Since your goal is to install APKs, a Roku TV isn't the right choice for you. Instead, you should look for a 32-inch television that has an Android TV or Google TV operating system built-in.
These TVs are designed to install Android applications and would be a perfect match for your needs. While you could plug a Chromecast or Amazon Fire Stick into a Roku TV to get that functionality, it's much simpler to buy a TV that already has the operating system you need.
That’s a great question, and something a lot of people wonder about when choosing a smart TV. Roku TVs unfortunately don’t support APK installations because they run on Roku OS, not Android. This means you can’t sideload Android apps or APK files directly on Roku, even with Chromecast. However, if you’re considering an Amazon Fire TV or any Android TV, those do support APK sideloading pretty easily. For example, apps like Instander, which let you download Instagram photos, videos, and enjoy an ad-free experience, can’t run on Roku but work perfectly on Android devices. You can simply install it on your phone or tablet and then cast the screen to Roku if needed. It’s a handy way to enjoy extra features without needing the app installed directly on the TV.
Heyamni,
Thank you for sharing information on the community platform. It can help others who have the same concern. If you have any other inquiries, please let us know.
Thanks,
Roku Community Team
I can add that Roku doesn't support the Chromecast protocol. They do support other casting protocols. Some Android phones (Google Pixel, many no-name basic brands that use basic Android) will not see a Roku as a castable device.
Can also add that a Google search had a story that they were raided by Argentine police and shut down about a month ago. Sounds like they were an illegal IPTV service, and there are major crackdowns worldwide against them. Operators have been convicted and jailed and fined millions of dollars. Some areas are now going after the users, too.
https://www.reddit.com/r/FireStickHacks/comments/1g074wu/magis_tv_is_down_raided_by_police/
😣
In general, if an app isn't available in the "Streaming Store", there's a reason. A quick search turns up some red flags about the legitimacy of this "service". You can't add Android apps (APKs) to a Roku device (if that's what you're asking). What you do with a Chromcast or Fire TV device connected to a Roku TV is independent of the Roku TV.
