If you’re looking to expand the functionality of your Roku Stick, you may be wondering how to install APK files. Fortunately, it’s possible to do so with just a few simple steps. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process.
What is an APK file?
An APK file is an Android Package Kit that contains all the files needed for an Android app to install and run on a device. While Roku OS is not Android-based, some apps are still available in the form of APK files that can be sideloaded onto a Roku Stick.
Enable Developer Mode on your Roku Stick
In order to install APK files on your Roku Stick, you first need to enable Developer Mode. Here’s how:
- Go to the home screen and navigate to “Settings. “
- Select “System. “
- Select “Advanced system settings.
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- Select “Developer options. “
- Turn on “Developer mode. “
Note:
You may need to enter a code displayed on-screen in order to enable Developer Mode.
Sideload an APK file onto your Roku Stick
Now that you’ve enabled Developer Mode, it’s time to sideload an APK file onto your Roku Stick. Here’s how:
- Download the APK file you want to install onto your computer.
- Connect your computer and Roku Stick to the same Wi-Fi network.
- On your computer, open a web browser and navigate to “https://my.roku.com/account/add” (you may need to sign in).
- In the field labeled “Link Code,” enter the code displayed on your Roku Stick screen and click “Add channel.”
- Once the channel has been added, launch it on your Roku Stick.
- On your computer, open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).
- Navigate to the directory where you downloaded the APK file.
- Type the following command: “adb connect [Roku Stick IP address]”.
- Type the following command: “adb install [APK file name].apk”.
Note:
You may need to enable ADB debugging in Developer options on your Roku Stick. Also, make sure that your computer and Roku Stick are connected to the same network and that there are no firewalls blocking communication between them.
Conclusion
By enabling Developer Mode and sideloading an APK file onto your Roku Stick, you can expand its functionality beyond what’s available in the official channel store. Just be aware that sideloading can potentially harm your device if done incorrectly, so proceed with caution.