Streaming coexists with television as a platform for watching on-demand content. Following the launch of services like Pluto TV, we now have an app designed to let us watch television on any device: a mobile phone, tablet, or internet-enabled TV.
Tivify is a tool developed by TVUp Media Telecom that has been very successful since its release on Google's operating system, as well as on Apple's iOS. It's a free utility, although it offers two versions , known as paid plans: monthly and annual, all at a variable cost.
This tutorial will explain how to install Tivify on Android TV and watch the 150 channels currently available on the app. Not all TVs support APK installation, so it's essential that you have a Smart TV or TV Box running an Android version.
Tivify, a free service… but with advertising
The free Tivify account has a few drawbacks, specifically the ads you'll see when you open the app and watch one of its many channels. These ads usually only last a few seconds and can be skipped if you upgrade to a higher-tier account, such as Plus or Premium.
In addition to the familiar advertising videos, we'll also have access to a smaller amount of content, specifically around 80 channels. It's not a huge number, but it's not a small selection either. If you subscribe to a paid plan, this will increase to 120 channels (Plus) and 150 channels (in the Premium version).
The platform has been growing, with digital terrestrial television channels and those that broadcast through its various websites, which are often just as interesting as those that started as analog channels. Tivify adds to this the offering of its web platform, which will allow us to watch all the content from the big screen if we want.
It's worth clarifying that Tivify is a service designed primarily for the Spanish market , so its entire programming lineup revolves around the national digital terrestrial television (DTT) channels and the thematic channels that broadcast free-to-air in Spain. This makes it a very interesting alternative to other apps like Pluto TV, Plex, or Rakuten TV, with the unique feature that programming is organized by channels, just like on a traditional television. If you enjoy channel surfing, you'll find it works very similarly to traditional TV, with the added advantage of being able to watch DTT on your mobile device.
Another interesting detail is that Tivify brings together live television and on-demand content in one place . In other words, in addition to linear channels, the app offers movies, series, documentaries, children's content, music, and news programs, all organized by category. This way, you don't have to jump from one app to another to find something to watch, since much of the catalog can be found using the internal search engine or personalized recommendations, which in the latest versions use artificial intelligence to suggest content that best suits your tastes.
The platform also offers features typical of a modern set-top box . These include the ability to restart a program that has already started, pause live TV, rewind a few minutes to catch a specific detail, or schedule recordings to watch later at your leisure. All of this is managed through a simple interface that is well-suited to remote control operation.
The first step, download the application
This app is available on the Play Store. The download is only a few megabytes , which is enough to install on any model, as they usually have sufficient internal memory. Smart TVs often come with a system, sometimes limited, other times with the Google Play Store app pre-installed.
You'll need to create a user account. If you already have one, you can log in quickly and download as many apps as you want from the store. To do this, avoid entering a bank account or card whenever possible , unless you want to pay for an app; this will allow you to avoid paying.
The link is located below in the box. Click on it and wait for the download to complete. You'll need a Wi-Fi connection. If your TV is connected via 4G/5G, you can download the app and then use it on your TV.
Before downloading anything, it's important to know that Tivify is available on both Android and iOS , so you won't find any differences between phones, tablets, and iPads. The account you create is unique and works across all devices, so you can start the registration process on your mobile device and finish it on your TV without repeating the entire process. Registration is free and only requires an email address and password, although you can also sign up quickly by linking a Google or Apple account if you prefer.
Once you've created your account, you can link your TV in two different ways . The first involves manually entering your email and password using your TV remote, which can be a bit awkward if the on-screen keyboard is small. The second, much more convenient option is to visit the Tivify device linking page from your mobile device or scan the QR code displayed on the TV screen. This automatically replicates your session, giving you immediate access to the entire TV lineup without having to type anything.
How to install Tivify on your Android TV
After you've downloaded Tivify to your Android TV, the first step is to set everything up to watch TV online directly. The great thing is that you'll have many channels broadcasting live, while others offer their own programs, which are usually very good, perfect if you want to watch something you like.
Installing Tivify on Android TV will only take a few minutes, so take your time and try using this program to watch both free-to-air channels and those from other countries. One downside is that, for example, FDF will become a paid service, as it's currently only available on Plus and Premium, both of which have a cost.
To install Tivify on your Android TV, do the following:
- Turn on your Android TV or TV Box and check that you have an internet connection, either via Ethernet cable or through your home WiFi network.
- Access the marketplace or your TV's app store and search for the Tivify app using the search bar at the top.
- Download and install the Tivify appWait for the process to finish and do not close the screen while it is completing.
- Open the app from the Apps section From your store's dashboard, tap on the Tivify icon and let the main interface load.
- Link your account Scan the QR code on the screen or enter your credentials using the remote. If you don't want to register yet, you can continue browsing the free version.
- Go to the menu with the three horizontal lines and click on "Channels", wait for the full schedule to load and choose the one you want to watch.
- If you're on the free version A 30-second advertisement may appear before the broadcast begins; after that time the channel will play normally.
- Explore the other sections such as movies, series, children's programming or sports to discover all the on-demand content that the platform offers.
As you can see, the process is really simple and won't take more than a few minutes. If for some reason the app doesn't appear in your TV's app store, you can always install it manually by downloading the APK file from a trusted source and enabling the "unknown sources" option in your system's security settings. However, be careful with the websites you download the file from, as not all of them offer guarantees.
How to install Tivify on a Samsung Smart TV
If your TV doesn't run Android TV but instead uses Tizen, Samsung's own operating system, you can still enjoy Tivify. The app is compatible with Samsung TVs manufactured from 2017 onwards , so many models already in living rooms can use it without needing to buy any additional devices.
The procedure in this case is as follows:
- Register in advance on the official Tivify website Enter your email address and create a password. The process only takes a couple of minutes.
- Access the app store on your Samsung device. with your Samsung account username.
- Search the Video category Within the store's catalog, locate the Tivify app. You can also use the magnifying glass icon and type the name directly.
- Install the application and open it when the download is complete.
- Follow the instructions that appear on the screen To register the device to your account, manually enter your email and password or use the QR code displayed on the TV.
A very practical alternative to using the remote control is to visit the Tivify device linking page from your mobile device and link your existing session to the new Smart TV. Alternatively, you can scan the QR code displayed on the screen during the registration process and let the app handle the rest.
How to install Tivify on an LG TV with webOS
LG TVs also have an official Tivify app. In this case, you need a model manufactured from 2020 onwards that runs version 5.0 or higher of webOS, the Korean brand's own operating system.
To install it, you will have to follow steps very similar to those of Samsung:
- Open the LG Content Store from the TV's main menu.
- Use the search engine to locate Tivify within the catalog of available applications.
- Click on the installation button and wait for the download to complete.
- Start the application and link your account with the QR code or by entering your login details.
If your LG TV is older than 2020 or can't find the app in the store, you don't need to buy a new TV. Simply connect a compatible external device, such as a Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or Android TV player, to watch Tivify without any problems.
Watch Tivify with Chromecast, Google TV and Fire TV
Tivify is compatible with Google Chromecast devices from the third generation onwards , although this compatibility is primarily intended for Android devices. Furthermore, the app also works on Google TV and Amazon Fire TV , so if you have one of these devices connected to your television's HDMI port, you can use it without any issues.
This option is especially useful when you don't have a state-of-the-art smart TV , as these streaming devices are very inexpensive and allow you to turn any old TV into a smart TV. You can use them with a multitude of apps, including Tivify, and also take advantage of their voice control features or remotes with quick shortcuts.
In the case of Chromecast, you simply open the app on your phone or tablet and tap the cast icon to send the image to your TV. With Google TV and Fire TV, however, the setup is local, so you can use the device's remote to navigate the interface without needing your phone.
Other media players compatible with Tivify
And if a USB dongle isn't enough, Tivify also works with other Android TV media players . Some of the approved manufacturers that are compatible include Mecool, Xiaomi, Google, Nvidia, and Engel, among others. Mecool is the device Tivify has collaborated with closely, but it also works correctly with the others.
The usage here is exactly the same as with Chromecast or Fire TV, except that some manufacturers offer media players with significantly more power and better features . Perhaps you've decided to invest in one of these for higher image quality, more storage, or even to use it with a demanding game, so you'll kill two birds with one stone by also taking advantage of the platform's full range of television content.
Before buying any device, it's advisable to check that it has official Android TV or Google TV certification. This certification guarantees that the app store works correctly and that you can install Tivify directly from it without resorting to alternative methods.
How to watch Tivify on your TV using a computer with HDMI
The last option, and also the most universal, is to use any computer connected to the TV via HDMI . Tivify can be viewed from a web browser, so if you have a computer or even a mini PC to view it on the TV, you can share the screen via HDMI and start playback.
It's important to know that you'll see exactly the same thing as on your computer , so you'll need to activate your browser's full-screen mode if you don't want to see the tabs and address bar. Making the connection is simple: just plug one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI port on your computer and the other end into the HDMI port on your TV.
If the TV doesn't switch directly to your PC, you'll need to use the remote to change the input source —that is, the device whose screen you're viewing. Once you see your computer screen, go to the service's official website or open the desktop application if you have it installed. This method is perfect for laptops you no longer use daily and that can remain permanently connected to the living room TV.
The channels available on Tivify
It's almost impossible to list them all; there are so many available . The best-known are La 1, La 2, Teledeporte, Antena 3, Mega, La Sexta, Verdi Classics, Verdi Cines TV, Verdi Cine Feel Good, Dmax, and 65 other channels in the free version. If you get a Plus or Premium account, the catalog is even larger.
Cuatro and Telecinco are included in the Plus and Premium plans, and FDF is now also part of these plans, which also add several others, such as AXN, AXN White, Divinity, Calle 13, and Syfy. From AXN to Syfy, all channels are now included in the Premium plan, also known as the high-end version. The offering is rounded out with a variety of options like TNT, TCM, Mezzo, Mezzo Live HD, and CNN, in addition to the adult channels Hustler and Private, which are also part of the most comprehensive package.
The channel lineup is organized by theme, making it very easy to find what you're looking for. There are channels dedicated to movies, TV series, history, national and international news, extreme sports, music, children's programming, and documentaries , among many other categories. This variety makes the platform useful both for someone who just wants to watch the news and for someone looking for a movie on a Sunday afternoon.
Furthermore, Tivify promises to continue expanding its offerings , so it's quite possible we'll see a larger channel lineup in the coming months. Of the 80 channels initially launched, agreements have been reached with various platforms to make it a truly exceptional option. Moreover, the ability to watch content on a computer via its website, on a phone, tablet, TV box, or directly on an Android TV multiplies its possibilities.
It's worth remembering that, since this service is only available in Spain , if you're outside the country you'll need a virtual private network (VPN) to simulate browsing from Spanish territory. There are numerous VPN options on the market; it's advisable to choose a reliable provider with good speed, otherwise the connection could be interrupted too frequently.
Tivify plans and prices: Free, Plus, and Premium
Downloading the Tivify app is completely free, but its subscription plans vary, with some being free and others paid. The free plan allows you to restart and control programs, as well as 60 hours of recordings that are available for 30 days . With this plan, you can only watch on one device at a time, although you can register up to three different devices to the same account.
In addition to Tivify Free, there is also the Tivify Plus plan , which includes more channels and features, and the Tivify Premium plan , which offers a wide selection of pay channels, more space for recordings and the ability to play content on two devices at the same time.
- Tivify Free: This is the free version. It includes approximately 80 channels, program restart and control, 60 hours of recording available for 30 days, and only one simultaneous device.
- Tivify Plus: It costs around €2 per month and is essentially quite similar to the free plan, as it also includes advertising. The differences lie in the inclusion of Mediaset channels (Telecinco, Cuatro, Energy, BeMad, FDF, Divinity, and Boing), the ability to record up to 150 hours of content, and the addition of channel sorting and Chromecast playback.
- Tivify Premium: It costs €7,99 per month or €71,88 per year if you opt for an annual subscription, which works out to about €5,99 per month. With it, you'll have access to premium channels that are only available in this package, you can record up to 350 hours of content for 90 days, and you can stream content on two devices simultaneously. This plan is ad-free.
Before choosing a plan, consider how many channels you'll actually use and on how many screens you want to watch them . If you're happy with free-to-air TV and a few specialized channels, the free plan is more than enough. If you need Mediaset channels or want to record more content, upgrading to Plus makes sense. And if you're looking for an ad-free experience with premium channels and simultaneous playback on two TVs, Premium is the most comprehensive option.
Tips, tricks and solutions to common problems
Although installing Tivify is usually very simple, there are a few things to keep in mind to get the most out of it. First, make sure your TV's date and time are set to automatic , because an incorrect clock can cause connection errors with the platform's servers.
Secondly, if you experience frequent buffering or interruptions, try connecting your TV via Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi . Live streaming requires a stable connection, and in many homes, Wi-Fi signal strength isn't sufficient to reach the living room. It's also helpful to close any apps running in the background, as freeing up memory significantly improves system performance.
Another useful trick is to use the voice search function on your Android TV and Google TV remote to find specific channels without having to scroll through the entire guide. Similarly, if you're going to record a program, schedule the recording in advance from the program's information page; this way, you won't need to be in front of the TV at that moment.
If the app closes unexpectedly, try clearing its cache from your operating system's app settings. If the problem persists, uninstall the app, restart your TV, and reinstall it from the official app store. In most cases, this simple sequence resolves the most common issues.
Finally, remember that you can log out of one device and log in on another as long as you respect the simultaneous playback limits of your plan. So, if you go on a trip and want to continue watching your channels on your tablet or phone, simply install the app and log in with the same account.
