2015 Philips Android TV's have no "Unknown Sources" option

by ertanden

I bought a 2015 Philips Android TV (49PUK7100) just because it was Android and thinking I would be free to install apps and have better experience.

But I learned that Philips removed the "Unknown Sources" setting and it's not possible to enable it. I wish Philips learns from it's mistakes, like trying to lock down Hue light bulbs etc.. They should embrace openness, that's what Android stands for. I recommend anybody who is searching for a new Android TV to look at Sony and don't even come close to Philips TVs.

AutumnSwift

Dumb tv + latest tv box is the way to go imo.

ejerkel

Return that garbage and just get the nexus player or nvidia shield.

bobniborg

on the nexus you have to click 4 times on something in the setup I think. Maybe its just hidden? IDK, just spitballing.

nyteryder79

Wow, even in developer options there's no options? I'm wondering if you could enable developer options then install over adb:

adb connect {IP ADDRESS OF TV}

adb install {APK FILE HERE}

speakxj7

in addtion to the adb install command others have mentioned, you may also be able to force the setting from adb (odds are they removed the UI option, not the underlying code that supports it).

if it's a one off, i'd just try adb install, if you plan on sideloading all the time (and would've left the setting on anyway) i'd try to lookup what db setting needs to be set and do that.

foundfootagefan

Why would you keep that TV when it doesn't let you do what you want with an open source OS?

pineappleshaverights

I don't know why,, isn't it in the actual Android settings (not the Phillips one) because it's there on my TV

TheKeiron

I have the same TV, it's annoying you can't install anything outside the play store, no adb access either, even as a developer they palmed me off saying I have to go through the play store route to test apps! Complete bullshit. At least kodi I on the play store (check it out if you haven't installed it yet, it has tonnes of addons)

Also keep an eye on the xda philips tv thread for updates on enabling adb