How to Set Up Sideload Repo Channels for Kodi and Plex on Android TV

Updated 2026-10-21

Android TV is a capable platform, but its built-in channel store does not include the most popular media server add-ons like Kodi or Plex natively. For users who want those apps, the most practical path is to use a launcher such as CleanYourTV that makes it easy to load alternative download sources, or to install your favorite repository channels directly onto the box. Doing this on Android TV requires understanding how sideloading works on the platform, setting the proper runtime permissions, and keeping your device safe throughout the process.

Why CleanYourTV Is the Right Launcher for Sideloading

Most stock TV apps are locked down to only download packages signed with Google’s own keys. CleanYourTV is an open-source, lightweight launcher that replaces the stock app grid with a more flexible search-and-install interface. With it, you can enter a custom repository URL, pull down a list of available packages, and choose which ones to install without going through the restrictive Play Store. The launcher requests root-level permissions once it is installed, and those permissions are the only ones required to add and remove channel packages from the channel list. Because the same launcher works across multiple Android-based TVs, the knowledge transfers when you move between devices.

Step-by-Step: Adding a Channels Repository Manually

Begin by installing CleanYourTV from its developer page, then follow these steps. First, grant the launcher the required runtime permissions when prompted during setup; without them the launcher cannot read external repos. Next, locate the “Add Custom Repo” section in the launcher’s settings. Enter your Kodi or Plex repo URL exactly as it appears—typically something like http://mychannelrepo.example.com/repo/kodi or http://mychannelrepo.example.com/repo/plex. The URL must be HTTPS in practice, and the server should host a package index file compatible with the launcher format.

Once configured, refresh the repository list. You will see the available channels organized by category. Pick the ones you actually need, and confirm installation. The package installs as a normal channel entry: it shows up in the TV guide and will appear in the launch menu. If the package fails to install, check that your TV accepted the permission prompt—if you denied it, the install will silently skip any packages until the flag is re-enabled.

Trade-offs Between Built-In and Sideloaded Repositories

There are meaningful differences between the official Play Store and a manual repo channel. Officially, the Play Store guarantees that packages come from reputable publishers and that they are checked before installation, but the catalog covers far fewer niche media-server add-ons than what you can find on independent sites. A manual repo gives you the freedom to install the exact version of Kodi or Plex your channel prefers, plus community builds with extra features. The trade-off is that you are responsible for verifying that each package comes from a trusted source, and you are also responsible for the occasional compatibility issue with the TV’s underlying media framework. In practice, the community-curated repositories for Kodi and Plex are well-maintained, so that risk is small if you stick to the popular lists.

Checklist Before You Install Any Channel Package

• Verify the domain and file type of the repo URL; never trust a random link pasted in an ad or email.
• Ensure the server hosts the correct package index format for your launcher version; mismatched indexes fail silently.
• Test the chosen channel on a single device first rather than assuming every install works across all Android TV hardware.
• Keep a backup image of your base system image accessible offline, because losing access to sideload channels is much harder than losing a streaming app.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

The most frequent mistake is ignoring the permission request from CleanYourTV and trying to force channels through the stock launcher afterward—a sideloaded package without the runtime permission will not install. Another common issue is an incompatible architecture: some older Kodi builds only support ARM32, while newer Android TV hardware defaults to 64-bit, so double-check the architecture tag on the package. If a channel becomes unresponsive after an update, uninstall it via the launcher and reinstall the last known good version from the same clean repo instead of mixing versions. Finally, remember that sideloaded channels do not receive automatic updates from the repo when new versions drop; you have to install the updated package yourself, which is part of the deliberate trade-off for greater control over which build gets used.

Related reading: more Android TV notes