How to Configure NZBGet on Android TV

NZBGet is a lightweight and efficient Usenet client that can run directly on Android TV devices. Installing it on a TV box means you can manage downloads without relying on a separate computer, while still streaming or using other apps. This guide covers installation, configuration, storage management, and common questions about using NZBGet on Android TV.

Note: The old project at nzbget.net is no longer maintained. For current builds and documentation, always use NZBGet.com.

Why Use NZBGet on Android TV?

Android TV devices such as NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast with Google TV, and other streaming boxes are designed to run continuously and handle background tasks. This makes them suitable for running NZBGet, which requires few system resources.

Advantages include:

• Always-on availability for Usenet downloads
• Access through a browser-based web interface
• Compatibility with automation tools like Sonarr and Radarr
• Low memory and CPU usage, even on modest hardware

Installing NZBGet on Android TV

Follow these steps on your Android TV device:

1. Download the Installer APK
   • Use a browser on your Android TV to visit the NZBGet Android GitHub releases page.
   • Download the installer app, which sets up the NZBGet daemon in the background.
2. Enable Unknown Sources
   • Because the APK is not in the Play Store, allow installation from unknown sources in your device’s settings.
3. Install and Launch
   • Open the APK file to complete installation.
   • Launch NZBGet from the Android TV home screen.
4. Install the Daemon
   • In the app, select Install Daemon and choose the version.
   • A confirmation message will display: “NZBGet daemon has been successfully installed.”

Configuring NZBGet on Android TV

1. Open the app and tap Start Daemon.
2. Access the web interface in a browser at:
   http://localhost:6789
   http://[IP-of-Android-TV]:6789
3. Log in with the default credentials (nzbget / tegbzn6789).
4. Go to Settings > News-Servers and enter your Usenet provider details (host, port, SSL, username, password).
5. Save changes, reload NZBGet, and test the server connection.

Managing Storage

By default, Android TV apps store files in:

/storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/data/net.nzbget.nzbget

To manage files more easily:

• Use the Choose Paths option in the installer app.
• Select a global path for all downloads, or category-specific paths for certain types.

Note: Only completed downloads are moved. Do not remove or change your DestDir in the web interface, as this can break downloads.

Limitations on Android TV

• Post-Processing: Most scripts won’t run because Python is not available. Bash scripts may work with BusyBox, but functionality is limited.
• Storage Rules: Only completed downloads can be moved to external storage paths.
• APK-Only Installation: NZBGet is not in the Play Store and must be installed manually.

How Does NZBGet Compare to Other Android TV Usenet Options?

There are a few alternative Usenet apps available for Android, but many are closed-source, lack SSL, or have not been updated in years. NZBGet remains a practical choice because it is:

• Open source and community-maintained
• Actively linked to the latest releases at NZBGet.com
• Optimized for low resource usage, making it suitable for Android TV hardware

Common Questions About NZBGet on Android TV

Can I install NZBGet directly on Android TV?

Yes. The APK can be downloaded and installed directly from the device’s browser without needing a computer.

Do I need root access?

No. NZBGet runs on Android TV without root privileges.

How do I control NZBGet once it’s installed?

Through the web interface, either on the Android TV itself or from another device on the same network.

Does NZBGet support SSL on Android TV?

Yes. SSL is supported across all NZBGet builds, including Android TV.

Can it run in the background while I watch TV?

Yes. The daemon continues running in the background even while streaming or using other apps.

Can NZBGet work with Sonarr and Radarr on Android TV?

Yes. Automation tools can connect to NZBGet using the device’s IP address, port, and API key.

Where are downloads stored by default?

In the app-specific Android folder. Completed files can be redirected using the Choose Paths feature.

Is performance good on Android TV boxes?

Yes. NZBGet is lightweight, so it performs well even on lower-powered Android TV hardware.

Can I automate NZBGet on Android TV without a PC?

Yes. Once configured, Sonarr, Radarr, and similar tools can send NZBs directly to NZBGet running on the TV box.

Does NZBGet slow down streaming on Android TV?

Generally no. Because NZBGet uses little CPU and memory, it runs in the background without affecting video playback on most devices.

Is it safe to use NZBGet with SSL on Android TV?

Yes. SSL ensures connections to your Usenet provider are encrypted, the same way it works on desktop or server installations.

Final Notes on Using NZBGet with Android TV

Android TV devices are well-suited for running lightweight background services like NZBGet. With the daemon installed, configured, and accessible through the web interface, you can manage Usenet downloads directly on your TV box without additional hardware. While there are some limitations, such as reduced post-processing support, NZBGet provides a stable and efficient way to run Usenet on Android TV.