shield How to sideload apps on nVidia Shield

[FrostByte 5184]

There are several methods to sideload an app on an Android TV device such as the nVidia Shield including by usb, smart phone, etc.  The method described below uses smb3 from a Windows 11 client.  Different Android devices and connecting clients may differ in steps

The nVidia Shield uses smb3 as of SE8.  If your Shield isn't upgraded to at least SE8 you should do so now.

1. Enable smb3 connections on nVidia Shield

• Go to Settings --- Device --- Storage 
• Click and enable "Transfer files over local network"
• Note the Username and Password

 

 

2. Enable SMB3 on Windows client

Windows 11 comes with smb3 already enabled.  Older versions of Windows and other clients may require you to enable smb.

 

3. Download apk from website

Both the standard Android (arm7 Shield, arm8 Shield pro) and Android TV apps work on the Shield.  You can choose one or install both if you like.

• https://emby.media/download.html

 

 

4. Copy downloaded apk from Windows client to Shield (if you prefer to host the apk on a NAS see the second post)

• Start File Explorer
• Browse Shield by typing \\Shield (or IP address) in File Explorer (use the Username and Password from Step 1)
• Drag-and-drop downloaded apk from Window 11 to your folder on the Shield

 

 

5. Install X-plore File Manager on Shield

• start Google Play Store app
• search X-plore
• Install

 

 

6. Install Emby on Shield

• Start X-plore
• navigate to the folder where you copied the apk in Step 4
• Click on the apk file
• Select Install and click OK

 

 

7. Add Emby to favorites on Shield Home Page (optional)

• navigate to Installed Apps
• hard press the Emby icon
• Select "Add to favorites"

Edited May 22, 2022 by FrostByte

[FrostByte 5184]

If you prefer to host the apk on a server such as Synology NAS and install the file to your Shield from your NAS you can do that too.  This is good if you have multiple Shields or just want to have the apk in a central location.

1. Download apk file to NAS

• Create shared folder
• Place apk files in shared folder

2.  Enable smb3 on NAS

• Make smb3 max protocol
• Click Save and Apply

3. Mount NAS on Shield

• Settings
• Device Preferences
• Storage
• Mount Network Storage

4. Install apk file

• Start X-plore from Shield
• Navigate to the shared folder on NAS
• Select apk and open
• Scroll down and click Install

 

 

 

Edited May 22, 2022 by FrostByte