SmartTube won't install on Chromecast because Chromecast doesn't support third-party apps

Chromecast is a streaming device that mirrors content from your phone or computer to your TV — it doesn't run apps the way a phone or tablet does. SmartTube is an Android app designed for phones, tablets, and Android TV devices. Chromecast hardware (the small dongle or built-in Chromecast in some TVs) cannot install or run SmartTube directly, which is why you're only seeing the photo option.

If your Chromecast is showing only a photo screensaver, that's normal behavior when nothing is actively casting to it. The device itself has no app store, no settings menu you can access from the TV, and no way to sideload applications. You need a different device to run SmartTube, or you need to use a different streaming device altogether.

Key Takeaways

  • Chromecast hardware cannot run apps like SmartTube — it only receives video streams from other devices.
  • You can cast SmartTube from an Android phone or tablet to Chromecast if you install SmartTube on that device first.
  • If you want SmartTube to run directly on your TV hardware, you need an Android TV device, not a basic Chromecast.
  • Some newer TVs have Chromecast built in but run Google TV or Android TV as their operating system — those can run SmartTube natively.

What device you actually need to run SmartTube

SmartTube runs on Android devices — phones, tablets, or Android TV boxes. A basic Chromecast dongle is not an Android device. It's a receiver that accepts video streams from other devices on your network. Think of it like a speaker that plays audio from your phone: the speaker doesn't have Spotify installed, your phone does.

If you want SmartTube on your TV, you have two paths. The first is to install SmartTube on an Android phone or tablet you already own, then cast the video output to your Chromecast. The second is to replace your Chromecast with an Android TV device — a box or stick that runs Android TV as its operating system and can install apps directly.

Casting SmartTube from your phone to Chromecast

If you have an Android phone or tablet, you can install SmartTube on it and then send the video to your Chromecast. SmartTube is available on GitHub (a code repository site) rather than the Google Play Store. You'll need to download the APK file and install it manually on your Android device.

Once SmartTube is running on your phone, open the app and look for the cast icon (usually a rectangle with a curved line in the corner). Tap it and select your Chromecast from the list. The video will then play on your TV through the Chromecast, while you control playback from your phone. This works, but your phone must stay on and connected to your network the entire time you're watching.

Android TV devices that can run SmartTube natively

If you want SmartTube to run directly on your TV hardware without needing to cast from another device, you need an Android TV device. These are streaming boxes or sticks that run Android TV as their operating system. Popular options include the Google Chromecast with Google TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield, and various Android TV boxes from manufacturers like Mecool or Tanix.

The Google Chromecast with Google TV (the newer model, not the basic Chromecast) can install SmartTube directly. You access the app store on the device itself, search for SmartTube, and install it. The same applies to Fire TV Stick devices — SmartTube is available through sideloading or third-party app stores. Nvidia Shield runs full Android TV and can install SmartTube from the Play Store or via sideloading.

Check what device you currently own by looking at the physical hardware or checking your TV's settings. If it says "Chromecast" or "Chromecast built-in" with no mention of Google TV or Android TV, it's a basic Chromecast and cannot run apps. If it says "Google TV" or "Android TV," it can run SmartTube.

Installing SmartTube on Android TV devices

If you have an Android TV device, the installation method depends on which device you own. On Google Chromecast with Google TV, go to the home screen, open the app store, search for SmartTube, and install it. On Fire TV Stick, you'll need to sideload SmartTube because it's not in the official Amazon app store — this means downloading the APK file and installing it manually through the device settings.

For Nvidia Shield and other Android TV boxes, you can often install SmartTube directly from the Play Store if it's available in your region, or sideload the APK file. Sideloading requires enabling "Unknown Sources" in the device settings and using a file manager app to navigate to the downloaded APK file and tap it to install.

Why SmartTube isn't in the official app stores

SmartTube is a third-party YouTube client that bypasses YouTube's official app and ads. Google doesn't allow it in the Play Store because it violates YouTube's terms of service. This is why you have to sideload it or download it from GitHub rather than finding it in a normal app store.

Sideloading is legal and safe if you download from the official SmartTube GitHub repository, but it does mean you're installing software outside of Google's official channels. Your device won't receive automatic updates the way it would with an app store installation, so you'll need to manually check for new versions and reinstall them.

Checking what Chromecast model you have

If you're unsure whether your Chromecast can run apps, check your TV's settings or the device itself. Look for a model number or search your TV brand and "Chromecast" to find the exact hardware. Basic Chromecast models (sometimes called "Chromecast" or "Chromecast HD") cannot run apps. Chromecast with Google TV, Fire TV Stick, and Android TV boxes all can.

You can also try accessing the settings on your TV by pressing the home button on your remote. If you see an app store or app menu, you have an Android TV or Google TV device. If you only see a screensaver, wallpaper, and casting options, you have a basic Chromecast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install SmartTube directly on a basic Chromecast?

No. Basic Chromecast hardware has no app store and cannot install any apps. You can only cast to it from another device. If you want SmartTube on your TV, either cast from an Android phone or upgrade to an Android TV device like Chromecast with Google TV or Fire TV Stick.

What's the difference between Chromecast and Chromecast with Google TV?

Basic Chromecast is a receiver only — it displays what you send to it from your phone or computer. Chromecast with Google TV is a full Android TV device with its own app store, remote, and operating system. Only Chromecast with Google TV can run SmartTube natively.

If I cast SmartTube from my phone, do I need to keep my phone unlocked?

Your phone must stay on and connected to your network, but it doesn't need to stay unlocked. You can lock the screen and put the phone down. If your phone loses network connection or the app crashes, the video will stop on your TV.

Is sideloading SmartTube safe?

Sideloading from the official SmartTube GitHub repository is safe. Only download from the official source, not from random websites. Your device won't receive automatic updates after sideloading, so check GitHub periodically for new versions.

What if my TV has Chromecast built in but I'm not sure what model?

Go to your TV's settings and look for "About" or "System Information." Search for mentions of "Google TV," "Android TV," or just "Chromecast." If it says Google TV or Android TV, it can run SmartTube. If it only says Chromecast, it cannot.