Hisense smart TVs run on various operating systems like VIDAA, Firefox OS, Roku TV, etc. Most Hisense smart TVs do not come with the Google Play Store pre-installed. The Play Store gives you access to all the Android apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, YouTube, and more. You can try a few methods if you own a Hisense TV and want to install the Play Store.
Why Install Google Play Store?
Here are some of the key benefits of having the Google Play Store on your Hisense TV:
- Access thousands of Android apps, games, movies, and TV shows. The Play Store has the largest collection of apps optimized for the big-screen experience.
- Watch streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar, which are unavailable via Hisense’s default app store.
- Install media player apps like Kodi, MX Player, and VLC Player to play your local video collection.
- Install Chrome browser for web surfing on the TV.
- Install apps like Steam Link to stream games from your PC to the TV.
- Get frequent updates and new features for apps installed via Play Store. Many apps on Hisense’s VIDAA store do not receive updates.
Install Google Play Store on Hisense VIDAA
You can use a couple of methods to install the Play Store on your Hisense TV. The steps may vary based on your TV’s model and software version.
Install via the Easy Assistance App
Some Hisense TV models come with a pre-installed “Easy Assistance” app. This app provides some advanced settings and tweaks for the TV.
Follow these steps to install Play Store using this app:
- Open the Easy Assistance app on your Hisense TV.
- Go to the “Apps” or “Application” section.
- Look for the option to enable “Unknown Sources” or “Install Unknown Apps”. Enable this option.
- Now, download the Google Play Store APK file on a laptop or phone. Copy the APK to a pen drive.
- Connect the pen drive to your TV and use the File Manager in Easy Assistance to locate and install the Play Store APK.
- The Google Play Store should now be installed on your Hisense TV. You can open it from the app drawer and sign in with your Google account.
Use a Third-Party Launcher
Some Hisense TVs allow you to install third-party launchers from the default app store. Launchers like Launcher Manager, Wolf Launcher, or Sideload Launcher can help install external APK files.
Follow these steps to use a launcher:
- Search for launcher apps in your TV’s default Hisense app store. Install a launcher app.
- Open the launcher app. Enable “Unknown Sources”.
- Download the Google Play Store APK on a laptop/phone and transfer it to the TV using a pen drive.
- Use the file manager in the launcher app to find and install the Play Store APK.
- The Play Store should now be installed and accessible via the launcher or app drawer.
Use Downloader App
Some Hisense TVs come with the Downloader app pre-installed. This app can install APKs directly from a URL.
Follow these steps to use Downloader:
- Open the Downloader app on your Hisense TV.
- Allow the app to install unknown apps when prompted.
- Enter the URL of the Play Store APK and start the download.
- Once downloaded, install the APK from within the Downloader app.
- The Google Play Store will now be installed on your Hisense TV.
Via ADB and USB Debugging
You can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to install apps on your Hisense TV. This requires enabling developer options and USB debugging on the TV.
The steps are:
- Go to Settings & About and tap on Build Number 7 times to enable Developer options.
- Now go back and enable USB debugging in the Developer options.
- Install ADB on your PC and connect the TV and PC via USB cable.
- Run commands like “adb devices” and “adb install com.android.vending” to install the Play Store APK.
This method is complex but works for installing any APK if you can enable USB debugging.
Login and Install Apps on the Play Store
Once you have Google Play Store installed on your Hisense Smart TV, you can:
- Open the Play Store app, go to Settings, and sign in with your Google account.
- Browse apps and games and install them on your TV.
- Manage your installed apps via the Play Store interface.
- Update apps via Play Store to get the latest versions.
- Install apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and Spotify to enjoy on the big screen.
- Use your Google account to share apps and purchases with other Android TV devices.
And that’s it! You can now enjoy the best Android apps on your Hisense TV with the Play Store.
No Google Play Store on Hisense TV: Use Streaming Devices
If your Hisense TV does not support installing the Play Store, another option is to use streaming devices and dongles. These run Android TV and provide the Play Store out-of-the-box. Here are some good options:
1. Xiaomi Mi Box
Xiaomi’s Mi Box comes with Android TV and supports 4K streaming. It provides full access to the Play Store and lets you install thousands of apps.
Features:
- Android TV 8.1 based on Android Oreo
- Supports 4K Ultra HD @ 60fps
- Chromecast is built-in for casting content from phone
- Voice search remote with Google Assistant
- 2GB DDR4 RAM and 8GB eMMC ROM
- Ports: HDMI 2.0a, USB 2.0
- Bluetooth 4.2 and Dual-band WiFi
The Mi Box S is the latest updated model, starting at $80. It’s one of the most affordable Android TV devices with Play Store access.
2. Chromecast with Google TV
The Chromecast with Google TV is a handy HDMI streaming dongle. It runs a customized Android TV interface and gives you the Play Store.
Features:
- Stream in 4K HDR @ 60fps
- It comes with a remote control for UI navigation
- Built-in Chromecast for casting from mobile devices
- Google Assistant voice search enabled
- 8GB internal storage and 2GB RAM
- Bluetooth, Dual-band WiFi
- Supported apps: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, HBO Max, etc.
This compact dongle costs $50 and seamlessly adds smart features to dumb TVs.
3. NVIDIA Shield TV
NVIDIA Shield TV is an advanced Android TV box great for gaming and home entertainment. It delivers the Big Screen Experience with Play Store access.
Features:
- Powered by NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor, 3GB RAM
- Streams in 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Atmos
- It comes with a Voice remote with Google Assistant
- NVIDIA gaming technologies like GameStream and GeForce NOW
- Expandable storage with USB and microSD
- AI upscaling to enhance HD videos to 4K resolution
The NVIDIA Shield starts at $150 and is the top-end Android TV box with excellent performance.
4. TiVo Stream 4K
The TiVo Stream 4K is a recent HDMI dongle running Android TV. It focuses on live TV streaming and gives you tons of entertainment options.
Features:
- Stream in 4K with Dolby Vision HDR
- Google Assistant integration
- Free live TV streaming through TiVo+
- All your favorite apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Hulu
- It is a simple design that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port
The TiVo Stream 4K costs around $50, making it an affordable Android TV option.
Conclusion
Installing the Google Play Store opens up many possibilities, like streaming apps, games, and utilities on your Hisense TV. You can always get an Android TV streaming stick or box if your TV does not support it. They provide out-of-the-box access to the Play Store and fit all your entertainment needs without much hassle.
