How To Build a Raspberry Pi Android TV Box?

Jul 14, 2023

Your Raspberry Pi can load Android TV OS but it has some gaping flaws.

Raspberry Pi is an ultra-portable single-board computer that can be used to carry out basic computing tasks. Previously, we’ve talked about how you can use an Android device to write Raspberry Pi SD cards. Now, let’s shift our focus to more interesting tasks you can carry out on your portable computer. In this article, we show you how to build a Raspberry Pi Android TV Box.

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Table of Contents

Step 1: Download Android TV OS for Raspberry using this link.

Step 2: Sideload the GApps package for Android TV since its build does not come with Google’s suite of apps.

Step 3: Flash the Android TV OS on the microSD card using the Balena Etcher tool.

Step 4: Insert the microSD card into the Raspberry Pi. Connect a mouse and keyboard as well. A wireless connection is preferred, but a USB connection is fine too. Connect the TV/Monitor using an HDMI cable as well.

Step 5: Once Lineage OS boots up, you will be able to see the Android TV home page.

Step 6: Use these basic controls to navigate the interface:

Step 7: Use a USB storage device to move the GApps package to your Raspberry Pi Android TV.

Step 8: Use the File Manager app on Android TV to install the APKs.

Step 9: Enter Developer Mode by going to Settings>Device Preferences>About and clicking the Build Number 7 times.

Step 10: Go to Developer Options and turn on the toggle switch for Advanced Reboot.

Step 11: Now, go back to the Device Preferences page and select Reboot.

Step 12: Hit Recovery.

Step 13: Click on Swipe to Allow Modifications.

Step 14: Select Install.

Step 15: Select the GApps package and click on Swipe to confirm Flash.

Step 16: Go to the main menu and select Swipe to factory reset.

Step 17: Select Reboot System.

Once you’ve carried out these steps, your Raspberry Pi will boot with Android TV. Sign in using your Google Account to begin using the Android TV services.

Yes, it is possible to load your Raspberry device with Android TV. You will need to download an Android TV build and flash it on a memory card using the Balena Etcher tool. This SD card can then be used to boot Android TV on the device.

No, the Android TV build for Raspberry Pi does not come with Google’s suite of apps. You will need to sideload them using a third-party source.

Using an Android TV build for Raspberry Pi is not strictly legal. You are at risk of losing your Google account if you are found violating the ToS.

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This is how you can build a Raspberry Pi Android TV Box. While this is a fun little activity, a Raspberry Pi-based Android TV is very limited when it comes to functionalities. Major streaming apps like Netflix lack Widevine support, which means that HD video playback is not up to the mark. With hardware acceleration lacking as well, the viewing experience suffers a lot.

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