# Sideload the Lumicast Player APK on Android

::: info
APK sideloading is the process of installing Android applications directly from a file (APK) instead of through the official Google Play Store.
:::

If your Android device doesn't support Google Play Store or Amazon Appstore, you can still install the Lumicast player by sideloading the `.apk` file.

1. Go to the [Lumicast downloads page](https://lumicast.com/downloads) and find the latest Android player version, e.g. `1.1.1-direct.apk`.
2. On your Android device, open a web browser and navigate to `https://cdn.lumicast.media/android/apk/<version>.apk`. This starts the APK download.
3. Once downloaded, open the APK. Confirm the install prompt, then open the app.
4. Press `M` or the **OK** button on your remote to open the menu, navigate to **Launch on boot** and enable it. Lumicast will now start when the device turns on.
   - It may ask for permission to **Draw over other apps** — this is required for launching Lumicast on boot, so grant it.
5. Reboot the device. The Lumicast player should start automatically.

If the player doesn't start after a few seconds, follow the extended ADB-based steps in the [FireTV Stick install guide](/player/installation/amazon-firetv#grant-permissions-via-adb).