How to Install & Play Games in Android TV | Play Games on TV [2024]

Android TV is not just for streaming shows and movies — it’s also a great platform for gaming! With access to a wide range of games through the Google Play Store, you can enjoy gaming right from your living room. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to install and play games on your Android TV, making the most of this feature-packed platform.

Step 1: Ensure Your Android TV is Set Up

Before you begin installing games, make sure that your Android TV is properly set up and connected to the internet. If you haven’t done this yet, follow these steps:-

1. Power on your Android TV.
2. Connect your TV to Wi-Fi.
3. Sign in to your Google account.

Step 2: Access the Google Play Store on Android TV

To install games on your Android TV, you’ll need to use the Google Play Store:-

1. From the home screen of your Android TV, navigate to the Google Play Store. You can find this by scrolling through the menu or searching for it using the search function.
2. Open the Google Play Store by clicking on it.

Step 3: Search for Games in the Google Play Store

Once inside the Google Play Store:

1. Use the search bar at the top of the screen to search for a specific game by name or browse through the “Games” section.
2. Navigate through the categories such as “Action,” “Puzzle,” or “Sports” to find games that suit your interests.

Step 4: Install a Game on Your Android TV

After selecting a game:

1. Click on the game’s icon to open its details page.
2. Select the Install button to start downloading the game.
3. Wait for the game to download and install on your Android TV. Depending on your internet speed, this may take a few minutes.

Step 5: Launch the Game

Once the game is installed, you’re ready to start playing:

1. Press the Home button on your remote to return to the Android TV home screen.
2. Navigate to the Apps section and find the game you installed.
3. Select the game to launch it.

Step 6: Connect a Game Controller (Optional)

While many Android TV games can be played using the TV remote, certain games require or are better played with a game controller. If you want to use a controller:

1. Pair your Bluetooth game controller with your Android TV by going to Settings > Remotes & Accessories > Add Accessory.
2. Put your controller into pairing mode and select it from the list of available devices.
3. Once paired, you can use the controller to navigate and play games.

Step 6: Connect a Game Controller (Optional)

You can now enjoy playing your installed games on your Android TV:

1. Launch the game from your Apps menu.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to start playing.If using a game controller, use the buttons to move, attack, or interact with the game’s environment.
3. If you’re using a remote, you can follow the same control prompts that appear on the screen.

Bonus: Installing Games Using APKs

In addition to downloading games from the Google Play Store, you can also sideload apps by installing APK files. Here’s how:

1. Download the APK file: You can download the APK of the game on your computer or Android phone.
2. Transfer the APK to your Android TV: You can use a USB drive or a file-sharing app like Send Files to TV.
3. Enable installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings > Device Preferences > Security & Restrictions and turn on Unknown Sources for the file manager app you’re using.
4. Install the APK: Open the file manager, find the APK file, and install the game.
5. Launch the game from your Apps section once installed.

Tips for Gaming on Android TV

1. Check Storage: Make sure you have enough storage space for the games you want to install. You can check this by going to Settings > Storage.
2. Use Cloud Save: Some games support cloud saving, which lets you save your progress across devices. Make sure you’re signed in to your Google account to enable this feature.
3. Optimize Performance: Close background apps to ensure better gaming performance, especially if you’re playing resource-intensive games.

Conclusion

With Android TV, gaming is easier than ever! Whether you’re using the Google Play Store to download games or sideloading them through APKs, you have a vast library of games at your fingertips. Pairing a controller can enhance your gaming experience, and with these steps, you’re ready to turn your Android TV into a gaming hub!

Enjoy your gaming experience on Android TV, and don’t forget to explore new titles frequently updated in the Play Store!