Understanding Different Types of Android TV Boxes No need to follow the next steps.Ĥ- Now, you may enable Unknown Sources individually for each app you intend to use for sideloading purposes.įor instance, we have used Downloader, browser and file manager apps in this guide Note: If your device runs on an older Android OS, you will find a toggle on this screen to enable Unknown Sources universally for all the apps. Here is what you need to do:ġ- Click Settings on the home screen of your Android TV Box (top-right on Mi Box)Ģ- Scroll down and click Security & restrictions (some devices may just say Security) However, the steps to enable Unknown Sources are pretty much the same on both types of Android TV boxes. The following images have been taken from the Mi Box. This holds true for both types of boxes – True Android TV OS Boxes and Stock Android Boxes. Yes, you cannot install any third application on your Android box until you have enabled the Unknown Sources in the security settings. Enable Unknown Source to Sideload Apps on Android TV Box I have used the word ‘True’ to help you make a clear distinction between the two types of boxes. Note: ‘True’ Android TV OS is not an official term. – How to sideload apps on your Android Box using a PC (works for both types of boxes) – How to sideload apps on Stock Android TV Boxes – How to sideload apps on True Android TV OS Boxes – Understanding Different Types of Android TV Boxes – Enabling Unknown Source (to allow sideloading) Here is what we will go through in this post: That’s exactly what this guide is all about. Such apps need to be sideloaded or manually installed onto your device. But, the true potential of any streaming device is explored with the third-party apps not available through the official Store. You can download a lot of official apps from the Play Store, such as Netflix, Hulu, Plex, etc. However, there are only two broad categories you can put all these boxes into – True Android TV OS Boxes and Stock Android TV Boxes.īoth types of boxes offer Google Play Store support. You will find a wide range of Android TV Boxes in the market. The difference between these Android boxes is explained in the first section of this post. I have provided separate methods for True Android TV OS boxes and Stock Android TV Boxes. In this guide, I will demonstrate how to sideload apps on Android TV Boxes.

Android box for windows 10