How to install apps from external sources in your smart android TV

Updated on October 16,2022

Nothing is as frustrating as having to contend with the restrictive app stores in most of the smart TVs. Most of the application managers have very limited apps in their stores and lack the most sought after apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify etc. In this tutorial, we are going to discuss how to install these apps from external sources.

Prerequisite

This tutorial will require the following items:

  • Android smart TV (Any brand can do)
  • Android smartphone (Any make can do)
  • ES File Explorer
  • Network connection preferable Wi-Fi

Install ES File Explorer File Manager

The first step is to install ES File Explorer from your favourite app store. The recommended one is the Google Play Store.

  • Download and install Google Play store (comes preinstalled in most android phones)
  • Search for ES File Explorer File Manager
  • Install the app

Network Connection

Ensure both Smart Tv and the smartphone are connected to the same network preferably a Wi-Fi connection.

Install ES File Explorer File Manager in the Smart TV

The next step is to install ES File Explorer File Manager on the Smart TV. To achieve this, follow the steps below:

  1. Open ES File Explorer installed on the smartphone.
  2. Press the menu on the top left corner. Open a side menu.

    3.  Navigate to the Network Menu

     

     4.  Click on the dropdown and select Android TV. Loads a new window.

    5. Click on Scan button. The app will scan for available devices and load them in the list.

    6. Select your Smart TV from the list (in most cases, it usually the only item listed in the menu).

   8. ES File Explorer will be automatically installed on your Smart Tv. To confirm installation, go to the application manager in your Smart TV and navigate to the list of installed apps. ES File Explorer               should be one of the apps.

 

 

 

Install App Of Choice

Finally, you can install the application of choice. There are three methods that can be used to install an app into your smart TV now that ES File Explorer File Manager is already installed.

Method One: using a smartphone

For this method to work. You have to ensure that the smartphone and the smart TV are still in the same network then follow the steps below:

  • Install the app on your smartphone.
  • Open ES File Explorer File Manager and click on APP menu. A new window with a list of the apps installed on the smartphone will show.
  • Long press on the app you have just installed and click More
  • Select Install To Tv from the menu that pops up.
  • Wait for the app to be installed in the Smart TV.

Method Two: Using removable devices

  • Download the apk file for the application you want to install
  • Copy it to an external device and insert the external device (flash disk, memory stick or any other device your smart TV can read) to the smart TV.
  • Open ES File Explorer File Manager in your smart TV and navigate to the apk in your external device.
  • Click it and select install.

      Method Three: Using Google Play Store

      Assuming that the app you want to install can be found in the Google Play store.

  • Install Google Play Store into your smart TV using either method one or two.
  • Open google play store.
  • Search for the app you want and install it your Smart TV just the way you normally do it on your smartphone.

Whichever method you decide to use, the app of choice should be installed on your smart TV.

That’s it. Enjoy using your favourite app on your smart TV. We will be releasing more hacks and tutorials in the coming weeks so stay tuned.


More in this category: How to permanently delete files ยป