This guide shows How to Disable Play Protect on Android TV and Google TV devices.

This is a common issue that many users experience when trying to side-load applications or APKs not available within the Google Play Store.

There have been recent updates to Google Play Protect, as more 3rd party applications are being flagged and even deleted by Google’s security feature.

Disabling Play Protect on Android devices will allow you to install certain 3rd party APKs flagged by the tool.

It’s unclear which specific 3rd party applications are being flagged by Play Protect and which apps are not.

If you encounter this error, you likely see the following screen:

The warning message states “This app is fake: it tries to take over your device or steal your data.”

If you click the Details box, the message expands, saying “Even if you have heard of this app or the developer, it’s still dangerous to install an app from an untrusted source.”

Although you can disable Play Protect on any Android device, in the tutorial below, we show how to disable this security feature on Android TV and Google TV Boxes.

How to Disable Play Protect on Android TV/Google TV

In this example, we use an NVIDIA Shield Pro and a Chromecast with Google TV.

This guide also works for any Android TV device including MECOOL Boxes, Tivo Stream 4K, Dynalink, and many other well-known streaming devices.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Disabling Play Protect can leave your device vulnerable to 3rd party apps carrying viruses/malware.

It is always recommended to scan unverified applications with VirusTotal and use a VPN to fully protect yourself from any app issues.

Best VPN for Firestick/Android

5. Verify apps should be turned off. Play Protect is now disabled.

Google TV

This guide uses a Chromecast with Google TV 1080p edition. It will also work for other devices running the Google TV Operating System, including the onn. Google TV Box from Walmart and more.

1. Scroll over to select Settings on the home screen.

2. Click Privacy.

3. Choose Security.

4. Click the toggle that says “Scan apps with Play Protect”.

5. Make sure the toggle is turned OFF. Play Protect is now disabled on your Google TV device.

Enjoy!

What is Google Play Protect?

Google Play Protect is a security feature by Google that protects users from potential malware/viruses from unverified applications.

This security feature scans all apps on your Android device daily to prevent harmful software installation.

If you disable Play Protect on your Android device, be aware of possible risks from viruses/malware in unverified software.

If you prefer not to change device settings, you can install verified Streaming Apps from the Google Play Store.

For more information on Play Protect, refer to the official Google developers’ site.

Google Play Protect – Official Page

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to disable Play Protect?

To disable Play Protect on any Android TV device, turn off the Verify apps option in device settings.

Is disabling Play Protect legal?

Yes, disabling this security feature is entirely legal.

Is Disabling Play Protect safe?

Disabling Play Protect on your Android device can expose it to risks like viruses/malware. Use VirusTotal to scan unverified apps and a VPN for added protection from app developers.

Which devices can you disable Play Protect on?

You can disable Play Protect on any Android device, including the NVIDIA Shield, MECOOL Box, Tivo Stream 4K, phones, tablets, and more.