The internet is littered with fake APK sites that contain malware, adware, or keyloggers. Always download from reputable sources.
Android TV blocks installations from outside the official Google Play Store by default. You must lift this restriction first.
If you own a budget projector, a custom Android box, or a device running an open-source Android TV build without the Google Play Store, APK files are the only way to get YouTube running natively.
Slight variations in version numbers are common across different regions and device architectures. Download the closest version you see (e.g., 13.12 or 13.10) from a trusted source; it will still include the main redesign and stability fixes.
Resolved intermittent microphone bugs on Android TV 11, 12, and 13 OS. The internet is littered with fake APK sites
: On some Android 13 devices, you may need to enable Developer Options first by going to Settings > About and clicking Build Number seven times. Google Help How to Download and Install (Latest 2026 Versions) Method 1: Direct Download via TV Browser Open a web browser on your TV (like Puffin or TVBro). Navigate to a trusted site like
To install an APK outside of the official Google Play Store, you must adjust your TV's security settings to allow sideloading. :
Plug the USB drive into your television, use a local file commander app to open the drive, click the downloaded APK file, and follow the on-screen prompts to finish the setup. ⚡ Comparison: Version 1.3.11 vs. Modern 7.x Builds To understand why running the latest software is necessary, Legacy Version 1.3.11 Modern Version 7.x (Latest) Interface Basic grid scrolling Dynamic sidebar with personalized feeds Performance Slower load times on modern chips Fully optimized for multi-core processors HDR & 4K Limited or unsupported Native 4K handling with HDR10+ support YouTube Shorts Not supported Integrated vertical feed with remote navigation Child Controls Basic or non-existent Deep integration with YouTube Kids profiles Download the APK from Uptodown - YouTube for Android TV
Now, sit back, grab your remote, and enjoy the vast library of 4K HDR content, vlogs, music videos, and live streams – all running smoothly on your Android TV. You must lift this restriction first
APKPure is another popular mirror for recent versions like . Installation Steps for Android TV
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Occasionally, manually sideloaded apps do not generate a standard leanback launcher icon.
Once you install the APK manually, the app may or may not receive future updates through the Google Play Store. If you want to keep using a specific version, you might need to disable automatic updates for YouTube in the Play Store. Download the closest version you see (e
: Ensure you download the variant (e.g., arm-v7a , arm64-v8a , or x86 ) that matches your TV's processor. Choose a Reliable Source : APKMirror provides verified versions signed by Google.
: Redownload the file using a stable internet connection. Check your system settings to ensure your TV runs at least Android 5.0. Remote Control Navigation Issues
Because Android TV restricts direct browser downloads out of the box for security reasons, sideloading an APK requires a specific workflow. Follow these steps to install the YouTube 13.11 update successfully. Step 1: Enable Unknown Sources