Purchase Android TV Box or using the built-in Smart TV system based on Android opens up almost limitless multimedia possibilities for the user. However, out of the box, the device often offers only a basic set of functions, which may seem meager compared to the real potential of the platform. To turn an ordinary TV into a powerful media center, you need to choose the right software.
There are thousands of applications in the Android world, but not all of them are adapted to be controlled from a remote control. Many apps created for smartphones require mouse and keyboard, which makes using them on the couch extremely inconvenient. In this material, we will look at which categories of software are critical for the comfortable use of your device.
We will look at not only popular streaming services, but also specialized utilities for managing files, clearing memory and setting up a network connection. The right selection APK files will allow you to forget about paid cable TV subscriptions and enjoy content in the highest quality. Let's determine what exactly needs to be installed first.
Streaming services and online cinemas
The main function of a modern TV is playing video content. To do this, you will need a set of applications that provide access to film libraries. The market leaders in the Russian-language segment remain large aggregators, such as ivi, Okko or Kion. These platforms offer stable operation, high picture quality and a convenient interface tailored for remote control.
However, for those looking for free content or specific broadcasts, there are alternative solutions. Often, users install unofficial clients or aggregators that collect links to various sources. It is important to understandthat such applications may periodically change their servers or require configuration of internal players.
- 🎬 Online cinemas: they provide legal content in high definition, often requiring a subscription.
- 📡 IPTV players: allow you to watch TV channels through playlists uploaded by the user.
- 📺 Aggregators: gather content from different sources into a single recommendation feed.
Do not forget about global players such as YouTube and Netflix. If your TV box is certified, these apps will run natively with 4K support. Otherwise, to correctly display the YouTube interface, you may need to install a special version SmartTubeNext, which is devoid of advertising and supports background playback.
File management and memory management
The built-in memory of Android boxes is often limited to 8 or 16 gigabytes, of which even less is available to the system. This makes proper file management a critical skill. Standard file managers in Android TV are often hidden or have reduced functionality that does not allow you to see system folders.
For full functionality, you will need a third-party file manager. The leaders in this niche are X-plore File Manager and Total Commander. These apps have a two-pane interface that's ideal for remote navigation. With their help, you can transfer movies from USB drives, delete application caches and manage archives.
⚠️ Attention: When deleting files in system folders through the file manager, be extremely careful. Removing critical libraries can lead to unstable operation of the operating system or cyclic reboot of the device.
One of the key tasks is cleaning up space. Over time, the cache of video services can grow to several gigabytes. Using specialized cleaning utilities helps free up space without deleting the applications themselves. System memory fills up most quickly with the cache of video applications and temporary update files.
File managers are also necessary for installing apps from outside. If the application you need is not in the Google Play Store on your TV, you download APK file to a flash drive or phone, transfer it to the box and install it manually through the file manager.
Network utilities and data transfer
For comfortable use The TV box needs to communicate between the TV and other devices on your network. Entering text from a remote control is a tedious task, so the ability to stream content from a smartphone or computer becomes a priority. This is where network utilities and data transfer protocols come to the rescue.
One of the most convenient ways to transfer files is to use the protocol SMB or built-in Wi-Fi transfer functions. Applications like Send Files to TV allow you to instantly transfer an installation file or video from your phone to your TV while being on the same Wi-Fi network. This eliminates the need to run around with flash drives.
For more advanced users, AirScreen or AirPinwill be an indispensable tool. These apps emulate the reception of signals AirPlay i Miracast, allowing you to broadcast the screen of a smartphone or tablet directly to a large display. This is especially true for devices that do not support the native broadcast function.
- 📡 DLNA servers: allow you to broadcast media files from a PC to TV without copying.
- 📱 Screen broadcast: duplicates the image from a smartphone in real time.
- 💻 Remote access: allows you to manage box files from your computer.
It is also worth mentioning utilities for setting up a static IP address or DNS. In some cases, providers may block access to certain resources, and changing DNS servers in the network settings (or through the app) may solve the problem of accessing content.
Use a static IP address for your TV box in the router settings. This will allow you to always know the exact address of the device for connecting over the network, even after rebooting the router.
Media players: playback of any format
Standard Android TV video players often cannot cope with heavy files, specific codecs or the complex menu structure of Blu-ray discs. For connoisseurs of image and sound quality, installing a third-party media player is necessary. This software takes over the decoding of the video stream, ensuring smooth playback.
The undisputed leader in this category is VLC for Android. It is free, does not contain advertising and is “omnivorous” - it plays almost any video and audio format that can be found on the Internet. The second popular option is MX Player, which is famous for its excellent software image processing and convenient control gestures, although the free version may contain advertising.
For those who create their own media libraries with beautiful covers and descriptions, Kodiis ideal. It's an entire media ecosystem that scans your movie folders, downloads metadata from the Internet, and builds a beautiful library. However Kodi requires time for initial setup and can be difficult for beginners.
| App | Codec support | Interface | Advertising |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLC | Full | Simple | No |
| MX Player | High | Convenient | Yes (in free) |
| Kodi | Full | Complex | No |
| Nova Player | Good | Minimalistic | No |
When choosing a player, pay attention to support for hardware acceleration. If your box has a weak processor, hardware decoding in the player will allow you to watch 4K video without jerks and sound desynchronization.
The presence of a high-quality third-party player (VLC or MX Player) is a prerequisite for comfortable viewing of video in formats that the standard player of the system does not support.
Browsers for web surfing
Although the TV is not designed for active surfing on the Internet, there are situations when a browser is necessary. For example, you urgently need to open your mail, go to an online banking website, or watch a video on a website that does not have an application. Standard browsers may not display pages correctly on the TV or may not support remote control.
The optimal solution is to install specialized TV browsers, such as Puffin TV Browser or TV Bro. They have an interface adapted for navigation from a distance of 3 meters, and can emulate a mouse cursor to work with sites that require clicks. Puffin, for example, also compresses traffic, which can speed up page loading.
It should be remembered that many modern sites are poorly optimized for large screens and non-touchscreen controls. Fonts may be small and controls may be hard to focus. Therefore, using a browser on TV is more of an emergency solution than an everyday practice.
⚠️ Warning: Entering passwords and confidential information through the TV using a remote control or even a connected keyboard is less secure than on a personal computer. Avoid logging into important accounts through public or little-known browsers on Android TV.
To download heavy files or install APKs from sites, it is better to use a browser with a built-in downloader and the ability to view the folders where the files are saved. This will simplify the process of installing software from unknown sources.
Why do you need a browser if there are applications?
A browser is needed to access resources that do not have official TV applications, or to log into the provider’s personal account, as well as to download APK files directly to the device.
Utilities for optimization and configuration
Android TV Box, like any computer, may begin to work slower over time. Temporary file accumulation, memory fragmentation, and background processes reduce performance. To maintain performance, optimization utilities are needed.
A popular tool is Send Files to TV (which we have already mentioned as a network utility), but in the context of optimization it is worth highlighting Sideloader for managing hidden applications. Also useful are apps for monitoring processor temperature and RAM load, for example CPU Monitor. They allow you to notice overheating in time, which leads to throttling (lowering the processor frequency) and lags.
Launchers deserve special attention. If the standard shell of your box is overloaded with advertising or inconvenient, you can install an alternative launcher, for example ATV Launcher or Flauncher. They make the interface clean, minimalistic and fast, removing unnecessary visual clutter.
- 🚀 Memory clearing: forced closing of background applications.
- 🌡️ Monitoring: monitoring temperature and CPU load.
- 🎨 Launchers: replacing the standard interface with a lighter one.
You should not install “all-in-one” cleaners with aggressive advertising. They often consume more resources than they release. It is better to use proven system utilities or built-in developer tools to manage processes.
☑️ Checking the readiness of the TV box
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to install an antivirus on Android TV Box?
In most cases, no. If you download applications only from the official Google Play Store and do not click on dubious links in your browser, the risk of infection is minimal. Antiviruses can additionally load the system. However, if you actively use the box to install modified APK files from unverified sources, a security scanner will not hurt.
Is it possible to play games on a TV box?
Yes, you can. The Google Play Store has a section of games adapted for Android TV. For a comfortable game, you will most likely need to connect a gamepad (via Bluetooth or USB), since playing full-fledged 3D shooters or racing games with the remote control is inconvenient. Emulators of retro consoles are also popular.
Why does the video slow down, although the Internet is fast?
The reasons may be different: full RAM, overheating of the processor, the use of a low-quality Wi-Fi adapter in the box itself, or an unsupported video codec. Try changing the player to VLC, lowering the quality of the stream, or connecting via a LAN cable instead of Wi-Fi.
How to install an application if it is not in the Play Market?
You need to download the APK file of the desired app to your computer or phone, transfer it to a flash drive (or transfer it through the Send Files to TV application), open the file manager on the TV and start the installation. Don't forget to allow installation from unknown sources in your security settings.