Android TV Setup

How to Install IPTV Apps on Android TV Devices

9 min read
11 March 2025
Jamie Clarke
Jamie Clarke
Senior Technology & Streaming Writer

Jamie writes technical IPTV guides for Android TV, Firestick, and Smart TV devices. He has personally tested all major IPTV player apps across multiple Android TV boxes and sticks.

For the best experience, use a trusted Premium IPTV UK provider like PROTVHUB.

Android TV is one of the most versatile platforms for IPTV. Its access to the Google Play Store, combined with the option to sideload additional apps, makes it the most flexible choice for IPTV enthusiasts. This guide covers everything — from which apps to choose to the complete configuration process.

Best IPTV Apps for Android TV

Before installing anything, choose the right app for your needs:

TiviMate IPTV Player

The premier IPTV player for Android TV. TiviMate offers a genuinely TV-friendly interface, excellent EPG integration, smooth 4K HDR playback, multi-playlist support, and advanced features like catchup TV and parental controls. The free version is functional; TiviMate Premium (small one-time purchase) unlocks multi-profile support, parental controls, and automatic EPG updates. See our full TiviMate setup guide.

IPTV Smarters Pro

Cross-platform and highly capable. If you use IPTV across Android TV, iPhone, iPad, and Smart TV, Smarters keeps your experience consistent. Available free on Google Play. Recommended if device variety matters to you. Full guide: IPTV Smarters setup.

Kodi with PVR IPTV Simple Client

For technically confident users who want a full media centre experience. Kodi is free, open-source, and extremely customisable — but requires more initial setup than the above options.

Method 1: Install from Google Play Store

This is the simplest method and works on all Android TV devices.

  1. From your Android TV home screen, open the Google Play Store
  2. Use the search bar to type "TiviMate IPTV Player" or "IPTV Smarters Pro"
  3. Select the app from results and press Install
  4. Wait for the installation to complete (1–2 minutes)
  5. Open the app and proceed to configure with your PROTVHUB credentials

Not seeing the app? Some apps may be restricted in your region's Play Store. If TiviMate is unavailable via Play Store, use Method 2 (APK sideload) below.

Method 2: Sideload via APK File

If your preferred app is not available on the Play Store, you can install it directly from an APK file.

Step 1: Enable Unknown Sources

  1. Go to Settings → Security & Restrictions
  2. Enable "Unknown sources" or "Install unknown apps"
  3. Select the specific browser or file manager you will use to download the APK

Step 2: Download the APK

  1. Open your TV's browser (or install "Downloader" from the Play Store if not available)
  2. Navigate to the official TiviMate website and download the latest APK
  3. Open the downloaded file and tap Install

Security note: Only download APK files from official developer websites. Never install APK files from unknown or unverified sources, as these can contain malicious software.

Configuring TiviMate with PROTVHUB

  1. Open TiviMate and press "Add Playlist"
  2. Select "Xtream Codes API"
  3. Enter your PROTVHUB server URL (without http:// prefix), username, and password
  4. Tap "Next" — TiviMate will verify your credentials
  5. Choose your preferences (EPG, channel grouping) and tap "Finish"
  6. Your full channel list will load within 1–2 minutes

Configuring IPTV Smarters with PROTVHUB

  1. Open IPTV Smarters Pro
  2. Tap "Login with Xtream Codes API"
  3. Fill in your PROTVHUB server address, username, and password
  4. Tap "Add User"
  5. Wait for channels to populate — then navigate to Live TV to start watching

Best Android TV Boxes for IPTV in the UK

DeviceApprox. PriceBest For
Nvidia Shield TV Pro£180–£200Premium 4K HDR, AI upscaling, Plex server
Mecool KM2 Plus£60–£80Certified Android TV, excellent IPTV performance
Xiaomi MI Box S (2nd gen)£50–£70Affordable Google TV box, great for most users
Amazon Firestick 4K Max£50–£65Amazon ecosystem, easy to use, wide app support

For most UK households, the Xiaomi MI Box S or Amazon Firestick 4K Max offer the best balance of price and performance. Start your free PROTVHUB trial on whichever device you already own — upgrading hardware can always come later.

Jamie Clarke · Last updated 11 March 2025
Senior Technology & Streaming Writer

This article was researched and written by our in-house specialist. All information is verified and current as of 2025.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

TiviMate IPTV Player is widely considered the best IPTV app for Android TV. It offers a polished TV-friendly interface, excellent EPG support, and smooth 4K playback. IPTV Smarters Pro is a strong alternative, particularly if you also use IPTV on non-Android devices.
Yes. Both TiviMate and IPTV Smarters Pro are available on the Google Play Store on Android TV devices. Simply search for the app name and install directly.
APK sideloading means installing an Android app from a file rather than the Play Store. You may need this if a specific IPTV app is not available in your country's Play Store. The process requires enabling 'Unknown sources' in your Android TV settings.
Yes. TiviMate is compatible with Amazon Firestick but requires sideloading via the Downloader app, as it is not available directly in the Amazon App Store. Many Firestick users consider TiviMate the best available IPTV player.
The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is considered the premium option for serious IPTV users. For excellent performance at lower cost, the Mecool KM2 Plus, Xiaomi MI Box S, and Formuler Z10 SE are all popular with UK IPTV users.
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