Devices ElephTV runs on
Android Smart TVs
Any Smart TV that has the Google Play Store built in.
Android TV boxes
All major Android TV boxes — install from Play Store or sideload the APK.
Firestick / TV sticks
Sideload via the Downloader app — guide on our Download page.
Phones & tablets
Download the APK direct from our site and install in seconds.
Windows PC / laptop
Use an Android emulator like Bluestacks or LDPlayer.
Quick check — supported
If your Smart TV has the Google Play Store built in, ElephTV will run on it.
Not supported
- • iPhone & iPad (iOS)
- • Samsung Smart TVs (Tizen OS)
- • LG Smart TVs (webOS)
Which devices actually work — and what to buy if yours doesn't
The short version
ElephTV is an Android app. Anything that runs the Google Play Store — or can sideload an APK — will run it. That covers the overwhelming majority of TVs and TV accessories sold in South Africa from about 2019 onwards: Hisense, TCL, Skyworth, Sony, Xiaomi Mi, JVC and most no-brand "Android TV" units. It also covers every Android phone and tablet, all Amazon Firesticks, and Windows PCs via an emulator.
Smart TVs with Google Play (easiest)
If your TV's home screen has the Google Play Store, you're a five-minute setup away. Open Play Store, search for the player listed in your delivery email, install it, paste your activation code. Most Hisense, TCL, Sony and Skyworth TVs from the last few years are in this category.
Android TV boxes (also easy)
Generic Android TV boxes — H96, X96, Mi Box, Mecool and similar — are the cheapest way to get IPTV on an older non-smart TV. Plug HDMI, connect Wi-Fi, install from Play Store or sideload the APK from our /download page. Boxes from R600 work fine; you don't need anything fancy.
Amazon Firestick (sideload)
Firesticks don't have Google Play, so you install via the free Downloader app. Enable "Apps from Unknown Sources" in Firestick settings, then point Downloader at the APK URL we send you. Five-minute job. Both the standard Firestick and the 4K Max are supported.
What's not supported (and what to do)
Samsung TVs (Tizen OS) and LG TVs (webOS) are not Android — ElephTV does not run on them natively. Same for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV (iOS / tvOS). If you own one of these, the cheap fix is a R600–R900 Android TV box that plugs into the TV's HDMI port. You keep your TV, you get IPTV — done.
Internet requirements
Minimum 10 Mbps for stable Full HD, 25 Mbps recommended for 4K and multi-device households. Works on Vumatel, Openserve, Frogfoot, MTN Fibre, Rain LTE/5G and Telkom — anything stable. Mobile data works too, but a single Full HD stream uses about 1.5 GB per hour.
Common device questions
Will ElephTV work on my Samsung Smart TV?+
Not natively — Samsung TVs run Tizen, not Android. The simplest fix is a small Android TV box (R600–R900) that plugs into your TV's HDMI port.
Can I use ElephTV on iPhone or iPad?+
No — iOS is not supported. ElephTV is Android-only. Most iPhone households watch on an Android TV box or Smart TV instead.
Do I need to buy a new TV?+
Almost never. If your TV is less than 5 years old and Android-based, it works directly. If it's older or runs Tizen/webOS, a cheap Android TV box turns it into a smart TV in minutes.
Does ElephTV work on Firestick?+
Yes — install via the free Downloader app and enable Unknown Sources. Both standard Firestick and the 4K Max work well.
How much internet do I need?+
10 Mbps for stable Full HD, 25 Mbps for 4K, and ideally a second LTE backup if you watch a lot of live sport.
Ready to install?
Our Download page has the official APK links and step-by-step install guides.