How to install Apollo Group TV on Android TV

What you’ll need

• An Android TV or Google TV device (Android 8.0 / Oreo or newer)
• An active Apollo Group TV subscription — after checkout we email you a username, password, and a 6-digit downloader code
• About 5 minutes
• 10+ Mbps wifi for HD, 25+ Mbps for 4K

Step 1 — Allow apps from unknown sources

From the Android TV home screen, open Settings → Device Preferences → Security & restrictions → Unknown sources. Toggle Downloaderon (you’ll see it in the list once you install Downloader in the next step — come back here if it’s not visible yet).

On newer Google TV firmware the path is Settings → System → About → tap the Android version 7 times to unlock Developer options, then enable Install unknown apps per app.

Step 2 — Install the Downloader app

Open the Google Play Store on your Android TV, search for Downloader by AFTVnews, and install it. It’s the same free Downloader used on Firestick, made by the same developer.

When you first launch Downloader, accept the storage and install permissions. Without those it can’t fetch or install the Apollo APK.

Step 3 — Enter your Apollo Group TV downloader code

In Downloader, type your 6-digit code from the Apollo welcome email into the URL bar and press Go. The Apollo APK (around 50 MB) starts downloading.

Lost your code? Log in to the Client Portal to retrieve it, or message support and they’ll resend the email. See the downloader-code page for a refresher.

Step 4 — Install the APK

When the download finishes, an installer prompt appears with “Apollo Group TV” and an Installbutton. Click it. Install takes 10–15 seconds.

Downloader then asks if you want to delete the APK file. Choose Delete — it just wastes storage otherwise.

Step 5 — Open Apollo Group TV and sign in

On stock Android TV, Apollo appears under Apps. On Google TV the new app shows up in the “Your apps” row after a few seconds. Open it and enter the username and password from your welcome email.

The EPG (channel guide) takes 5–10 minutes to fully populate on first launch — channels still play normally while it loads.

Troubleshooting

“Code not found” in Downloader

Subscription likely hasn’t activated yet. Lightning settles in under a minute, MoonPay (card) takes 5–10 minutes, on-chain Bitcoin can take 10–30 minutes. Try the code again after the appropriate window. Double-check the digits — 0 vs O, 1 vs I are easy to confuse.

“Parse error” or “App not installed”

The APK got corrupted mid-download, usually due to low storage. Go to Settings → Appsand uninstall anything unused, then clear Downloader’s data and re-enter the code.

Status code 403 when signing in

Either your subscription expired or the credentials are wrong. Log in at the Client Portal to check. After a fresh renewal it can take up to 30 minutes for credentials to propagate to the streaming servers.

App opens then freezes or crashes

Restart the device: Settings → System → Restart. This clears the stale install state and fixes the vast majority of first-launch issues. If it still crashes, uninstall Apollo, re-download via Downloader, and reinstall.

Remote can’t navigate the app

Some Android TV remotes don’t expose all keys to apps. Pair a Bluetooth keyboard for the initial sign-in if the on-screen keyboard is fighting your remote. Once signed in, normal D-pad navigation works fine.

Buffering during playback

Almost always a network issue. Run a speed test (any speed-test app from the Play Store). Under 10 Mbps will buffer on HD; under 25 Mbps can’t hold 4K. Wired Ethernet is the single biggest stability upgrade — NVIDIA Shield and most Android TV boxes have a built-in port.

Device-specific notes

• Chromecast with Google TV (HD & 4K). Works perfectly out of the box. Allow unknown sources per app under Settings → Apps → Security & restrictions.
• NVIDIA Shield (2017+ / 2019+ Pro). The best Android TV box for Apollo. 4K HDR, fast app launches, supports wired Ethernet natively.
• Xiaomi Mi Box S / Mi TV Stick. Fine for 1080p. The Stick can be tight on RAM under 4K loads.
• Sony Bravia, Hisense, TCL, Philips. Built-in Android TV. Same install steps. On some Sony models the Play Store hides Downloader in “not for your device” — sideload it from your phone via the Aurora Store as a workaround.
• Onn 4K Streaming Box (Walmart). Supported. Slow CPU, sometimes pauses for a second on 4K transitions. 1080p is smooth.

Tips after install

• Pin Apollo to the home row. Long-press the app icon and move it to the front row so it’s a single click from launch.
• Wired Ethernet beats wifi every time. If your device has the port, use it. Cuts buffering to near-zero on 4K.
• Restart the box weekly. Settings → System → Restart. Memory fills up with cached processes; a quick restart clears them.
• Keep Downloader installed. Apollo pushes occasional APK updates via the same 6-digit code system — Downloader is how you grab them.

Frequently asked questions

Why isn’t Apollo Group TV on the Google Play Store?

Play Store rules restrict apps that aggregate channels from many sources. Standard for IPTV services across every major platform — we distribute via direct APK instead.

Is sideloading on Android TV safe?

Yes. Sideloading is a supported feature of Android TV — it’s how the platform allows installs outside the Play Store. It doesn’t void warranties and doesn’t modify the system. The Apollo APK is signed and verified.

Can I install Apollo on multiple Android TV devices?

Yes. Your subscription supports up to 5 simultaneous connections — same login on every device in your house. Repeat the five steps on each one.

What about Apollo on a regular Android phone or tablet?

The same APK works on Android phones and tablets — the layout is mobile-optimized. Install with Downloader on the device (or download the APK from your account portal and install it manually).

Does Apollo support Chromecast (the basic dongle, not Chromecast with Google TV)?

The basic Chromecast (no Android TV OS) can’t install apps directly. Cast from the Apollo mobile app on your phone instead — see our screen-mirroring approach on Roku for the same general idea.

Related guides

• Firestick install guide — for Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Cube
• Roku setup — screen mirroring workaround
• What is the downloader code?
• Pricing & plans
• Apollo Group TV FAQ

Stuck on something not covered here? Email [email protected], open a ticket from your Client Portal, or visit the contact & support page — our team replies within an hour, 24/7.