV models, no on Roku models. If you have a TCL Roku TV and want Android apps, the practical option is to plug in an Android TV or Google TV stick and sideload onto that instead; why Roku, Samsung and LG TVs can't install APKs explains the options.

Only want to show photos or video from your phone, not install apps? That is casting, and it works differently; see how to cast to a TCL TV.

Steps: sideload apps on a TCL Google TV from your phone

1. Confirm your TCL runs Google TV or Android TV. Look at the home screen and the remote. A Google TV or Android TV interface, a Google Assistant button and a Play Store mean you can continue. A Roku home screen means APKs are not supported.
2. Sign in to Google on the TV. If the TV was set up in Basic TV mode, sign in with a Google account in Settings so the Play Store is available.
3. Install SATV on the TV. Open the Play Store (or the Apps tab on Google TV), search for SATV and install SATV: Send APK & Files to TV.
4. Install SATV on your phone. Install the same app on your Android phone from Google Play and connect it to the same Wi-Fi as the TV.
5. Send the app. Open SATV on the TV. On the phone, choose an installed app or an APK / XAPK / APKS / APKM file and pick your TCL TV.
6. Accept and allow unknown apps. Accept the transfer on the TV. If TCL blocks the install, use the shortcut to allow SATV as an unknown source and go back.
7. Install. Press Install on the Android installer screen. Then press Open, or find the app later under Settings > Apps.

Install unknown apps on a TCL Google TV: where it is

TCL keeps fairly close to Google's standard menus, but the location shifts between models and firmware versions. Try these in order:

• Settings → Apps → Security & restrictions → Unknown sources (most TCL Google TV models)
• Settings → Device Preferences → Security & restrictions → Unknown sources (TCL Android TV models)
• Settings → System or Settings → Privacy on some newer firmware

Android lets you enable it per app, so turn on SATV only. The easiest route is often to start the install and press the settings shortcut in the "install blocked" message.

How to install APK on a TCL TV from USB

Most TCL TVs have a USB port, and TCL's own support pages describe installing from USB. Copy the single .apk file to a FAT32 stick, plug it into the TV, open it with a file manager (install X-plore or File Commander from the Play Store if your TCL has none), allow the file manager under Unknown sources and press Install. XAPK and other split APK bundles will not install this way. Step-by-step: install APK on Android TV from USB. ADB also works on TCL Google TV; see the main Android TV guide.

TCL storage: the usual cause of failed installs

Many TCL models, especially smaller and budget sizes, have limited internal storage, and preinstalled channels and apps use a large share of it. If you see "App not installed" or a storage warning:

1. Open Settings → System → Storage (or Device Preferences → Storage) to see what is free.
2. In Settings → Apps → See all apps, clear the cache of the biggest apps.
3. For large preinstalled apps you never use, clear storage or disable them.
4. Send the app again from your phone.

The full list of causes, including signature conflicts and CPU types, is in our App not installed fix guide.

After installing on TCL

TV-ready apps show up under Apps on Google TV and in the apps row on Android TV. Phone apps without a TV banner do not appear on the home screen; open them from Settings → Apps → See all apps → [app] → Open. The app not showing guide lists launchers that make this easier.

Remote and input tips

TCL remotes have a D-pad, back and home buttons, which is all a TV app needs. Phone apps may expect taps. Many TCL Google TV models accept Bluetooth mice and keyboards from Settings → Remotes & Accessories, which makes phone-style apps usable.

Keeping sideloaded apps updated

Apps you sideload do not update through the TV's Play Store unless the TV's Play Store also offers them. When the app updates on your phone, send it again with SATV and install over the existing version. Android keeps the app's data as long as the new version comes from the same developer.

Questions people ask