Manual APK Installation Guide for Android Box

Kaeri TV Production
Jul 15
3 min read

📦 Do you need to enable “Unknown Sources” when installing third-party APKs?

🧠 Concept Overview

Most Android TV Boxes—especially those manufactured in mainland China—have “Unknown Sources” enabled by default, so no additional setup is required.

However, in the following three scenarios, manual permission may still be necessary.

1️⃣ Using a Google-certified Android TV OS (such as Sony or NVIDIA Shield)

Devices running Google-certified Android TV OS (e.g. Sony, NVIDIA Shield) manage app installation permissions like Android phones.

Go to: 【Settings】 → 【Security & restrictions】 → Enable “Unknown sources” for apps like File Manager or Downloader.

2️⃣ Built-in file manager cannot install APK directly

If the built-in file manager can't trigger the installation prompt when opening an APK file

Solution: Go to settings and enable “Unknown sources” for the file manager app.

3️⃣ Installing APK via Downloader by AFTVnews

When using Downloader by AFTVnews:

• Fire TV devices require manual permission for unknown sources

• Most Android TV Boxes allow it by default, but if installation fails, check the permission under 【Settings】 → 【Install unknown apps】 → enable for “Downloader”

✅ How to determine if setup is required?

1. Try downloading and installing the APK.

2. If no warning appears → ✅ you're good to go

3. If you get a warning → Tap “Settings” and allow unknown sources for the app you’re using

📝 SUMMARY:

🟢 Most Chinese-brand Android TV Boxes: usually pre-authorized for APK installations

🔵 Google-certified Android TV OS & Fire TV: require manual permission for unknown sources

⚠️ If installation fails, check the settings as needed—no need to unlock everything upfront.

📦 General APK Installation Guide

🔹 Prerequisites

Your TV Box is connected to the internet
You have the APK file stored on a phone, computer, or USB drive
Your TV Box has access to Downloader or a built-in file manager

Step 1 : Allow installation from unknown sources
Use your remote to go to 【Settings 】→ 【Security & restrictions】 (or similar wording)
Find “Unknown sources” and enable it for the app you’ll use to install the APK (e.g. Downloader or File Manager)
If a warning pops up, press “OK” to confirm

Step 2 : Get the APK File

Method A: Using USB or network transfer

Copy the APK file to a USB flash drive
Insert the USB into your TV Box
Use the built-in or third-party File Manager to navigate to the USB folder and click the APK file to install

Method B: Using Downloader

「Downloader by AFTVnews」 Install and open “Downloader by AFTVnews”
Switch to the “Browser” tab, enter the APK download link in the address bar → press “Go”
Once downloaded, the system will automatically prompt the install screen

Method B1 : Install "Downloader by AFTVnews"

You can install this convenient app "Downloader by AFTVnews" from Google Play Store. Downloader by AFTVnews

Method B2 : Downloader Allow File Storage Permission

You will be asked to grant file access. Select Allow.

(If you accidentally selected Deny, then you need to go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications > Downloader > Permissions to set Storage to Allow.)

Please feel free to check out the tutorial: