Depending on the operating system of your Hisense Smart TV, you have access to different app stores for downloading applications. However, these stores may have limitations, and some apps or games might not be available. If you encounter this issue, you can sideload apps onto your Hisense TV, provided it runs on Android TV OS, Google TV OS, or Fire OS.
The most effective way to sideload apps on a Hisense Smart TV is by using the Downloader app. This article provides detailed instructions on how to install the Downloader app and use it to sideload apps through APK files. Additionally, an alternative sideloading method is included specifically for Hisense Android TV and Hisense Google TV models.
How to Install the Downloader App on Hisense Smart TV
To sideload apps on a Hisense Smart TV, you’ll need to follow several steps, starting with the installation of the Downloader app and enabling specific settings on your TV. Ensure your Hisense TV is connected to a stable WiFi network before proceeding.
Install Downloader on Hisense Android TV
1. Navigate to the home screen, then open the Apps tab.
2. Select the Google Play Store, where an on-screen keyboard will appear. Type “Downloader” into the Search bar.
3. From the search results, select the Downloader app to access its information page.
4. Click on “Install” and wait for the app to fully download and install.
5. After installation, return to your TV’s home screen and click on the Settings icon.
6. From the available options, select “Device Preferences,” then choose “Security & Restrictions.”
7. Under the “Unknown Sources” section, you’ll see a list of apps. Find the Downloader app and enable it.
Once these steps are completed, you’re ready to begin sideloading apps using the Downloader app on your Hisense Android TV.
Get Downloader on Hisense Fire TV
1. Press the Home button on your remote to access the search bar.
2. Select the Find option (magnifier icon) and type “Downloader.”
3. Choose the Downloader app from the suggested results and click the Get or Download button.
4. Once the app is downloaded, return to the home screen and select the Settings icon.
5. Tap on the My Fire TV option, and from the list, choose Developer Options.
7. Under Developer Options, click on Install Unknown Apps and enable the Downloader app.
After enabling the Downloader app, you can proceed with installing APK files using the Downloader on your Hisense Fire TV.
Add Downloader on Hisense Google TV
1. Go to the Home screen on your Google TV.
2. Select the Search option and enter “Downloader” in the search bar.
3. Click the Install button to begin downloading the app.
4. Once the download is complete, return to the home screen and open the Settings menu.
5. In the Settings, select System, and then choose About.
6. Enable Developer mode by clicking on the Android TV OS Build option seven times in succession.
7. Return to the Settings menu, tap on Apps, then select Security & Restrictions.
8. Choose the Unknown Sources option and enable the Downloader app.
After enabling Downloader, you can follow the steps to sideload apps on your Hisense Google TV using the Downloader app.
How to Sideload APK on Hisense Smart TV through Downloader
Once you’ve installed the Downloader app and adjusted the necessary settings on your Hisense Android TV, Fire TV, or Google TV, you can begin sideloading APK files.
1. Launch the Downloader app on your Hisense TV and navigate to its home page.
2. Enter the APK URL of the app you want to sideload in the provided space and press “Go.”
3. The APK file will download, and once the download is complete, click the “Install” button.
That’s all it takes to sideload apps on your Hisense TV. After installing the app, you can delete the APK file to free up memory space on your TV.
How to Sideload Apps on Hisense TV via USB Drive
Those with a Hisense Android TV can also sideload apps using a USB drive.
1. Download the app’s APK file on your PC.
2. Copy the APK file to a USB drive, then safely eject the drive from your PC.
3. Turn on your Hisense Android TV and go to the Settings menu.
4. Select “Personal” and then choose “Security.”
5. Enable the “Unknown Sources” option to allow the installation of third-party apps.
6. Connect the USB drive to your Hisense Android TV via its USB port.
7. Once the TV detects the USB drive, transfer the APK file to the File Manager folder on your TV.
8. Open the File Manager app, locate the APK file, and click “Install.”
The installation process will be complete within a few seconds, and the app will be ready for use. While this method works, sideloading via Downloader is generally more efficient and convenient.
FAQ
Sideloading APK files is not possible on Hisense Roku TV.
Currently, sideloading apps on Hisense VIDAA TV is not supported. However, you can use screen mirroring from your smartphone to display apps on the TV.