If you own an Android TV or Android TV box, you’re in for a treat! Freeview, the popular digital TV service in the UK, can be easily installed on your device, giving you access to a wide range of channels without any subscription fees.
In this blog post, we’ll show you three simple methods to get Freeview up and running on your Android TV/Box. So, let’s dive in!
Method 1: Using the Google Play Store
Step 1: Open the Google Play Store To begin, locate and open the Google Play Store app on your Android TV/Box. You can find it in the Apps section of your device’s home screen.
Step 2: Search for Freeview In the search bar of the Google Play Store, type in “Freeview” and press Enter. Look for the official Freeview app in the search results.
Step 3: Install the Freeview app Once you’ve found the Freeview app, click on it to open the app page. Hit the “Install” button, and the app will be downloaded and installed on your device automatically.
Step 4: Launch and Set Up After the installation is complete, you can launch the Freeview app from your Android TV/Box’s app drawer. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a wide range of TV channels for free!
Method 2: Sideloading the Freeview APK
Step 1: Enable Unknown Sources By default, Android TV/Box restricts the installation of apps from unknown sources. To enable it, go to “Settings” on your device, then navigate to “Security & restrictions.” Toggle on the “Unknown sources” option.
Step 2: Download the Freeview APK Using a web browser on your Android TV/Box, search for the Freeview APK file. Make sure to download it from a trusted source.
Step 3: Install the Freeview APK Locate the downloaded APK file, usually in the “Downloads” folder, and open it. Follow the prompts to install the Freeview app on your device.
Step 4: Open and Enjoy Once the installation is complete, find the Freeview app in your device’s app drawer and launch it. Complete the setup process as prompted, and voila! You can now access Freeview channels on your Android TV/Box.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party App Store
Step 1: Install Aptoide or APKPure Aptoide and APKPure are popular third-party app stores that offer a wide range of Android apps. Use your device’s web browser to search for either of these app stores, and download and install the chosen app store on your Android TV/Box.
Step 2: Search for Freeview Launch Aptoide or APKPure and use the search function to find the Freeview app.
Step 3: Install the Freeview app Once you’ve located the Freeview app in the third-party app store, click on it to open the app page. Hit the “Install” button, and the app will be downloaded and installed on your device.
Step 4: Open and Set Up After the installation is complete, locate the Freeview app in your device’s app drawer and open it. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the app, and you’re all set to enjoy Freeview channels on your Android TV/Box.
Method 4: Using a File Manager and USB Drive
Step 1: Download the Freeview APK Using your computer or smartphone, download the Freeview APK file from a trusted source.
Step 2: Transfer the APK file to a USB Drive Connect a USB drive to your computer or smartphone and copy the downloaded Freeview APK file onto it.
Step 3: Connect the USB Drive to your Android TV/Box Plug the USB drive into one of the USB ports on your Android TV/Box.
Step 4: Install the Freeview APK Open a file manager app on your Android TV/Box and navigate to the USB drive. Locate the Freeview APK file and select it to begin the installation. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.
Step 5: Launch and Set Up Once the installation is complete, find the Freeview app in your device’s app drawer and launch it. Complete the setup process as prompted, and enjoy Freeview channels on your Android TV/Box.
Method 5: Using a Streaming App with Freeview Integration
Step 1: Install a Compatible Streaming App Look for a streaming app that offers Freeview integration. Some popular options include BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, and My5. Search for these apps in the Google Play Store or any third-party app store and install them on your Android TV/Box.
Step 2: Launch the Streaming App Open the streaming app you installed and navigate to the Live TV or Channels section.
Step 3: Access Freeview Channels Within the Live TV or Channels section, you should find a selection of Freeview channels available for streaming. Simply click on the channel you want to watch, and the streaming app will handle the playback.
Method 6: Using a Digital TV Tuner
Step 1: Purchase a Digital TV Tuner Get a USB digital TV tuner that is compatible with Android devices. Ensure it supports Freeview channels.
Step 2: Connect the Digital TV Tuner Connect the digital TV tuner to your Android TV/Box via the USB port.
Step 3: Install the Required App Install the app recommended by the digital TV tuner manufacturer from the Google Play Store or a third-party app store.
Step 4: Launch and Set Up Open the app, follow the on-screen instructions to scan for available Freeview channels, and complete the setup process. Once done, you can enjoy Freeview channels on your Android TV/Box through the digital TV tuner.
FAQs
Q: Can I install Freeview on any Android TV or Android TV box?
A: Yes, Freeview can be installed on most Android TV and Android TV box devices. However, it’s always a good idea to check the system requirements and compatibility before proceeding with the installation.
Q: Are there any subscription fees for Freeview?
A: No, Freeview is a free-to-air digital TV service in the UK, and there are no subscription fees required to access its channels.
Q: Can I watch Freeview channels in HD?
A: Yes, some Freeview channels are available in high definition (HD), providing you have a compatible Android TV or Android TV box and a reliable internet connection.
Q: Do I need an antenna to use Freeview on my Android TV/Box?
A: In most cases, you don’t need an antenna to use Freeview on your Android TV/Box. Freeview channels are streamed over the internet, so a stable internet connection is required instead.
Q: Can I record shows or use other DVR features with Freeview on Android TV/Box?
A: The availability of DVR features depends on the specific app or service you use to access Freeview channels. Some streaming apps may offer recording functionality, while others may not. Check the features provided by the app you choose to see if recording shows is supported.
Q: Is Freeview only available in the UK?
A: Yes, Freeview is a digital TV service specifically designed for viewers in the United Kingdom. It offers a range of channels and content tailored to UK viewers.
Q: Can I access catch-up TV services with Freeview on Android TV/Box?
A: Yes, many Freeview channels provide access to catch-up TV services through their respective apps. You can usually find popular catch-up services like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, and My5, which allow you to watch previously aired content.
Q: Are there any alternatives to Freeview for watching TV on Android TV/Box?
A: Yes, there are alternative streaming services available for Android TV/Box, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. These services offer a wide range of TV shows, movies, and original content, but they often require a subscription fee.
Q: How can I uninstall the Freeview app from my Android TV/Box?
A: To uninstall the Freeview app, go to the settings of your Android TV/Box, navigate to the “Apps” or “Applications” section, find the Freeview app, and select the option to uninstall it. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your device’s interface.
