Installing Rock Player on Android TV and Google TV

Android TV and Google TV power a wide range of smart televisions and streaming boxes. Because they run Android, they are a natural fit for Rock Player, and the Rock-designed big-screen interface feels right at home with a standard TV remote.

Rock Player is installed directly from our website rather than from the store, so there are a few extra steps compared with an everyday app. None of them are difficult. This guide takes you through them one at a time.

What you will need

• An Android TV or Google TV device that is connected to the internet.
• A little free storage space.
• Your TV remote.
• About ten minutes.

Step 1: Get an app that can download files

Android TV and Google TV do not always include a web browser. The easiest route is the Downloader app, which is free and designed for TV remotes.

1. Open the Google Play Store on your TV (on Google TV, search from the Apps tab).
2. Search for Downloader.
3. Install it.

If you already have a TV browser or a file manager that can download files, you can use that instead. The steps below follow Downloader, but the idea is the same.

Step 2: Allow installs from Downloader

Android keeps you safe by asking you to approve any app that installs other apps. You will give that approval once, to Downloader.

On most Android TV and Google TV devices:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps (on some devices Device Preferences > Security & restrictions).
3. Look for Security & restrictions or Install unknown apps.
4. Find Downloader in the list and switch it on.

Menu names vary a little between TV makers. If you cannot find it straight away, do not worry: Android will usually prompt you with a shortcut to this setting the first time you try to install, with a toggle labelled Allow from this source.

Step 3: Download and install Rock Player

1. Open Downloader.
2. In the address box, type rock-player-nu.vercel.app/get.
3. Select Go. The download begins.
4. When it finishes, the Android installer appears. Choose Install.
5. If you are asked for permission, select Settings, turn on Allow from this source, then press Back and choose Install again.
6. When the install completes, choose Done.

You can delete the downloaded installer file afterwards to keep storage free.

Step 4: Put Rock Player on your home screen

On Google TV, new apps appear under Your apps. On Android TV, they appear in the apps row. In both cases you can highlight Rock Player and long-press the select button to move it or add it to your favourites row, so it is always one press away.

Step 5: Activate on your TV

Open Rock Player. You will see a device code on the screen - this unique code connects your TV to your plan.

1. On your phone or computer, visit /activate or see the plans at /#pricing.
2. Choose the plan that suits you and follow the steps with your device code. You can also chat with us on WhatsApp via the website.
3. Back on the TV, select Check again. Once activated, the screen unlocks.

Existing customers can choose I have a login instead. A free trial may also be offered in the app.

Getting comfortable on the big screen

Rock Player's interface was designed for the distance between your sofa and your screen. Some highlights worth exploring first:

• Live TV with categories and channel previews.
• TV Guide (EPG) to browse what is on now and next.
• Catch-up of past programmes, where available.
• Multiview for watching several screens at once.
• Profiles, so everyone in the household keeps their own favourites and history.

Choose your look

In the settings you can switch between light, dark and auto appearance. Many people prefer dark for evening viewing, but the choice is yours.

Troubleshooting

The install button is greyed out. On some TVs, the button stays inactive while a screen overlay is running. Close any floating apps or screen dimmers and try again.

"There was a problem parsing the package." The download may not have finished. Delete the file and download it again from /get.

I cannot find the unknown apps setting. Start the install anyway - Android will offer a shortcut to the right toggle.

The app opens but shows a code. That is expected. Follow Step 5 to activate.

Updates

Rock Player updates itself automatically. When an update installs, Android may ask you once to allow Rock Player to install updates. Turn on Allow from this source for Rock Player and you are set.

Ready when you are

Your Android TV or Google TV is ready to stream solid like a rock. Download the app at /get, and pick a plan at /#pricing when you are ready.