Do you wish to install an app on your Smart TV but can’t find it in the app store? You can use a USB stick to solve this issue.
Good news! You don’t have to be a tech expert to install an app on your Smart TV using a USB stick. Just follow our guide. Let’s get started.
How to Install an App on a Smart TV via USB?
The first step is to download the desired app (in APK file format) onto your computer. You can usually find these on the app developer’s website.
From your computer, move this file (uncompressed if necessary) onto your USB stick. Insert the USB stick into the appropriate slot on the side or back of your TV, and the installation process should start automatically.
How to Install an App on a Samsung Smart TV via USB?
Installing a third-party app on a Samsung Smart TV involves a step-by-step process. Samsung uses its own OS, Tizen, for security measures, making it harder to find and install apps.
The complete procedure involves first allowing unknown source apps on the TV. You will likely have to switch to developer mode.
Firstly, you need to accept unknown sources:
- Go to the Settings menu.
- Navigate to the Personal tab.
- Open the Security submenu.
- Go to Unknown Sources and turn it On.
Next, switch to developer mode:
- Go to the Settings menu on your TV.
- Open the Smart Hub.
- Go to Applications.
- Enter your Smart TV’s PIN code, which is 0000 by default.
- Turn on Developer Mode.
- Type in your computer’s IP address.
- Confirm and then restart your TV.
For finding your IP on a PC, follow this path: Start > Settings > Network and Internet > Wi-Fi > Select your home Wi-Fi network > Read the address under: IPv4 Address.
For Mac users, follow this path: Open menu > System Preferences > Network > Advanced (bottom right) > TCP/IP tab.
Lastly, to transfer an app to your TV:
- Download the APK file from a reliable website.
- Transfer the APK file (it may need to be uncompressed) to a USB stick or portable hard drive.
- Plug your USB into an available port.
- The installation should start automatically or prompt you to select start installation.
- If nothing happens, download a File Explorer app from the store to access the USB stick’s content.
How to Install an App on an LG Smart TV via USB?
To install an app on an LG Smart TV, it’s easiest to start by installing Google Play using a USB stick. You can then use Google Play to download any other app without needing a USB stick.
The process involves enabling developer mode, allowing unknown sources, and transferring the Google Play Store APK file.
- Go to the Menu.
- Go to the LG Content Store.
- Look for an app called Developer Mode.
- Install the app.
- Open Developer Mode.
- Look for Unknown Sources and enable it.
To install Google’s Play Store app:
- Search for the Play Store APK file on download sites.
- Download the file to your computer.
- If necessary, unzip the file and transfer it to a USB stick plugged into your computer.
- On your TV, go to the LG Content Store.
- Download and install a File Explorer type app.
- Insert your USB stick into the appropriate port on your TV.
- Locate the USB stick using the File Explorer app.
- Install the Play Store app contained on your USB stick.
You’ll then have access to the Google Play Store, and you can install any other app on your TV from there.
How to Install an App on an Android TV via USB?
On an Android TV, it’s also necessary to allow unknown sources on your Smart TV before you can install a third-party app via USB. Here’s how to do it.
To allow apps from unknown sources, go to: Menu > Settings > Security and Restrictions. Once there, enable unknown sources.
To install an app:
- Download the APK file of the concerned app from your computer.
- If necessary, unzip the file and transfer it to a USB stick plugged into your computer.
- Insert your USB stick into the Smart TV. Depending on the version, the installation may start automatically.
- If nothing happens, go to the Play Store.
- Download a File Explorer type app (like File Manager or X-Plore File Manager).
- Locate the app on the USB stick using the explorer.
- Install the app.
Which USB Stick Should You Choose to Install an App on your Smart TV?
1. SanDisk Ultra Flair 32GB
This SanDisk Ultra Flair is a small 32GB USB stick, though it’s also available in other storage capacities. It uses USB 3.0 technology for compatibility and high-speed data transfer.
With its 32GB of storage, it’s perfect for transferring apps to your Smart TV. You also have ample room for other uses like backing up or storing movies or TV series episodes.
Pros:
- High speed at 150 MB/S
- Sufficient storage capacity for installing an app
- Affordable price
- Clean design
- Key ring attachment
Cons:
- No cap
- Limited reuse with 32GB storage
2. Bar Plus USB 3.1 Flash Drive 256GB
This Samsung-branded USB stick has a storage capacity of 256GB and is also available in smaller capacities. It combines various technologies to ensure reliability.
With more than enough capacity to transfer apps to your Smart TV, this 256GB USB stick is also ideal for storing high-quality movies to watch on the TV via the stick.
Pros:
- High speed of 300 MB/S
- Large storage capacity
- Multiple uses
- Durable
Cons:
- No cap on the USB end
- More bulky compared to similar capacity models
3. SanDisk Ultra Flair 256GB
The SanDisk Ultra Flair is a USB stick with a capacity of 256GB, available in various storage capacities and colors. Its USB 3.0 standard ensures robust compatibility and fast data transfer.
Fast, high-capacity, and aesthetically pleasing, it will serve you well for transferring apps to your Smart TV or storing numerous files.
Pros:
- Large storage capacity and wide choice
- High speed at 150 MB/S
- Good price
- Successful metallic design
- Key ring attachment
Cons:
- No protective cap
Summary
Installing a third-party app often involves switching to Developer Mode to allow unknown sources as the origin of an app.
From there, you can install any app suited to your TV from a USB stick. Therefore, having a computer at hand is necessary.
