As smart televisions continue to add more and more smart features to their repertoire, they almost have many of the same functions as standard computers. TVs coming from Sharp are no exception as they give the user access to a vast array of applications and features.

Sharp televisions that are running on the Android TV operating system can run Google Chrome on their own. If they are running any other operating system, the user must use other means to get Chrome features on the TV.

If you want Chrome features on your Sharp TV, keep reading below to get the best possible experience and see some of the benefits related to using Chrome.

Why Would You Want Chrome on Your Sharp TV?

Now that you know Sharp TV does have Google Chrome, we have another important question to answer. Why exactly is this important? Why would anyone want Google Chrome on their TV?

Having Chrome on your smart television allows you to have access to all of your bookmarks and accounts you use on your computer right on your TV. Typically, this means the screen is bigger and more useful for viewing. Also, you can pick up right where you left off when viewing webpages which gives you more continuity in your smart home.

Another great feature is the ability to watch videos that are not available on other streaming apps. You can simply find the webpage the video is on and play it right onto your TV. Of course, viewing social media is a better experience when viewed on a big screen when compared with your smartphone.

How to Install Google Chrome on Sharp TVs

It may come as a bit of a surprise that these devices do not ship with Chrome out of the box, but sadly they do not. This does not mean that it is not possible, however. It is just more work than you would expect. It is not as simple as going to the Google Play store on the TV itself, but it’s still not too tough of a process.

The first option to try for installing Google Chrome on your Sharp TV is to use a computer that’s logged into the same Wi-Fi to install the browser. The second option is a little more detailed and time consuming, and uses a third-party app, APK Mirror. In the event that the first method doesn’t work, you can try the second installation method.

Up next, we’ll break down both options for installing Google Chrome on your Sharp TV, so you can access as needed.

Installing Google Chrome on Sharp TVs with Android TV Built-In (Option 1)

Our first option is fairly simple and straightforward. You’ll need a computer that’s logged in on the same Wi-Fi network as your Sharp TV.

Here are the steps to install:

  • Connect your Sharp TV to your home Wi-Fi.Sign into your Google account in the settings.Using a computer that is on the same Wi-Fi network, visit the Google Play store.Access the Google Chrome browser.Click install and then find your new Sharp TV in the list of devices to send it to.

(Option 2)

In some instances, Chrome will not be installed using the method above. The next method will work well, but it is also much more involved. People that are not well versed in sideloading applications may have a hard time because of the steps involved, but they will be shown as simply as possible.

  • Sideload the APK of Chrome using your computer.Go to APKMirror and download the file.Take the Chrome APK file and transfer it onto a flash drive.Next, go to the Android TV app store and download the Solid Explorer File Manager application.Go into the settings for Android TV to enable the TV to use the File Manager app.Device Preferences>Security and Restrictions>Unknown Sources>Change the toggle for the File Manager. (Only required because the app is from a third-party)Plug the flash drive into your TV and locate the APK using the File Manager app.Now, just open the file, and the app should install easily.To make the most of the app is on your device, some sort of mouse can be connected to your TV.

Sharp Televisions without Android TV

Even if your Sharp TV doesn’t have Android TV, you can still add Google Chrome. Televisions that do not have Android TV must utilize either Chromecast or have the Chromecast software built-in to use Chrome.

  • Device Preferences>Security and Restrictions>Unknown Sources>Change the toggle for the File Manager. (Only required because the app is from a third-party)

  • If Chromecast is not built-in, purchase a Google Chromecast, and plug it into one of the HDMI ports on the TV.Set up the Chromecast to run on your home Wi-Fi. It must be the same Wi-Fi that your computer or smartphone is running on.In the settings on Chrome, find the Cast option and use it to connect whichever device you are using to your Sharp TV.Essentially, your TV is acting just like a computer monitor for your computer and now has full use of Chrome.

Conclusion

While Sharp does not give you the most straightforward methods of getting Chrome onto your television, this is no fault of theirs. Google has made Chrome slightly difficult to get onto smart TVs, but the utility it is providing makes the work worth it. Once it is properly set up, it gives the end-user a great experience and a lot of great features.