> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/yuliskov/SmartTube/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Device Compatibility

> Check if your device is compatible with SmartTube

# Device Compatibility

SmartTube is designed for Android TV devices and TV boxes. This page will help you determine if your device is compatible.

## Quick Compatibility Check

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Supported Devices" icon="circle-check" color="#10b981">
    ✅ Android TVs and Google TVs

    ✅ Amazon Fire TV devices

    ✅ NVIDIA Shield TV

    ✅ Chromecast with Google TV

    ✅ Android TV boxes

    ✅ Xiaomi Mi Box
  </Card>

  <Card title="Not Supported" icon="circle-xmark" color="#ef4444">
    ❌ Samsung Tizen TVs

    ❌ LG webOS TVs

    ❌ Roku devices

    ❌ iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV)

    ❌ Smartphones and tablets
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## System Requirements

<Info>
  SmartTube has minimal system requirements and can run on older Android TV devices.
</Info>

### Minimum Requirements

| Requirement | Specification |
| - | - |
| **Operating System** | Android 4.3 (KitKat) or higher |
| **Device Type** | Android TV, TV box, or TV stick |
| **Remote Control** | Required (touch input not supported) |
| **Internet Connection** | Required for streaming content |
| **Storage Space** | \~50 MB for installation |

<Tip>
  Even older Android TV devices from 2013-2014 running Android 4.3 can run SmartTube!
</Tip>

## Supported Devices

### Android TVs and Google TVs

SmartTube works on all Android TV and Google TV devices, including:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Sony TVs" icon="tv">
    All Sony Android TVs (Bravia series) are fully supported.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Philips TVs" icon="tv">
    All Philips Android TVs are fully supported.
  </Card>

  <Card title="TCL TVs" icon="tv">
    TCL Google TV models are fully supported.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Other Android TVs" icon="tv">
    Any TV with Android TV or Google TV OS is supported.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  If a TV's product page says it's based on **Android TV** or **Google TV**, it will work with SmartTube.
</Note>

### Streaming Devices

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Amazon Fire TV">
    **Fully Supported**

    All Amazon Fire TV devices are compatible:

    * Fire TV Stick (all generations)
    * Fire TV Stick 4K
    * Fire TV Stick 4K Max
    * Fire TV Cube
    * Fire TV (previous box models)

    SmartTube works perfectly on all Fire TV devices running Fire OS (which is based on Android).
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Chromecast with Google TV">
    **Fully Supported**

    * Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
    * Chromecast with Google TV (HD)
    * TVs with Chromecast built-in

    <Info>
      Chromecast devices require an [extra step during installation](/installation#chromecast-with-google-tv) to enable unknown sources.
    </Info>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="NVIDIA Shield TV">
    **Fully Supported**

    * NVIDIA Shield TV (all versions)
    * NVIDIA Shield TV Pro

    SmartTube works excellently on Shield TV devices.

    <Warning>
      **HDR Limitation:** NVIDIA Shield supports HDR in general, but not the specific HDR format used by YouTube. This is a hardware limitation, not a SmartTube issue.
    </Warning>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Xiaomi Mi Box">
    **Fully Supported**

    * Xiaomi Mi Box S
    * Xiaomi Mi Box (all versions)
    * Xiaomi TV Stick

    <Info>
      Xiaomi devices with Chinese firmware may have [installation restrictions](/installation#xiaomi-devices-with-chinese-firmware). International firmware is not affected.
    </Info>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### TV Boxes and Sticks

**Generic Android TV boxes and sticks** are supported, including:

* Chinese no-name Android TV boxes
* Mecool TV boxes
* Formuler TV boxes
* Any TV box running Android 4.3 or higher

<Tip>
  As long as your TV box runs Android (not just "Smart TV" firmware), it should work with SmartTube.
</Tip>

## Unsupported Devices

### Non-Android Smart TVs

<Warning>
  SmartTube **only** works on Android-based devices. It cannot be installed on non-Android platforms.
</Warning>

**Not Compatible:**

* **Samsung Tizen TVs** - Use Tizen OS, not Android
* **LG webOS TVs** - Use webOS, not Android
* **Roku devices** - Use Roku OS, not Android
* **Vizio SmartCast TVs** - Use custom OS, not Android
* **iOS devices** - Use iOS/tvOS, not Android

<Info>
  **Workaround:** If you have a non-Android TV, you can connect an Android TV stick or box (like Fire TV Stick or Chromecast with Google TV) to use SmartTube.
</Info>

### Smartphones and Tablets

<Warning>
  **SmartTube is NOT for smartphones or tablets.** We offer **zero support** for these devices.
</Warning>

**Why it doesn't work well:**

* Not optimized for touch input
* Requires TV remote, controller, or keyboard
* UI is designed for TV screens, not mobile devices
* No portrait mode support
* Scrolling doesn't work with touch

**Alternatives for smartphones:**

* [ReVanced](https://github.com/ReVanced) - YouTube app with extra features
* [NewPipe](https://newpipe.schabi.org) - Lightweight YouTube client
* [NewPipe x SponsorBlock](https://github.com/polymorphicshade/NewPipe) - NewPipe with SponsorBlock
* [Pure Tuber](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=free.tube.premium.advanced.tuber) - Alternative YouTube app

### Special Cases: Tablets with TV Modes

<Accordion title="Can I use SmartTube on a tablet or car screen?">
  **Maybe - but with strict requirements:**

  ✅ Requirements:

  * Must be an **Android device**
  * Must have a **large screen**
  * Must have a **TV remote, controller, or keyboard**
  * **Touch input is NOT supported**
  * Mouse/touchpad scrolling is NOT supported

  Some users have successfully used SmartTube on:

  * Large tablets with Bluetooth keyboards
  * Car entertainment systems with Android (see [community example](https://t.me/SmartTubeEN/6060))
  * Tablets in docking stations with controllers

  <Warning>
    You **cannot** use SmartTube with only touch or mouse input. A remote or keyboard is required.
  </Warning>
</Accordion>

## Hardware Features

### Video Capabilities

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Resolution Support">
    **SmartTube supports up to 8K resolution**, but actual playback depends on your hardware:

    | Resolution | Requirement |
    | - | - |
    | 8K (4320p) | Device must support 8K output |
    | 4K (2160p) | Device must support 4K/UHD output |
    | 1080p (Full HD) | Works on most devices |
    | 720p (HD) | Works on all devices |

    <Note>
      SmartTube automatically detects your device's capabilities and offers appropriate quality options.
    </Note>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Frame Rate">
    **60fps playback is supported** if your device can handle it.

    * Most modern devices (2017+) support 60fps
    * Older or budget devices may struggle with 60fps at high resolutions
    * You can always choose 30fps to save bandwidth
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="HDR Compatibility">
    **HDR works if your hardware supports it.** This requires:

    ✅ Your TV must support HDR

    ✅ Your TV box/stick must support HDR (if using one)

    ✅ Your HDMI cable must support HDR

    ✅ The device must support YouTube's HDR format

    <Warning>
      **Known limitation:** NVIDIA Shield supports HDR in general, but not the specific HDR format used by YouTube. This is a hardware limitation.
    </Warning>

    If HDR videos look dim or washed out, check [this Wired article](https://www.wired.com/story/hdr-too-dark-how-to-fix-it/) for troubleshooting.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Video Codecs">
    SmartTube supports three video codecs:

    | Codec | Hardware Support | Performance |
    | - | - | - |
    | **AV1** | Devices from 2020+ | Best compression, requires hardware support |
    | **VP9** | Most devices since 2015 | Good compression, widely supported |
    | **AVC (H.264)** | All devices | Older codec, works everywhere |

    <Tip>
      Use the newest codec your device supports for best quality and bandwidth efficiency. See the [video quality guide](/features/video-quality) for more details.
    </Tip>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Google Services

<Info>
  **SmartTube does not require Google Services** to function. It works independently.
</Info>

This means:

* You can use SmartTube on devices without Google Play Services
* No Google account is required (though you can sign in optionally)
* Works on custom ROMs without Google apps

## Performance Expectations

### Modern Devices (2017 and newer)

✅ **Excellent performance** expected:

* Smooth 4K playback
* 60fps support
* Fast app navigation
* Quick video loading

### Mid-Range Devices (2015-2017)

✅ **Good performance** expected:

* Smooth 1080p playback
* 60fps at lower resolutions
* Normal app navigation
* Some devices support 4K

### Older Devices (2013-2015)

⚠️ **Basic performance** expected:

* Smooth 720p/1080p playback
* 30fps recommended
* May be slower in menus
* VP9 codec may not be hardware accelerated

<Tip>
  On older devices, use the **AVC codec** for best performance. You can change this in video quality settings.
</Tip>

## Checking Your Device

### How to Find Your Android Version

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Navigate to your device's **Settings** app.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go to About">
    Go to **Device Preferences** > **About** (or just **About** depending on your device).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check Android version">
    Look for **Android version** or **Android TV OS build**.

    If it shows Android 4.3 or higher, you're good to go!
  </Step>
</Steps>

### How to Check if Your TV is Android-Based

1. Check your TV's product page or manual
2. Look for mentions of "Android TV" or "Google TV"
3. Check if you have the Google Play Store app
4. Look for the Android TV home screen interface

If none of these apply, your TV likely uses a different operating system and won't support SmartTube.

## Need Help?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Installation Guide" icon="download" href="/installation">
    Learn how to install SmartTube on your compatible device
  </Card>

  <Card title="Community Support" icon="comments" href="/community/support">
    Get help from the SmartTube community
  </Card>
</CardGroup>