Before you start
- Check Google Play first. Many IPTV players are there, and Play installs are simpler and update automatically.
- Get the app from its developer. Find the official website and use the download link or code published there.
- Have a way to download files: a downloader app or a file manager from Google Play.
Step 1: turn on developer options
On most Google TV devices:
- Open SettingsSystemAbout.
- Select Android TV OS build seven times. A countdown shows how many presses are left.
- Go back: Developer options now appears under System.
On older Android TV menus, About sits under Device Preferences.
Step 2: allow one app to install others
- Open SettingsAppsSecurity & Restrictions (on some devices, under Device Preferences).
- Choose Unknown sources or Install unknown apps.
- Switch on the one app you’ll install from, such as your downloader or file manager.
The permission is per app, not a single switch for the whole TV.
Step 3: download and install
- Open the downloader or file manager and enter the address from the developer’s website.
- When the download finishes, open the file and choose Install.
- Delete the installation file afterwards to save space.
For a worked example, see install IPTV Smarters Pro on Android TV.
Stay safe
- Leave Google Play Protect on. The FBI’s 2025 warning about the BADBOX 2.0 botnet flagged devices that ask you to disable it. See Android TV box malware.
- Avoid apps with channels built in. A player should ask for your own subscription.
- Switch the install permission off when you’re done.
For TiviMate specifically, see install TiviMate on Google TV. For the Google TV menus in more detail, see Google TV developer options.