Hey there! If you‘re looking to unlock the full potential of your Firestick or Android TV device, then you need to install APKTime.
APKTime opens up access to thousands of apps outside of the Amazon and Google Play stores. From free movies and shows to niche apps you can‘t find anywhere else, it provides endless entertainment possibilities.
In this guide, I‘ll show you step-by-step how to download and install APKTime on any Firestick or Android TV model. You‘ll learn:
- What APKTime is and how it works
- The benefits and risks of using APKTime
- How to install it on Firestick and Android TV devices
- Tips for finding and installing apps
- Important safety and legal considerations
Let‘s get started!
What is APKTime and How Does it Work?
APKTime is an alternative app store not officially available on Amazon or Google platforms.
It works by providing an interface to search, download, and install Android APK file packages. These contain the data to install mobile apps and games on Android-based devices.
So instead of downloading apps from the Google Play or Amazon Appstore, you can use APKTime to install apps directly as APK files onto your Firestick, Fire TV, or Android TV device.
APKTime has compiled a vast library of app APK files across all categories like video streaming, music, tools, emulators, adult content, and more.
Overall, it eliminates much of the complexity around manually sideloading APK files from external sources. You can just search and install them directly within APKTime.
According to DataReportal, global app downloads are expected to reach over 300 billion in 2023. However, Amazon and Google Play only account for about 44% of app downloads combined.
The rest come from alternative stores like APKTime that give users access to more niche apps unavailable on the official app stores.
Now that you understand how APKTime works at a high level, let‘s go over some of the major benefits and potential downsides.
The Pros and Cons of Using APKTime
Before installing APKTime, it‘s good to understand the key pros and cons:
Benefits of APKTime
Access to more apps – Get thousands of niche apps unavailable on the standard app stores. Great for finding new apps and content.
Latest app versions – No need to wait around for Amazon or Google to approve updates. APKTime provides the newest app versions.
Adult content – Unlike the official stores, APKTime gives access to XXX adult apps and content.
Region unlocking – Install geo-restricted apps not available in your country.
Firestick & Android TV optimization – All apps are optimized to work properly on streaming devices.
Intuitive interface – APKTime uses a clean, easy to use design. Apps can be installed with just a few clicks.
Potential Downsides
Copyright issues – Some apps may violate copyrights if improperly licensed. Use a VPN to stay protected.
Malware risks – Files outside of official stores have a higher malware potential. Always scan new APK files before installing.
Less curation – Lower quality control standards compared to heavily curated official app stores.
Legality uncertainties – Local laws differ on sideloading copyrighted content. Some apps could be illegal in certain regions.
So in summary, APKTime unlocks tons of new app possibilities, but also comes with risks around malware, copyrights, and legality that official app stores minimize.
It‘s about balancing the pros and cons and using proper precautions which I‘ll cover ahead.
Now let‘s get into the installation process on both Firestick and Android TV devices!
How to Install APKTime on Firestick
I‘ll start with a step-by-step guide to install APKTime on any Firestick model including the Firestick 4K, Fire TV Cube, Firestick Lite and more.
Here is an overview of the process:
- Download the Downloader app
- Enable Unknown Sources
- Download the APKTime APK
- Install APKTime
- Move APKTime to home screen
Let‘s get started:
1. Download the Downloader App
Downloader is a free Fire TV app that lets us install APK files from the web.
To download it:
- Go to the Firestick home screen
- Select the "Search" option and search for "Downloader"
- Choose the Downloader app from the results
- Select "Download" to install it
Once downloaded, the Downloader app icon will appear on your Firestick‘s app library.
2. Enable Unknown Sources
By default, Firestick devices block installation of apps from unknown third-party sources.
To allow app sideloading, we need to enable "Unknown Sources":
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From the Home screen go into Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options
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Turn on the toggle next to Apps from Unknown Sources
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Go back and select Downloader then turn on this toggle too
This will now let us install APK files using the Downloader app.
3. Download the APKTime APK
Next we‘ll use Downloader to install APKTime:
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Open the Downloader app
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Enter the URL:
https://www.apktime.com/download -
Select Go to start the download
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When prompted, click Install to install APKTime
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Choose Done once the install completes
The APKTime app is now installed on your Firestick!
4. Install APKTime
To open APKTime for the first time:
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Press the "Home" button to go back to the home screen
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Select Apps from the Firestick menu
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Choose the APKTime app icon
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APKTime will launch on your screen!
5. Move APKTime to Home Screen
To make APKTime readily available from your home screen:
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Press the "Menu" button with APKTime highlighted
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Select "Move"
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Use the remote to move the icon where you want it
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Click the "OK" button to drop it into place
There we go! APKTime is now installed and ready to use on your Firestick.
Next I‘ll cover the process to get it set up on Android TV devices.
How to Install APKTime on Android TV
I‘ll now show you how to download and install APKTime on any Android TV, including:
- NVIDIA Shield
- Xiaomi Mi Box
- Chromecast with Google TV
- Sony Smart TVs
- And more
Here is an overview of the steps:
- Allow app sideloading
- Download Downloader app
- Download latest APKTime APK
- Install APKTime
- Add APKTime to home screen
Let‘s get started.
1. Allow App Sideloading
Just like Firestick, we first need to enable sideloading of unknown apps.
To do this on Android TV:
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Go to Settings > Device Preferences > Security & Restrictions
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Enable the toggle for Unknown Sources
This will now let us install apps outside of the Google Play Store.
2. Download Downloader App
Next we need to get the Downloader app to install APK files.
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On your Android TV device, open the Google Play Store
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Search for "Downloader"
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Download and install the Downloader app by AFTVnews
This will give us the ability to download APK files directly on an Android TV device.
3. Download Latest APKTime APK
Now we can use Downloader to install APKTime:
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Open the Downloader app
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Enter the URL:
https://www.apktime.com/download -
Select Go to start the download
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When the download finishes, click Install
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Finally click Done once the installation completes
APKTime is now installed on your Android TV device!
4. Install APKTime
To open APKTime for the first time:
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Press the "Home" button to go back to Android TV‘s home screen
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Select the Apps or Application menu
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Locate and select the APKTime app icon
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APKTime will launch on your screen!
5. Add APKTime to Home Screen
To add APKTime to your Android TV home screen:
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Highlight the APKTime app icon
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Press and hold the "OK" button on your remote
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Select Add to home screen when the pop-up appears
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Choose a location for the icon
This will pin APKTime to your home screen for quick and easy access.
And that‘s it! With these steps you now have APKTime installed on your Android TV device.
Tips for Using APKTime on Firestick & Android TV
Now that you have APKTime ready to use, here are some tips and best practices:
Use Mouse Toggle – This gives easier navigation of mobile apps not optimized for TV.
Scan APKs Before Installing – Use antivirus apps like Malwarebytes to scan new APK files for potential threats.
Check Reviews – Read app reviews and only install from trusted developers.
Update Regularly – Use Downloader to reinstall APKTime for the newest updates and features.
Clear Cache & Data – Helps resolve app issues. Find this under app settings.
Use VPN – A VPN like Surfshark provides protection, anonymity, and can bypass geo-restrictions.
Following these tips will maximize performance and safety when using APKTime to install apps outside of the official app stores.
Is APKTime Legal and Safe to Use?
When installing apps from third-party sources like APKTime, the legality depends on your local laws and regulations.
Most apps are fine to download, but some may violate copyrights and region restrictions. Apps tagged as "Cracked" in particular could violate licenses.
According to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, roughly 10% of apps on alternative Android app stores are unsafe or malicious. So extra precautions are recommended when installing outside of heavily curated official app stores.
Here are a few best practices to stay on the safe side:
- Use a VPN to stay anonymous and bypass geo-restrictions
- Only install apps from trusted developers with good ratings/reviews
- Scan new APK files with antivirus apps before installing
- Avoid apps promoting illegal activity or violating terms of service
In summary, exercise caution and you can safely unlock many new apps with APKTime. But be careful to avoid any clearly illegal or dangerous apps.
I hope this guide has been helpful showing you how to install and start using APKTime on your streaming devices! Let me know if you have any other questions.
