Trying to sideload apps on your Fire TV or Google TV but confused about 32-bit and 64-bit versions? This comprehensive guide will help you identify your device’s architecture and choose the right APK files. We’ll cover Fire TV, Android TV, Google TV, and other streaming devices.
Quick Summary
- Most streaming devices have 64-bit hardware but run 32-bit operating systems
- You can check your device’s architecture using the AIDA64 app
- When in doubt, try installing 64-bit apps first – they’ll safely fail if incompatible
How to Check Your Device’s Architecture
Method 1: Using AIDA64 (Recommended)
- Install AIDA64:
- Google/Android TV: Download from Google Play Store
- Fire TV: Use Downloader app with code
438880
- Open AIDA64 and navigate to the “CPU” tab
- Look for “Instruction Set”
- If it shows “32-bit” or ends with “32-bit Mode,” you have a 32-bit device
Method 2: Using ADB Commands
Run this command: adb shell uname -m
Architecture indicators:
- 32-bit systems: Contains “32,” “v7,” “v8l,” or “v8b”
- 64-bit systems: Contains “64” or “v8a”
Device Architecture Reference Lists
Fire TV Devices
32-bit Fire TV Models
- All Fire TV Smart TVs
- Fire TV Stick (all generations including 2023 models)
- Fire TV Stick Lite
- Fire TV Stick 4K (both generations)
- Fire TV Stick 4K Max (both generations)
- Fire TV Cube (all generations)
- 1st-gen Fire TV (2014)
- 3rd-gen Fire TV Pendant (2017)
64-bit Fire TV Models
- 2nd-gen Fire TV (2015)
Google/Android TV Devices
32-bit Models
- Google TV Streamer (2024)
- Google Chromecast 4K & HD
- Onn Streaming Devices (all models)
- Tivo Stream 4K
- Nvidia Shield TV Tube (2019)
64-bit Models
- Nvidia Shield TV (2015, 2017)
- Nvidia Shield TV Pro (all generations)
How to Identify APK Architecture
Common Architecture Labels
32-bit Identifiers
- aarch32
- armv7a, armv7, arm-v7, arm-v7a
- armeabi, armeabiv7a
- mips, mips32
- x86, x86_32
64-bit Identifiers
- aarch64
- armv8a, arm-v8a
- arm64v8a, arm64-v8a
- mips64
- x86_64
Where to Find These Labels
- Check the APK download page under:
- “Architecture”
- “Application Binary Interface (ABI)”
- Look in the filename
- Use online analyzers:
- Sixo
- ShenmeApp
- Look for “Supported ABIs” section
Best Practices for APK Installation
Installation Strategy
- Try the 64-bit version first
- If installation fails, try the 32-bit version
- Remember: 64-bit devices can run 32-bit apps
Important Notes
- Installation failure doesn’t harm your device
- 32-bit apps work on 64-bit devices (with slight performance trade-off)
- Always download APKs from trusted sources
FAQ
Q: Will installing the wrong version damage my device?
A: No, the installation will simply fail if incompatible.
Q: Do I need to uninstall before trying a different version?
A: Yes, if the first installation attempt was successful.
Q: Which version gives better performance?
A: 64-bit versions generally perform better on 64-bit devices.
Last Updated: November 2024 – Information verified for latest Fire TV, Google TV, and Android TV devices
