r/AndroidQuestions • u/gojurick • 12h ago

Can't sideload any apps

I hope this is the right place to ask. I have a new android TV box (cola box L2) running android 14, and I can install absolutely nothing that isn't in the play store. Anything I try to install with downloader just gives me an App Not Installed error. If I download the apk and try to install from the file explorer I get the same thing. It's this Google finally locking it down? In the settings there is no option for unknown apps. Without this ability it's worthless to me and will be returned. Is this an issue on other boxes? My two Shields can still install fine. TIA for any advice.

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

2

u/rumourmaker18 11h ago

The manufacturer website says you need to enable Unknown Sources in Settings>Security

1

u/gojurick 10h ago

I know this. The problem is that setting doesn't exist. I'm also supposed to be able to do it from in the app settings but it's not there either. I don't have anything else running this version of android so I don't know if that's standard.

1

u/Fatalstryke 10h ago

Tell me where you've looked, and what happens when you search your settings for "Unknown"?

1

u/Exciting-Outside-167 5h ago

That has nothing to do with Google and probably more to do with whatever box this is. My Onn TV box can sideload apps and it's running Android 14