How to Install TikTok on Your Android TV: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Ever wished you could enjoy the endless scroll of TikTok on the big screen? While the official app isn’t available in the Google Play Store for Android TV, there’s a simple workaround to get it running. This guide will walk you through the entire process of sideloading TikTok onto your Android TV, Android TV box, or streaming stick, transforming your living room into a hub for the latest viral videos. By the end, you’ll be swiping through content using just your remote control.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before diving into the installation steps, ensure you have everything ready for a smooth setup. The process requires a few key components, all of which are free and easy to manage.

First and foremost, your Android TV device must be connected to the internet. This can be through your home Wi-Fi network or, as shown in the tutorial, even a mobile phone hotspot. A stable connection is crucial for downloading the necessary apps. You’ll also need to access your device’s Google Play Store, which is the starting point for our method.

The core of this installation involves using two third-party apps: Downloader and Aptoide TV. Downloader by AFTVnews is a trusted tool that acts as a web browser and file manager, allowing you to sideload apps not found on the official store. Aptoide TV is an independent app store that hosts the version of TikTok optimized for the Android TV interface. Don’t worry; we’ll guide you through installing both safely.

Step 1: Installing the Downloader App

The first step is to get the Downloader app onto your TV. This app will be our gateway to installing the other necessary software.

1. Open the Google Play Store: On your Android TV’s home screen, navigate to and open the Google Play Store.
2. Search for Downloader: Using the search function, type in “Downloader.” Look for the app developed by AFTVnews.
3. Install the App: Select the correct Downloader app and click “Install.” The app is lightweight and will install quickly.
4. Grant Permissions: When you open Downloader for the first time, you will likely see a pop-up requesting permission to install apps from unknown sources. This is a standard Android security feature. You must enable this permission for Downloader to function for our purpose. Navigate to the settings when prompted and turn the permission on.

This permission is essential for sideloading and is a common step for installing apps outside the Google Play ecosystem, similar to methods used for other platforms like downloading Instagram videos directly to your device without an intermediary app.

Step 2: Using Downloader to Get Aptoide TV

With Downloader installed and configured, we’ll now use it to download the Aptoide TV app store, which hosts the TikTok APK we need.

1. Launch Downloader: Open the Downloader app from your app list.
2. Navigate to the Browser: Inside Downloader, go to the browser tab, usually located at the top-left corner of the screen.
3. Enter the Website URL: In the browser’s address bar, type the following URL exactly: tv.aptoide.com. This is the official website for the TV version of the Aptoide app store.
4. Download Aptoide TV: On the website, scroll down until you find the download button for the Aptoide TV app. Click it to start the download.
5. Install Aptoide TV: Once the APK file finishes downloading, Downloader will typically prompt you to install it. Click “Install.” You may need to grant Downloader permission again if it’s your first time installing an APK with it. After installation, you can open Aptoide TV directly or find it on your home screen.

Step 3: Installing TikTok via Aptoide TV

Now for the main event: installing TikTok. The Aptoide TV store provides a version formatted for the TV interface, making it navigable with a remote.

1. Open Aptoide TV: Launch the newly installed Aptoide TV app from your app drawer.
2. Search for TikTok: Use the search bar at the top of the Aptoide TV interface. Type in “TikTok.”
3. Select the Correct App: From the search results, look for “TikTok for Android TV” or a similar listing. This ensures you’re getting the TV-optimized version.
4. Install TikTok: Click on the TikTok app listing and then select the “Install” button.
5. Grant Permissions to Aptoide TV: Just like with Downloader, if this is your first time using Aptoide TV to install an app, you will be asked to grant it permission to install from unknown sources. Navigate to the settings and enable this permission for Aptoide TV.
6. Complete the Installation: Return to the installation screen and click “Install” again. The app will now install on your Android TV.

Using TikTok on Your Android TV

Congratulations! TikTok is now installed on your Android TV. When you open the app, you’ll be presented with a familiar yet adapted interface.

• Login or Browse: You can log into your existing TikTok account to access your personalized “For You” and “Following” feeds. Alternatively, you can click “Watch Now” to browse content without an account.
• Navigation: Control the app entirely with your remote control. Use the d-pad (direction pad) to navigate:
  • Up/Down: Scroll vertically through videos.
  • Left/Right: Highlight on-screen buttons like “Like,” “Comment,” “Share,” and “Profile.”
  • Select (OK/Enter): Press the select button to like a video, open comments, or select a menu option.
• Enjoying Content: The experience is designed for lean-back viewing. Videos will play automatically, and you can seamlessly scroll through them to find the next piece of entertaining or informative content, much like exploring a curated feed of Instagram Reels on a larger display.

Troubleshooting and Key Takeaways

If you encounter any hiccups during the process, the most common issue involves the “unknown sources” permission. Always ensure you have granted this permission to both Downloader and Aptoide TV in your Android TV settings when prompted. If an installation fails, go back and double-check these settings.

To recap, installing TikTok on your Android TV is a straightforward three-step process: install Downloader, use it to get Aptoide TV, and then install TikTok from within Aptoide TV. This method of sideloading opens up a world of apps not typically available on the big screen, similar to techniques used for accessing other social media content directly on various devices. Remember, while these third-party app stores are useful, always download apps from their official pages within the store for security.

Now, grab your remote, sit back, and enjoy the vast world of TikTok on the most comfortable screen in your house. Happy scrolling