Supported Android devices
Our app runs on Android TV and Google TV boxes, TVs with Google TV built in, and Android phones and tablets. It's designed for watching on a TV with a remote, so TV boxes give the best experience.
Heads up for 2027: Google plans to add extra steps, including a one-time 24-hour wait, before you can install apps from outside the Play Store on certified Android devices, TVs included. Nothing changes yet in Canada. We'll update our guides when it does.
How to check your model
- TV boxes and smart TVs: go to Settings → System → About. On an Nvidia Shield or older Android TV, it's Settings → Device Preferences → About. You'll see the Model and Android TV OS version.
- Phones and tablets: go to Settings → About phone (or About tablet) to see the model, then Software information or Android version.
- Android 8 or newer is recommended. Very old devices (Android 6 or older) may not run the current version of the app.
Best choice
The fastest Android devices for live TV. Quick channel changes, smooth guide scrolling, and an Ethernet port for the most reliable connection.
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Nvidia Shield TV Pro (2019) The gold standard for streaming apps. 3 GB memory, 16 GB storage, Ethernet and USB ports. Years of updates and still the fastest box you can buy.
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Nvidia Shield TV (2019, tube shape) Same fast processor as the Pro with 2 GB memory and 8 GB storage. Has Ethernet. A great choice that hides behind the TV.
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Google TV Streamer (2024) Google's top box: 4 GB memory, 32 GB storage and built-in Ethernet. Plenty of room for the app and its TV guide.
Works well
Runs the app smoothly for everyday watching. A little slower to load than the best choices.
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Onn 4K Pro Great value: 3 GB memory, 32 GB storage and Ethernet built in.
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Chromecast with Google TV (4K) Good performer with 2 GB memory. Storage is tight (8 GB), so clear out apps you don't use. Add a USB-C Ethernet adapter for the best connection.
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TVs with Google TV or Android TV built in (Sony, TCL, Hisense, Philips and others) Work like a Google TV box. Models from the last few years run well; older or budget TVs can be slower.
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Android tablets (Android 8 or newer) Works well, especially on a larger screen. The app is laid out for a TV, so use it in landscape. Great for watching around the house.
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Android phones (Android 8 or newer) Works, but the screen is small and the app is designed for a TV remote, so some menus take a little getting used to. Best for checking a game on the go.
Works, but slower
The app installs and plays, but these lower-powered devices can be slow with large channel lists and may buffer more. Fine to start with; consider an upgrade if it feels sluggish.
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Chromecast with Google TV (HD) Only 1.5 GB memory and 8 GB storage, so expect slower loading.
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Budget Google TV boxes and sticks with 2 GB memory or less Usually fine for a few channels but can lag in the full guide.
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Older Android TV boxes (Android TV 9 or earlier, such as the 1st Gen Mi Box S) Getting old; may struggle with large channel lists.
Not recommended or won't work
We can't support these. Either they can't run Android apps at all, or they're too unreliable for us to help with.
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Generic no-name "Android boxes" (MXQ, T95, X96, H96 and similar) Often have fake specs, outdated Android versions and almost no storage, and the FBI has warned that some come with malware already installed. If you have one, the app may work, but we can't troubleshoot it. A Google TV Streamer or Onn 4K Pro is a safe upgrade.
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Roku, Apple TV, iPhone and iPad These don't run Android apps, so our app can't be installed on them.
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Samsung and LG smart TVs (Tizen and webOS) These use their own systems, not Android. Plug in a Fire TV Stick 4K Max or a Google TV box instead.
Installing on Android TV and Google TV boxes
For the Google TV Streamer, Chromecast with Google TV, Onn boxes and TVs with Google TV built in, follow our Android TV install guide. A few tips:
- If you're asked to allow Downloader to install apps, choose Settings, turn it on, then press back to continue the install.
- On Google TV, installed apps sometimes don't show on the home screen. Find the app in Settings → Apps → See all apps, open it once, and it will appear in your apps row.
- Short on space? Remove apps you don't use in Settings → Apps before installing.
Installing on an Nvidia Shield
The Shield uses slightly different menus:
- Go to Settings → Device Preferences → About, scroll to Build and click it 7 times until it says you're a developer.
- Install Downloader by AFTV News from the Google Play Store.
- Go to Settings → Device Preferences → Security & restrictions → Unknown sources, and turn on Downloader.
- Open Downloader, type the code 1884431 and press Go, then install.
- Open the app, click Add Playlist, choose your service and enter the details from your confirmation email.
Installing on an Android phone or tablet
Phones and tablets don't need Downloader. You install straight from the web browser.
Download the app (on your phone or tablet)- On your phone or tablet, tap the Download the app button above, or open Chrome and go to aftv.news/1884431. Both are the same download as the Downloader code.
- When the download finishes, tap Open, or find the file in your Downloads folder or the Files app and tap it.
- If Android says Chrome isn't allowed to install apps, tap Settings, turn on Allow from this source, then go back.
- Tap Install. If Google Play Protect shows a warning, tap More details → Install anyway.
- Samsung users: if the install is blocked, turn off Auto Blocker in Settings → Security and privacy, install, then turn it back on.
- Open the app, tap Add Playlist, choose your service and enter the details from your confirmation email. Turn your device sideways for the best layout.
Tips for the smoothest streaming
- Use Ethernet whenever your device has a port (Shield, Google TV Streamer, Onn 4K Pro), or a USB-C Ethernet adapter on a Chromecast.
- On Wi-Fi, use the 5 GHz network and keep the router close to the TV.
- Keep at least 1 to 2 GB of storage free so the TV guide can load quickly.
- Restart your box every week or so to keep it running fast.