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Sideload Apps on Chromecast with Google TV: A Comprehensive Guide

Chromecast with Google TV offers many entertainment options. However, the Google Play Store has limitations on available apps. Sideloading helps install apps from outside the official store. This guide will show you how to sideload apps on Chromecast with Google TV, letting you enjoy almost any Android app on your big screen.

Step 1: Download the APK You Want to Sideload

First, get the APK file. APKs are installation files for Android apps, like EXEs for Windows. Download APKs from various sources, with APKMirror being a reliable option:

1. Find Your APK: Search for the app on APKMirror or another trusted site. Ensure the app is compatible with your device's architecture. Use Droid Hardware Info to find this information.

2. Download the APK: After finding the app, download the APK file. Create a folder in Google Drive or another cloud storage service for easy access later.

Step 2: Prepare Your Chromecast with Google TV

Before sideloading apps, prepare your Chromecast with Google TV:

1. Enable Developer Mode:

   • Go to Settings.
   • Navigate to System.
   • Click on Android TV OS Build until Developer mode activates.

2. Enable Unknown Sources:

   • Go to Settings.
   • Navigate to Apps.
   • Select Security & Restrictions.
   • Enable Unknown Sources.

Step 3: Install File Commander

File Commander helps manage files on your Chromecast:

• Open the Google Play Store on your Chromecast.
• Search for File Commander and install it.

Step 4: Upload the APK to Google Drive

With File Commander installed, upload the APK file to Google Drive:

• Open File Commander on your Chromecast.
• Navigate to Cloud and select Google Drive.
• Add your Google Drive account if needed.
• Create a folder and upload the APK file.

Step 5: Install the Sideloaded App

Install the app from Google Drive:

• Open File Commander and navigate to the folder with the APK.
• Select the APK file and click to start installation.
• Follow prompts to install the app. You may open the app immediately after installation.

Method Using Downloader

Another sideloading method uses the Downloader app:

1. Install Downloader:

   • Open the Google Play Store on your Chromecast.
   • Search for Downloader and install it.

2. Use Downloader:

   • Open Downloader and enter the URL of the APK file.
   • Download the APK file.
   • Open File Commander and navigate to the Downloads folder.
   • Select the APK file and click to start installation.

Method Using Send Files to TV

Send Files to TV offers another easy way to sideload apps:

1. Install Send Files to TV:

   • Open the Google Play Store on your Chromecast.
   • Search for Send Files to TV and install it.

2. Install on Mobile Device:

   • On your mobile device, go to the Google Play Store and install Send Files to TV.

3. Transfer APK File:

   • On your mobile device, open Send Files to TV and select the APK file.
   • Send the APK file to your Chromecast.

4. Install on Chromecast:

   • On your Chromecast, open Send Files to TV and receive the APK file.
   • Double-click on the APK file to start installation.

Method Using Solid Explorer

Solid Explorer is another file manager for sideloading apps:

1. Install Solid Explorer:

   • Open the Google Play Store on your Chromecast.
   • Search for Solid Explorer and install it.

2. Set Up FTP Server:

   • Open Solid Explorer and navigate to the FTP Server option.
   • Start the FTP server.

3. Transfer APK File:

   • On your PC, open File Explorer and enter the server address of your Chromecast’s FTP server.
   • Copy the APK file to the Download folder on your Chromecast.

4. Install on Chromecast:

   • Open Solid Explorer on your Chromecast and navigate to the Download folder.
   • Select the APK file and choose Package Installer to install it.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sideloading apps is usually easy, but some issues might arise:

1. App Not Appearing on Home Screen:

   • If the sideloaded app doesn’t appear, go to Settings > Apps, select the app, and choose "Open."

2. App Not Working Properly:

   • Some apps might not work well on Android TV. A mouse might be needed for better navigation.

3. File Manager Issues:

   • If File Commander causes problems, try using another file manager like Solid Explorer.

Additional Tips

1. Use Droid Hardware Info: This app helps determine the CPU architecture of your device, crucial for downloading APKs from third-party sources.

2. Explore Third-Party App Stores: Websites like APKMirror host many apps. Download only from trusted sources to avoid malware.

3. Install Essential Apps First: Installing essential apps like Droid Hardware Info and Google Chrome makes future installations easier.

4. Use a Bluetooth Mouse: Some apps need a mouse for better navigation. A Bluetooth mouse can enhance your experience with sideloaded apps.

By following this guide, sideloading apps on your Chromecast with Google TV becomes seamless. Enjoy exploring Android apps on your big screen.