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Getting started

Install the universal Android APK

Install TPVStream on an Android POS terminal without Google Play, by allowing unknown apps.

On this page

The universal APK is a version of TPVStream you install by hand, without Google Play. It's made for Android POS terminals (all-in-one registers, terminals with a built-in printer…) that don't have Google Play or run an old system.

Why this version exists

Many Android POS terminals can't install the Google Play app:

  • No Google Play: lots of terminals are sold without an app store.
  • Old Android: the Google Play app needs Android 7.0. Many terminals still run Android 6.
  • Outdated web engine: TPVStream is displayed by the system's web engine. Without Google Play, that engine is never updated and gets too old: the app would display badly or not start.

The universal APK solves all three:

  • It includes its own up-to-date web engine: the app works as on a new tablet, however old the terminal is.
  • It's universal: one file for 32-bit and 64-bit ARM processors. You don't need to know which one your terminal has.
  • It updates itself from within the app, without Google Play.
Google Play Universal APK
Android 7.0 or later 6.0 or later
Needs Google Play Yes No
Web engine The system's Included in the app
Updates Through Google Play From the app

If your device has Google Play and Android 7.0 or later, use the Google Play version instead: see Install TPVStream on Android.

Before you start

  • A terminal running Android 6.0 or later.
  • Free space: the included web engine makes the app bigger than the Google Play version.
  • An internet connection for the download and licence activation.

1. Download the APK

  1. On the terminal, open the browser and go to the Download page.
  2. Under Android APK, tap Download the APK.
  3. If the browser warns that this type of file can be harmful, tap Download anyway.

No browser on the terminal? Download the APK on a PC, copy it to a USB stick or SD card, then open it with the terminal's Files app.

2. Allow unknown apps

For security, Android blocks apps that don't come from a store. You need to allow it once. How depends on the Android version.

Android 8 or later

The permission is given to the app that opens the file (the browser or Files).

  1. Open the downloaded APK. Android says installing unknown apps from this source isn't allowed.
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Turn on Allow from this source.
  4. Go back: the installation continues.

You can also do it beforehand: Settings › Apps › Special app access › Install unknown apps, pick the browser or Files, then turn on Allow from this source.

Android 6 and 7

  1. Open Settings › Security.
  2. Turn on Unknown sources.
  3. Confirm with OK.

Menu names vary slightly by terminal brand. If you can't find them, search for "unknown" in Settings.

3. Install the app

  1. Open the downloaded file (from the notification or Files › Downloads).
  2. Tap Install.
  3. If Play Protect shows a warning, tap More details › Install anyway.
  4. Tap Open. The first time, the setup wizard appears.

Then accept the permissions you're asked for (Bluetooth, camera, notifications): they're explained in Install TPVStream on Android.

Updates

The universal APK updates from the app, just like on Windows:

  1. Optional update: tap the Update card in Settings. Required update: the Update available window opens by itself, tap Install now. The differences are explained in Updates.
  2. The app makes a local backup and a cloud backup, then downloads the new version.
  3. Android asks you to confirm: tap Install (or Update).

On Android 8 or later, the first time, Android opens the Install unknown apps screen for TPVStream: turn on Allow from this source, go back and start the update again.

On Android 6 and 7, keep Unknown sources turned on, otherwise the update can't be installed.

Your data is kept: the new version installs over the old one.

Common problems

Message Solution
App not installed Free up space, then download the APK again: the file may be incomplete.
There was a problem parsing the package The file is incomplete, or the terminal runs Android 5 or older (not supported).
The Install button does nothing A bubble or screen filter is shown on top: close it and try again.

The Google Play version and the universal APK are two different apps: they can sit side by side but don't share their data. Use only one of them on each device.

Next step

Choose the device's role and activate your licence in the Initial setup.