How to Install Streaming TV on Android TV or a TV Box (Step-by-Step)
ElephTV South Africa Support Team — our local support team helps South African customers install the app, redeem activation codes and choose supported devices. More about us
Installing Streaming TV on Android is straightforward once you know where to tap. Here's the no-jargon version, written for someone setting it up for the first time.
ElephTV is an Android app. If your TV, TV box or stick runs Android — or you have an Android phone — you're good to go. This guide covers the three most common setups in South Africa: Android Smart TV with Google Play, an Android TV box, and Amazon Firestick (which needs sideloading).
What you need before you start
- A working internet connection (10 Mbps minimum, 25 Mbps recommended)
- Your ElephTV activation code (delivered by WhatsApp or email after successful payment)
- An Android-based device — Smart TV, TV box, Firestick, phone or tablet
Method 1: Android Smart TV with Google Play
This is the easiest path. Most Hisense, TCL, Sony, Skyworth and Xiaomi TVs sold in South Africa ship with Google Play built in.
- Open the Google Play Store on your TV
- Search for the ElephTV app (or the specific player listed in your delivery email)
- Install it, open it, and enter your activation code
- Wait for the channel list to load — done
Method 2: Android TV box
Same flow as above if your box has Google Play. If it doesn't, download the APK from our /download page using the box's built-in browser, then open the downloaded file to install. Android will ask permission to install from unknown sources the first time — allow it.
Method 3: Amazon Firestick (sideload)
Ready to watch? Use the available free trial, then buy your activation code on elephtv.store from R120/month — it is delivered to WhatsApp or email after payment.
Firestick doesn't have Google Play, so you sideload via the free Downloader app.
- Install Downloader from the Amazon Appstore
- In Firestick Settings → My Fire TV → Developer options → enable 'Apps from Unknown Sources'
- Open Downloader and enter the APK URL from your delivery email
- Install when it finishes downloading, open the app, enter your code
Entering your activation code
After install, the app asks for a code. Enter the one we sent you — it is a 16-character code containing letters and numbers, without spaces or dashes — XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. Once accepted, allow the app to load the subscription. EPG and hosted-content availability are managed by the platform and may change.
What if it doesn't work?
Message us on WhatsApp from your order page. Ninety percent of first-install issues are one of three things: typing the code wrong, weak Wi-Fi, or the device not actually being Android (Samsung Tizen TVs and LG webOS TVs are not supported — see our /devices page). For code or redemption help, contact us. For channels, buffering, streams or EPG issues, email elephtvofficial@outlook.com.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does installation take?
- Setup is usually straightforward on a supported Android TV with Google Play. Sideloading onto a Firestick or a box without Play Store takes a little longer — follow our sideload guide.
- Where does my activation code come from?
- You buy it on elephtv.store. After successful payment our system reserves a code and sends it to the WhatsApp number or email address you entered.
- Do I need a paid in-app subscription?
- No. If the app asks you to create a player profile, create it only so you can redeem your code. Paid activation codes must be bought on elephtv.store if you want our WhatsApp support and renewals.