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APKs on Android TV / Fire TV

Sideloading on a TV device works differently from a phone -- no touchscreen file manager by default, so this covers the two common methods: a file-manager app, or pushing the APK over the network with ADB.

Target: Android TV / Amazon Fire TVAndroidSideloadingTVOfficial homepage ↗Official docs ↗
This guide is synthesized from APKs on Android TV / Fire TV's own official documentation, linked above — always cross-check exact package/version names there before running these commands on a production server, since distro and project versions move over time.

  1. 1Enable apps from unknown sources

    Settings > My Fire TV / Device Preferences > Developer Options > Apps from Unknown Sources

    On stock Android TV, Developer Options must first be unlocked by tapping the Build number 7 times under About, same as on a phone.

  2. 2Option A: install a file-manager app with a browser

    Install a file manager from the Play Store that includes its own downloader (e.g. "Downloader" by AFTVnews, very common on Fire TV), then use it to browse to the APK's direct download link and install from there.

  3. 3Option B: push the APK over the network with ADB

    Enable ADB debugging under Developer Options first, then find the device's IP address under Settings > Network.

    adb connect <device-ip>:5555
    adb install path/to/app.apk

    Your computer and the TV device must be on the same local network for adb connect to work.

  4. 4Find the newly-installed app

    Sideloaded apps often don't appear on the main home screen automatically -- check Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, or install a launcher app that surfaces all installed apps.