On Fire TV, Filoteca is in the Amazon Appstore: it is the easiest way, and updates arrive through the store itself. On Android TV it is not on Google Play yet, so you install it from an APK file; the easiest way is the free Downloader app, which downloads and installs the file without needing a computer.
Before you start
- An Android TV running Android 7.0 or later, or a Fire TV running Fire OS 6 or later (requirements).
- An internet connection on the TV.
- Download the file only from filoteca.com.
Install from the Amazon Appstore (Fire TV)
This is the recommended way on Fire TV.
- On the Fire TV open search and type “Filoteca”, or open the Amazon Appstore listing from your phone or computer and choose your Fire TV as the delivery device.
- Press Get (or Download) and wait for the installation to finish.
- Open Filoteca from your apps.
Install with Downloader
For Android TV, or for Fire TV if you prefer the APK file:
- Install Downloader. In your TV's store (Google Play on Android TV, Appstore on Fire TV) search for the “Downloader” app (by AFTVnews) and install it.
- Allow Downloader to install unknown apps.
- On Fire TV: Settings → My Fire TV → Developer Options → Install unknown apps → turn on Downloader. (On recent versions the system takes you to this setting the first time Downloader tries to install something.)
- On Android TV: Settings → Apps → Security & restrictions → Unknown sources (the name varies by model) → turn on Downloader.
- Open Downloader and, in the address field, type:
`` filoteca.com/download ``
You can also type filoteca.com/a2.apk directly to download the file without going through the page.
- Press the download button. When it finishes, choose Install.
- When it is done, press Open, or open Filoteca from your apps.
Other ways to install
- With a USB drive: copy the APK from filoteca.com/download onto a computer, put it on a USB drive and open it from a file manager on the TV.
- Sending it from your phone: with an app that sends files to the TV. The steps depend on the model.
First playback
- The first time you open Filoteca you will see the terms of use (tick the boxes and press “I accept”) and the welcome tour. See First launch.
- On the “Add a source” screen, choose where your content is. With the remote it is easier to use “Add from your phone”: the TV shows a code, you scan it with your phone and type your details on the phone; they appear on the TV by themselves.
- No source yet? Try the free-to-air channels: Add source → TV and live broadcasts → Free-to-air (guide). The Amazon Appstore version includes classic films from the Internet Archive as an example; the free-to-air channels are in the APK version.
- Move around the rows with the remote's arrow keys, OK to choose and Back to go back.
Common problems
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| “App not installed” or the Install button does not appear | You still need to allow Downloader to install unknown apps (step 2). |
| Downloader does not open the address | Type the address without “https://” and without spaces: filoteca.com/download. |
| The app is slow or closes | Check the free memory (2 GB is recommended). Very old devices, or those with an old WebView, may fail: the app warns you with “This device is on the low side”. |
| Google Play Protect warning | This is normal outside Google Play: press “More details” and then “Install anyway”. |
To install on your phone, see Installing on an Android phone or tablet.