Last Updated on September 18, 2026 by Max Turner
Can you install Showbox on a Smart TV? Technically, an APK can be sideloaded on Android TV or Google TV, but that does not confirm that Showbox will work correctly on your TV.
If you own a Samsung TV running Tizen or an LG TV running webOS, you cannot install a standard Android APK directly on the TV.
The Showbox APK discussed in this article is not presented as an official TV app from Google, Samsung, or LG. For that reason, the installation method described below uses sideloading rather than a normal TV app-store installation.
Platform Compatibility: Operating System Matters, Not the Brand
Before downloading any files, verify your television’s underlying platform in the device settings. The manufacturer logo on the frame does not tell you whether an app will run; the operating system does.
| Platform | Direct APK Support? | Practical Action |
| Android TV / Google TV | Yes (via sideload) | Sideload APK; use Mouse Toggle or mouse for controls. |
| Samsung Smart TV (Tizen) | No | Screen–mirror from phone or use an HDMI streaming box. |
| LG Smart TV (webOS) | No | Cast content via Miracast / Screen Share or use an HDMI stick. |
| Fire TV devices running Fire OS | Yes (via sideload) | Check the exact device and Fire OS version |
Android TV and Google TV (Sony, TCL, Hisense, Philips, Chromecast)
These systems share Android’s core architecture, meaning they can parse .apk files.
Android TV devices are primarily controlled with a D-pad remote rather than a touchscreen. If an app is not optimized for TV navigation, some controls may be difficult to use.
Samsung (Tizen) and LG (webOS)
Samsung and LG use proprietary, Linux-based web environments that do not recognize Android .apk binaries. Renaming the file extension or placing the file on a USB flash drive will not work—the TV will simply report the file as unsupported media.
Do not waste time searching their built-in app stores.
If you want Showbox on a Tizen or webOS TV, see the alternative workarounds detailed below.
Understanding the Showbox APK and Version History
| Metric | Specification |
|---|---|
| Build Listed | Version 12 (Third–party repack) |
| Minimum System | Android 4.4 (KitKat) or higher |
| Legacy Builds (Archived) | 1.0.6, 6.0, 8.14 |
| TV compatibility | Not verified by the editorial team |
The original Showbox was abandoned in late 2018, meaning Version 12 is strictly a third-party repack, while legacy builds (1.0.6, 6.0) are completely obsolete because their backend servers are permanently offline.
How to Install Showbox on Android TV or Google TV
If the APK is not already on your TV, you need a way to transfer it to the device. One common option is a TV-friendly downloader or file-transfer app. Another is a USB drive and a compatible file manager.
Use the following sideloading procedure:
Step 1: Install the “Downloader” Utility
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Open the Google Play Store on your Android TV or Google TV.
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Search for Downloader by AFTVnews.
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Install the application.
Step 2: Allow Installation from Unknown Sources
By default, Android blocks sideloaded packages to protect device security:
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On Android TV: Go to Settings > Device Preferences > Security & Restrictions > Unknown Sources, then toggle permission ON for Downloader.
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On Google TV: Go to Settings > Apps > Security & Restrictions > Install unknown apps, select Downloader, and set it to Allowed.
Step 3: Download and Sideload the APK
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Launch the Downloader app and accept the storage permission prompt.
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In the URL bar, enter the direct download link for the Showbox 12 APK.
- Click Install on the system prompt, then select Done (delete the downloaded installation file immediately afterward to preserve your TV’s limited internal storage).
Step 4: If the Remote Does Not Work Properly
Some Android apps are designed mainly for touchscreens rather than TV remotes. If Showbox does not respond correctly to your D-pad, you may need a pointer device.
To navigate the interface, pick one of these solutions:
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Install a Virtual Pointer: Sideload Mouse Toggle for Android TV. Double-clicking the play/pause or volume button on your remote generates an on-screen cursor you can steer with your D-pad.
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Plug in Hardware: Connect a basic wireless 2.4 GHz PC mouse or an “Air Mouse” (a remote with a built-in gyroscope) to your TV’s USB port. This gives you a physical pointer to click anywhere on screen.
Practical Workarounds for Samsung and LG TVs
If you own an LG or Samsung television, do not look for modified firmwares. Instead, bypass the operating system barrier using one of two methods:
Method 1: Wireless Screen Mirroring (Zero Cost)
If you already have Showbox running on an Android smartphone or tablet:
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Connect your phone and your Smart TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
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On Samsung: Open your phone’s quick-settings tray and select Smart View. Pick your Samsung TV from the list.
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On LG: start the screen-sharing function supported by your phone and TV. The exact name can vary by device.
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Launch Showbox on your phone and set the video to full-screen. The phone processes the app and network stream; the television simply acts as a wireless display.
Method 2: Use an HDMI Streaming Device
For a permanent setup, connect a dedicated streaming device into one of the television’s HDMI ports:
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Amazon Fire TV Stick
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Chromecast with Google TV
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Xiaomi TV Stick / Box S
Android-based streaming devices can provide another way to run Android apps without changing the TV’s built-in operating system. Fire TV, for example, supports APK sideloading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can an APK install but still fail to play video?
Installation only confirms that Android accepted the package. Playback can still fail because the app, its online services, or its content sources may no longer work. We have not tested Showbox version 12 on a current Android TV device, so we cannot identify a specific playback cause for this build.
Can I put the APK on a USB drive and plug it into my Samsung or LG TV?
No. Samsung Tizen and LG webOS do not use Android APK files as their native app format. Copying an APK to a USB drive does not turn it into an installable TV application.
Will the app appear in my Android TV app list after sideloading?
Not necessarily. Sideloaded apps do not always appear in the same place as apps installed from Google Play. The exact behavior depends on the TV and Android version. If the icon does not appear on the home row, you can access it through Settings → Apps, or install a free tool like Sideload Launcher from the Google Play Store to keep non-TV app shortcuts on your home screen.
