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Guide · Open source

How to use SmartTube on Android TV: install and get started

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

SmartTube is a free, open-source app for Android TVs and TV boxes that lets you browse and play video content from public sources in a TV-friendly interface. This guide covers what it needs, how to install it from the official downloads, and how to use its main features with a remote. By the end you will know which version to pick and how to fix the most common install problems.

SmartTubeyuliskov/SmartTube · ★ 35.8k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Check your device. Confirm you have an Android TV, Google TV, or Android TV box running Android 4.3 or above.
  2. 2Pick a release. Choose beta for newer features or stable for fewer changes, using the official links only.
  3. 3Download or transfer the APK. Use Downloader by AFTVnews with kutt.to/stn_beta or kutt.to/stn_stable, or send the file by transfer app or USB stick.
  4. 4Confirm the install. Read and accept the security prompts. If you are on Chromecast with Google TV, enable unknown sources first.
  5. 5Open SmartTube and check for updates. Launch the app and let the built-in updater check for a newer version under Settings > About.

What you need before installing SmartTube

SmartTube is built for Android TV, Google TV, and Android TV boxes. The README says it requires Android 4.3 or above, and that older boxes running Android 4.3 (KitKat) are supported.

It is not for phones or tablets, and it does not run on Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, or Apple TV. The README also says newer Amazon Fire Stick 4K Select and later devices running VegaOS are incompatible.

  • Supported: Android TVs and TV boxes, including Google TV, NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast with Google TV, and Xiaomi Mi Box
  • Supported: Amazon Fire TV devices released before October 2025
  • Not supported: smartphones, tablets, Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, Apple TV, and VegaOS devices

Choose beta or stable and download the APK

The README describes two releases. Beta gets new features and bug fixes faster than stable, and the author recommends it. Stable is the safer choice if you want fewer changes.

SmartTube is not published on any app store. The README warns against downloading it from app stores, APK websites, or blogs, because these copies were uploaded by other people and may contain malware or ads. Use the official sources linked in the README: F-Droid, GitHub releases, or the download links below.

  • Beta (recommended): the README links to kutt.to/stn_beta
  • Stable: the README links to kutt.to/stn_stable
  • Official GitHub releases page: github.com/yuliskov/SmartTube/releases

Install SmartTube on your TV

The easiest method in the README is to install Downloader by AFTVnews on your Android TV, open it, and type the short link. Then read and confirm the security prompts. Other options are to transfer the APK from a phone or computer with a file transfer app, or to copy it to a USB stick and open it with a file manager.

Android's preinstalled file manager does not work for the USB method, according to the README. Advanced users can sideload with ADB. The README also notes that the Chromecast with Google TV blocks app installs by default, so you must enable developer options and the unknown sources setting first.

  • Easiest: install Downloader by AFTVnews, enter kutt.to/stn_beta or kutt.to/stn_stable, and confirm the prompts
  • File transfer: download the APK on another device and send it to the TV with an app such as Send Files to TV
  • USB stick: copy the APK to a USB stick and open it with FX File Explorer or X-plore
  • Advanced: install with ADB
kutt.to/stn_beta

Fix installation problems

If installation fails, the README says the usual causes are a full disk or an APK that did not download correctly. Clear space and download again. If the app installs but crashes when it opens, install it to internal memory rather than an SD card or external storage.

On Xiaomi devices with Chinese firmware, the beta version may be blocked. The README suggests using the stable version, switching to international firmware, or, on devices from 2020 or earlier, installing beta before any system update.

  • Full disk or bad download: free up space and try again
  • Crashes on launch: move the install to internal memory
  • Xiaomi Chinese firmware: use stable, or use international firmware

Update SmartTube and keep it current

SmartTube has a built-in updater. You only install it once. A few seconds after launch, it notifies you of updates and shows the changelog. You can turn off automatic checks or update manually in the settings under About.

To check manually, go to Settings, then About, then Check for updates. The README also lists the Telegram channel @SmartTubeNewsEN and the GitHub releases page as places to read the changelog.

  • Manual check: Settings > About > Check for updates
  • Changelog: Telegram channel @SmartTubeNewsEN or GitHub releases

Use the main features with your remote

SmartTube is designed for a TV remote rather than a phone. The README lists a clean interface with no advertising UI elements, SponsorBlock integration, adjustable playback speed, 60fps playback, HDR compatibility, live chat viewing, and customizable buttons.

The README also lists limitations. Comment functionality is described as unstable, and voice search and casting may perform worse than official apps depending on your device.

  • SponsorBlock integration for skipping segments
  • Adjustable playback speed
  • Customizable buttons
  • Live chat viewing
  • Limitations: unstable comments; voice search and casting may vary by device

What people use it for

  • Watching online video on a living-room Android TV with a remote
  • Running an older Android TV box as a lightweight video client
  • Skipping sponsored segments with SponsorBlock integration
  • Using a TV interface without Google Services

Frequently asked questions

Is SmartTube free?

The README describes SmartTube as a free and open-source media client for Android TVs and TV boxes. It is released under the MIT licence, as listed on the project page.

Is SmartTube available on the Google Play Store?

No. The README says SmartTube is not officially published on any app store. It points to F-Droid and GitHub releases as official sources, and warns against APK websites and blogs.

Can I install SmartTube on a phone or tablet?

The README says it is not supported on phones and tablets. It technically runs on them, but it is not optimized for them and has no official support.

Does SmartTube work on Fire Stick 4K Select?

The README says it is not compatible with the Fire Stick 4K Select and newer Amazon devices that run VegaOS. Older Fire TV devices released before October 2025 are supported.

What is the difference between beta and stable?

According to the README, beta gets new features and bug fixes faster than stable, and beta is the recommended release. Stable is the more conservative choice.

What are the alternatives to SmartTube?

The project lists NewPipe, FreeTube, and Kodi as comparable projects. Kodi is a broader media centre, while NewPipe and FreeTube are general video clients.

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Our verdict

SmartTube suits people who watch online video on an Android TV or TV box and want a remote-friendly interface without Google Services, SponsorBlock skipping, or adjustable speed. It is a poor fit for phone or tablet users, owners of Samsung, LG, or Apple TV sets, or anyone who needs an app-store-verified install.

Install options & downloads