BRAVIA TV apps - How to install, solve problems and more
This article discusses how to download apps on your Sony Android or Google TV, and what to do if your Smart TV can't install new apps. You can also find some information on troubleshooting app issues.
If you're looking for specific app information, please check the app service provider support website. Third-party apps are updated according to the app developer’s schedule/discretion.
Tap or click to quickly jump to the article section:
- How do I download TV apps on my Android or Google TV? (immediately below)
- Why can't I find or download extra apps on my TV? How do I know my TV supports an app?
- What to do if an Android TV or Google TV app doesn't work: connection issues or frozen app
- What to do if a Smart TV app doesn't work: connection issues or frozen app
How do I download TV apps on my Android or Google TV?
You can download apps by accessing the Google Play Store on your Android TV and Google TV. The Google Play Store is where you can find all the apps available on both Android TV and Google TV.
If you can't find the app in the Google Play Store, it's possible that it doesn't exist or is currently unavailable on Android and Google TV platforms. In that case, you might resort to casting content.
How to download TV apps on Android TV
How to download TV apps on Google TV
Why can't I find or download extra apps on my TV? How do I know my TV supports an app?
Your TV has certain apps pre-installed; however, you may be able to install new apps from the Google Play Store, depending on your model.
First, you should check whether you have an Android or Google TV, or a non-Android TV. Here is a guide you can use to distinguish between the three.
Unfortunately, only Android and Google TVs can download new apps. Other TVs have pre-installed apps.
Your Smart TV doesn't support new apps? Here is how you can get new apps
Google and Android TVs can access the Google Play store and download apps. Other smart TVs come with pre-installed apps and are unable to download additional apps.
Why can't they download newer apps?
It's because Smart TVs run on a different operating system (Linux) and don't connect to the whole Android space.
Moreover, older TVs can't support new apps because of system requirements and a lack of processing power.
It's like trying to install a new app on first-generation smartphones. It requires too much of the device.
Luckily, there are low-budget and easy solutions to enjoy newly developed apps on older TVs that can't install apps:
- Use a Chromecast or Fire TV stick. If your TV has an HDMI port, you're sorted.
You plug these devices with the HDMI port, and it will let you cast content from your phone to your TV. Install the app you want on your phone, and play its content on the TV. - Connect a laptop with an HDMI cable: You play content on a laptop and use an HDMI cable to connect it to the TV to enjoy a larger screen.
- Use a PS4 or PS5: Gaming consoles also have access to popular streaming apps. If your PlayStation doesn't already display the app in the "All app section", please download it from the Playstation store. The availability of the app does still depend on your country.
- For more information, visit our article on Mirror, cast, or display the content or screen of a mobile device on the TV screen
Can't find an app in the Google Playstore? It's not (yet) supported where you live
There are two main reasons you can't find or use an app: availability and location. In this case, location can mean your country, region and sometimes even territories.
- A service provider doesn't always have an app on the market. It's possible that your favourite smartphone app doesn't have an equivalent (yet) on Android or Google TV. Google has an online list of available Android TV apps.
- Secondly, your location (country, region, territory) also matters. Some apps are only available in a certain region or country.
When in doubt, contacting the app provider and checking their website for supported countries and information is always best.
What to do if an Android TV or Google TV app doesn't work: internet connection, freezing or errors
Each of these steps might be a possible solution:
- If you feel like something's wrong with an app, the simplest thing to do is reset the app by doing a force stop (see steps below).
- You can also opt to clear data and cache in the app settings menu.
- You can also opt to uninstall and reinstall the app in the app settings menu
How to force stop an app on Android TV
How to force stop an app on Google TV
- If you can't reach the Home, App or settings screen, press and hold the remote control power button and select Restart TV.
- Unplug the TV power cord from the electrical socket, leave it for 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This is called a power cycle, and it's an easy way to reset your TV when something's not working.
Unplugging the TV does not cause any damage and doesn't remove any Google account data.
- On rare occasions, the service might be down.
- Perform a factory reset
What to do if a Smart TV app doesn't work (Non-Android or Google TV)
- Unplug the TV power cord from the electrical socket, leave it for 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
This is called a power cycle, and it's an easy way to reset your TV when something's not working. Unplugging the TV does not cause any damage and doesn't remove any data.
- Try [Refresh Internet Content]
- Press the [HOME] button, then select [Settings]
- Select [Network or Network Setup]
- Select [Refresh Internet Content]
Unplugging the TV does not cause any damage and doesn't remove any Google account data.
This is called a power cycle, and it's an easy way to reset your TV when something's not working. Unplugging the TV does not cause any damage and doesn't remove any data.
- Press the [HOME] button, then select [Settings]
- Select [Network or Network Setup]
- Select [Refresh Internet Content]
- Check our article on how to Perform a factory reset
