Sideload Launcher - Android TV
Android TV requires existing apps to be updated and declare themselves compatible before they're installable from the Play store.
While certainly not as streamlined or seamless as the average user would wish for their TV, many apps can still function on some level on these devices if you sideload them, but they don't show up in the Leanback Launcher (the Android TV homescreen).
So for that there is this app, the Sideload Launcher. A simple app that shows you the normal app launcher icons that a phone or tablet would show you, but which are hidden on Android TV, allowing you to launch any sideloaded app!
Category : Tools
Reviews (30)
Ok so its a great addon for my tv box, but it desperately needs the uninstall feature, you should be able to long press to show additional options like move, uninstall etc... Also, can you please update the icons so that they're rectangular rather than square so that it looks like a part of android tv? Also apps organised into categories would be useful
Good for those apks not from the Play Store as their Icons do not show up in the 'My Apps' list! Two minor drawbacks 1) the highligts on each apk could be bighter as they are hard to see when scrolling the list 2) a delete fuction might also be handy. But, it's bright and attractive and it works!
I dont fully understand this one, just the basics but not the risks or why some apps show up in its list that were previously assumed to be safe loaded direct. Good to look it up for more details if unsure like me. I hesitate to use it but partly because it helps warn me of possible issues.
This app is exclusively for TV. Don't expect it to run on a smartphone. It performs as advertised, i.e. launches apps, that were sideloaded from an apk file and as such do not show in the native TV apps list. Tested on an ITL
I downloaded the app from google play store ans it shows cancel and open. Then when it installs ( done ) it just shows uninstall and it does not show open so i cannot open the app . also the app does not show on any of my screens. Only in settings under ( apps ). So all i can do is answer ( not sure ) to all your questions under Tell us more.
Not sure what the point of this app is. Easier to download Solid Explorer (I don't trust es explorer), load chrome .apk, allow chrome to install from unknown sources, done. Not even sure what this is supposed to accomplish
This app does not run chrome and firefox app smoothly in my Xiomi smart box . I cant control chrome and firefox smoothly by remote . So this app disappoints me on my views about mi box. I think the box can be computer but it is false , this app cant access sideloaded apps smoothly .
App has no way to open. It installs and dissapeares. You have to look it up on play store and it only allows you to uninstall.
With the latest Nvidia Shield update you'll initially get an error saying this app is for an older Android version but once acknowledged it still works as expected.
will not work or populate on nvidia shield tablet worked great on shield tv though, not sure what happened deleted and reinstalled twice no luck.
Practical solution, the UI might need update for modern design
Awesome app for the Nvidia Shield and works for any android tv box. I recommend this app to everybody and I give more than 5 star rating. DIXIdev thank you for your super quick response last Friday. God bless you :)
Very good app 10/10. Very easy to use. But can't delete apps.
Does what it says! App works great on my Nvidia shield tv box and fire stick!
Very helpful. Can you add long press options like APP INFO, UNINSTALL, or FORCE STOP...
Whats going on with the app wont open just gives me the option to uninstall. Please fix.
Worked for me. But I also downloaded Puffin Browser and ESfile something or other. I'll be back with the app name.
Available on phone, & tv, I can see any app on my both the device's
FOR GUYS WHO DID NOT KNOW HOW TO USE A DOWNLOADED LUNCHER FROM PLAYSTORE AND THER ARE A LOT THAT IS COMPLAINING ABOUT THE APP THAT THEY CAN'T ACSESS THE APP "BRO GO TO SETTINGS AND CHANGE YOUR HOME SCREEN LUNCHER ITS THERE"
Perfect folder for your non approved google apps..
Installed on Nvidia Shield because some apps cannot be favourited or shortcutted!
It has stopped working on Android tv
Can't find app icon Won't work
I still can't get All 4 on my android Box Even with this app
Useful for android tv but Interface not good
Must have on a Giggle TV to deal with all its limitations.
It's good application for launch all app in your Android Tv
Don't use an Android box without it !!
Awesome app for convenience and loading apps
It does exactly what it says. Quickly opens up a list of apps which includes the sideloaded ones. The need for an app like this shows how poorly managed the Android TV system. So many available Android apps are out there, yet we have to sideload them on the Android TV platform. Get your s*** together Google.