Current Situation: ONN and Google TV Devices
- Open Android Ecosystem (for now)
Devices running Google TV / Android TV (like ONN streaming sticks or boxes) currently allow:
Installing official apps through the Google Play Store
Sideloading apps (installing apps from outside the Play Store) by enabling developer/unknown-sources settings
This is generally easier and more flexible than on Amazon Fire OS right now.
Many users install third-party apps on ONN/Google TV devices using sideloading tools without major restrictions — and guides/videos still teach how to sideload apps on these devices.
- No Active Blocking Today
Unlike Amazon, which has already started blocking certain sideloaded/piracy-linked apps on Firesticks and Fire TV devices via software updates, Google hasn’t (yet) done broad blocks of sideloaded apps on ONN/Google TV devices at this moment.
But Changes Are Coming from Google
Google has confirmed plans to make sideloading harder across Android TV / Google TV devices globally starting in late 2026. This new system adds verification layers that make installing apps from outside the official Play Store more cumbersome and restrictive.
Key points of the upcoming Android/Google TV restriction:
“Accountability layers” will require extra verification to install unverified apps.
Users may encounter warnings and approval steps before sideloaded apps install.
Offline sideloading could become more complicated.
Advanced users may still find work-arounds, but it won’t be as simple.
There’s also some indication that Google might adjust or soften these restrictions slightly amid backlash — but the long-term direction is toward more controlled app installs on Android TV devices too.
Bottom Line: How ONN/Google TV Compares to Firestick
Feature Amazon Firestick ONN / Google TV Devices
Official App Store Amazon Appstore only Google Play Store
Sideloading support today Restricted & being actively blocked Allowed (with settings)
Third-party app blocking Yes (especially pirated/unauthorized) Not yet, but restrictions coming
Ease of customization Limited by Amazon More flexible under Android TV
What This Means for You
Right now, ONN/Google TV devices are more open than Firesticks when it comes to sideloaded/third-party apps.
Soon, Google’s new rules may tighten sideloading/install processes across all Android TV-powered devices, including ONN.
However, the Google changes aren’t as aggressive as Amazon’s current blocks — they’re more about increasing friction and security checks rather than outright prohibition.