How to Build Your Own Open-Source Android TV App Repository

Updated 2026-10-30

Building a personal repository of open‑source Android TV apps for sideloading

Why build a personal sideload repo instead of using the store?

Android TV lacks a native sideloading app store like some other platforms, but the ecosystem makes up for it. Building your own repository of open-source Android TV apps lets you keep all your custom installs in one place, offline, without depending on Google Play’s restrictions or hidden licensing terms. You can curate the exact apps you want, verify the source, and reuse them across devices.

The CleanYourTV launcher is a lightweight, privacy-first launcher for Android TV that gives you quick access to sideloaded apps. Pair it with a personal repo, and you have a self-contained hub for every open-source Android TV package you install over time.

Step 1: Choose a repository host that supports Android TV sideloads

The first decision is where you will host the packages. Common choices include:

A private GitHub repository (great for small batches and issue tracking)
A self-hosted static site on Netlify, GitHub Pages, or a simple HTTP server
A shared Google Drive folder with signed links (simple, but less portable)

For a true open-source workflow, push your .tpk (or .tar.zst with tgt) builds to a GitHub repo and point your launcher at the raw files. GitHub’s CI can automate packaging, and its raw file host works on almost any network.

Key criteria for your pick:

Must allow your target TV model’s architecture (most Android TV boxes run arm64)
Must support the .tgz or .zip format your launcher expects
Should let you revoke access by deleting the branch or removing the link

Step 2: Package and sign each app properly

Before you publish anything, turn an APK into a signed package your launcher can verify. Follow these steps:

Decompile the APK with apktool or jadx
Remove any hardcoded API keys or analytics scripts
Rebuild with the original signing key (match the key hash your launcher expects)
Compress into a flat archive named app-name.tar.zst
Upload the archive to your hosted repo

If you use CleanYourTV’s built-in signer utilities, double-check that the package name matches the launcher’s config section. A mismatch causes the launcher to reject the file even if the binary is correct.

## Installation checklist: getting the app onto your TV

Once the package lives in your repo, the actual install is two clicks:

In CleanYourTV: go to Settings > Sources > Add Source, paste your repo URL, then select the .tgz file from the list
On the TV: press the Home button, open Settings > Apps & Updates, then choose Install from a source and point it at the launcher’s package manager

Verify the installation with adb logcat | grep -i "CleanYourTV" if you have debugging enabled. Any crash or missing permissions will show up there first.

Trade-offs: convenience vs. control, and which device to target

Sideloading trades off a one-time setup cost for long-term freedom. You gain:

Ability to install experimental builds of open-source TV apps
No reliance on prepaid channel stores for niche utility apps
Full auditability of the code before it lands on your set-top box

The downsides are real:

Each new install requires manual re-signing or rechecking checksums
You remain responsible for keeping the launcher and packages updated
Some apps stop working after OS updates, and you won’t get automatic beta channels

Pick the first device to target based on the most common Android TV hardware of your audience: budget streaming sticks and small boxes tend to run arm64, while higher-end models may support x86 or even emulator-style builds. Build for the broadest supported architecture first, and add architecture-specific fallbacks later.

Maintaining your repository over time

Treat your repo like source control: tag each release, keep a CHANGELOG.md, and write a short README explaining how to reinstall from your layout.

Routine tasks:

Rebuild and re-upload new builds monthly (or whenever a developer pushes a fix)
Rotate signing keys annually and publish a public revocation note
Check that the clean build process still passes on your target TV image before announcing the new build

Final words

A personal open-source Android TV app repository turns a scattered collection of .tgz files into a durable, shareable library. With CleanYourTV as the launcher, you get a lean UI and direct control over what runs on your box, without paying for premium app stores or accepting hidden telemetry. Start small, get the first few useful open-source apps installed, and grow the repo from there.