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Device Compatibility

SmartTube is designed for Android TV devices and TV boxes. This page will help you determine if your device is compatible.

Quick Compatibility Check

Supported Devices

✅ Android TVs and Google TVs✅ Amazon Fire TV devices✅ NVIDIA Shield TV✅ Chromecast with Google TV✅ Android TV boxes✅ Xiaomi Mi Box

Not Supported

❌ Samsung Tizen TVs❌ LG webOS TVs❌ Roku devices❌ iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV)❌ Smartphones and tablets

System Requirements

SmartTube has minimal system requirements and can run on older Android TV devices.

Minimum Requirements

RequirementSpecification
Operating SystemAndroid 4.3 (KitKat) or higher
Device TypeAndroid TV, TV box, or TV stick
Remote ControlRequired (touch input not supported)
Internet ConnectionRequired for streaming content
Storage Space~50 MB for installation
Even older Android TV devices from 2013-2014 running Android 4.3 can run SmartTube!

Supported Devices

Android TVs and Google TVs

SmartTube works on all Android TV and Google TV devices, including:

Sony TVs

All Sony Android TVs (Bravia series) are fully supported.

Philips TVs

All Philips Android TVs are fully supported.

TCL TVs

TCL Google TV models are fully supported.

Other Android TVs

Any TV with Android TV or Google TV OS is supported.
If a TV’s product page says it’s based on Android TV or Google TV, it will work with SmartTube.

Streaming Devices

Fully SupportedAll Amazon Fire TV devices are compatible:
  • Fire TV Stick (all generations)
  • Fire TV Stick 4K
  • Fire TV Stick 4K Max
  • Fire TV Cube
  • Fire TV (previous box models)
SmartTube works perfectly on all Fire TV devices running Fire OS (which is based on Android).

TV Boxes and Sticks

Generic Android TV boxes and sticks are supported, including:
  • Chinese no-name Android TV boxes
  • Mecool TV boxes
  • Formuler TV boxes
  • Any TV box running Android 4.3 or higher
As long as your TV box runs Android (not just “Smart TV” firmware), it should work with SmartTube.

Unsupported Devices

Non-Android Smart TVs

SmartTube only works on Android-based devices. It cannot be installed on non-Android platforms.
Not Compatible:
  • Samsung Tizen TVs - Use Tizen OS, not Android
  • LG webOS TVs - Use webOS, not Android
  • Roku devices - Use Roku OS, not Android
  • Vizio SmartCast TVs - Use custom OS, not Android
  • iOS devices - Use iOS/tvOS, not Android
Workaround: If you have a non-Android TV, you can connect an Android TV stick or box (like Fire TV Stick or Chromecast with Google TV) to use SmartTube.

Smartphones and Tablets

SmartTube is NOT for smartphones or tablets. We offer zero support for these devices.
Why it doesn’t work well:
  • Not optimized for touch input
  • Requires TV remote, controller, or keyboard
  • UI is designed for TV screens, not mobile devices
  • No portrait mode support
  • Scrolling doesn’t work with touch
Alternatives for smartphones:

Special Cases: Tablets with TV Modes

Maybe - but with strict requirements:✅ Requirements:
  • Must be an Android device
  • Must have a large screen
  • Must have a TV remote, controller, or keyboard
  • Touch input is NOT supported
  • Mouse/touchpad scrolling is NOT supported
Some users have successfully used SmartTube on:
  • Large tablets with Bluetooth keyboards
  • Car entertainment systems with Android (see community example)
  • Tablets in docking stations with controllers
You cannot use SmartTube with only touch or mouse input. A remote or keyboard is required.

Hardware Features

Video Capabilities

SmartTube supports up to 8K resolution, but actual playback depends on your hardware:
ResolutionRequirement
8K (4320p)Device must support 8K output
4K (2160p)Device must support 4K/UHD output
1080p (Full HD)Works on most devices
720p (HD)Works on all devices
SmartTube automatically detects your device’s capabilities and offers appropriate quality options.

Google Services

SmartTube does not require Google Services to function. It works independently.
This means:
  • You can use SmartTube on devices without Google Play Services
  • No Google account is required (though you can sign in optionally)
  • Works on custom ROMs without Google apps

Performance Expectations

Modern Devices (2017 and newer)

Excellent performance expected:
  • Smooth 4K playback
  • 60fps support
  • Fast app navigation
  • Quick video loading

Mid-Range Devices (2015-2017)

Good performance expected:
  • Smooth 1080p playback
  • 60fps at lower resolutions
  • Normal app navigation
  • Some devices support 4K

Older Devices (2013-2015)

⚠️ Basic performance expected:
  • Smooth 720p/1080p playback
  • 30fps recommended
  • May be slower in menus
  • VP9 codec may not be hardware accelerated
On older devices, use the AVC codec for best performance. You can change this in video quality settings.

Checking Your Device

How to Find Your Android Version

1

Open Settings

Navigate to your device’s Settings app.
2

Go to About

Go to Device Preferences > About (or just About depending on your device).
3

Check Android version

Look for Android version or Android TV OS build.If it shows Android 4.3 or higher, you’re good to go!

How to Check if Your TV is Android-Based

  1. Check your TV’s product page or manual
  2. Look for mentions of “Android TV” or “Google TV”
  3. Check if you have the Google Play Store app
  4. Look for the Android TV home screen interface
If none of these apply, your TV likely uses a different operating system and won’t support SmartTube.

Need Help?

Installation Guide

Learn how to install SmartTube on your compatible device

Community Support

Get help from the SmartTube community

Build docs developers (and LLMs) love