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How to sideload apps on Android box

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To sideload apps on an Android box or Android TV, you need to enable installation from unknown sources, install a Downloader app, and use it to download and install APK files directly. This guide will walk you through the process step by step.

For this guide, you will need an Android Box or an Android TV running Android 6.0 or later and an active Surfshark subscription, which you can purchase on our pricing page.

 

Enable installation from unknown sources

  1. On your Android box, open Settings and go to Security & restrictions.

     Android TV Settings list with Security & restrictions highlighted

     
  2. Toggle the Unknown sources switch to enable the feature. This is required for the sideloading to be successful.

     Security & restrictions page with the Unknown sources toggle highlighted

     

Install the downloader

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your device.

    Android TV home with Google Play Store highlighted
     
  2. Search for the Downloader application.

    Play Store search results with Downloader by AFTVnews highlighted

     
  3. Select the Downloader, click Install, and wait for the application to install.

    Downloader by AFTVnews page with Install highlighted

    Downloader by AFTVnews page showing Installing progress

     
  4. Once the installation is complete, click Open.

    Downloader by AFTVnews page with Open highlighted

 

Sideload the Surfshark application

  1. When you open the Downloader application, you will be asked for confirmation to access the files on your device. Click Allow.

    Downloader file-access prompt with Allow highlighted
     
  2. In the search box, type the application download URL address. In this case, it is the Surfshark Android download URL.

    Downloader URL field with the Surfshark APK address

     
  3. Click Go, and the download will start. Wait for the download to complete.

    Downloader Status dialog showing file download progress
     
  4. Once the download is complete, an installation pop-up will appear. Select Install.

    Downloader Status dialog with Install highlighted after Surfshark.apk

    Android install dialog showing Surfshark Installing progress
     
  5. Lastly, once the installation is complete, click Done, and you will find the Surfshark app in your Application list.

    Android TV home with the Surfshark app icon
     

Now you know how to sideload Surfshark or any other application on your Android box or Android TV. 

 

 

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