Using NZBGet with Sonarr and Radarr on Android TV

Android TV devices such as NVIDIA Shield and Chromecast with Google TV can do more than stream video. They are powerful enough to run background services like NZBGet, a lightweight Usenet client. With automation tools such as Sonarr and Radarr, NZBGet on Android TV can process NZB files automatically, turning your TV box into a complete Usenet automation setup.

NZBGet on Android TV allows you to centralize automation on a device that’s already part of your home setup. When paired with tools like Sonarr and Radarr, it can monitor for new NZBs, send them directly to the NZBGet daemon, and keep everything organized without requiring constant manual input. This makes Android TV a practical platform for people who want to integrate Usenet automation into their living room hardware.

This guide explains how to connect Sonarr and Radarr to NZBGet when it’s running on Android TV.

Why Use NZBGet with Sonarr and Radarr on Android TV?

• Automation: Sonarr and Radarr can be configured to manage NZB files and send them directly to NZBGet.
• All-in-One Device: Running automation alongside NZBGet on Android TV reduces the need for a separate server or computer.
• Background Operation: NZBGet runs as a daemon, so tasks continue even while the device is used for other apps.
• Efficient Performance: NZBGet is resource-friendly and works well on TV boxes with modest hardware.

Prerequisites

Before connecting Sonarr and Radarr, make sure:

• NZBGet is installed on your Android TV device and the daemon is running.
• You can access the NZBGet web interface at:
  http://[IP-of-Android-TV]:6789
• You have Sonarr and/or Radarr installed on a device that can access the same network (they may run on the Android TV or another system).
• Your Usenet provider details are already configured in NZBGet.

Step 1: Set up Your NZBGet for Sonarr and Radarr

1. Open the NZBGet web interface in your browser.
2. Log in (default: nzbget / tegbzn6789). You’ll need this username and password in Sonarr, Radarr.
3. Go to Settings > Security.
4. Create specific categories for Sonarr and Radarr in Settings > Categories. Using dedicated categories for each application is good practice.

Step 2: Connect Sonarr to NZBGet on Android TV

1. In Sonarr, go to Settings > Download Clients.
2. Add a new client and select NZBGet.
3. Enter the following details:
   • Name: NZBGet Android TV
   • Host: IP address of your Android TV
   • Port: 6789
   • Username: nzbget (unless changed)
   • Password: tegbzn6789 (unless changed)
   • Use SSL: enable if NZBGet is set up for SSL
   • Category: Specific for Sonarr
4. Test the connection and save.

Step 3: Connect Radarr to NZBGet on Android TV

1. In Radarr, go to Settings > Download Clients.
2. Add a new client and choose NZBGet.
3. Enter the same connection details used for Sonarr (IP, port, username, password, and specific category for Radarr).
4. Test the connection and save.

How to Optimize NZBGet with Sonarr and Radarr on Android TV

• Static IP: Assign a static IP to your Android TV so Sonarr and Radarr always connect reliably.
• Background Running: Once the daemon is started, it continues operating even if the app is closed.
• Categories: Configure categories in NZBGet and point Sonarr/Radarr to those categories to keep tasks organized.
• Performance: NZBGet is lightweight, but avoid running multiple heavy apps simultaneously on lower-powered devices.

Why Use Android TV for Usenet Automation?

While many people run NZBGet on PCs, NAS devices, or Docker containers, Android TV is an alternative platform that’s always on and already connected to your network. It doesn’t require additional hardware and can handle background services alongside regular streaming.

This makes Android TV appealing if you want a simple, consolidated setup where NZBGet and automation tools operate on the same device you already use daily.

Common Questions About NZBGet, Sonarr, and Radarr on Android TV

Can Sonarr and Radarr run directly on Android TV?

In some cases yes, but many users prefer to run them on another device (such as a PC, NAS, or Docker container) and connect remotely to NZBGet on Android TV.

Do I need root access to use NZBGet with Sonarr and Radarr?

No. NZBGet runs on Android TV without root, and Sonarr/Radarr only need network access.

Can I use SSL with Sonarr, Radarr, and NZBGet on Android TV?

Yes. SSL works the same way on Android TV as it does on desktop systems, provided your Usenet provider supports it.

How do I make sure tasks are organized correctly?

Use NZBGet’s categories feature and configure Sonarr and Radarr to match those categories.

Will NZBGet affect streaming on Android TV?

In most cases, no. NZBGet is lightweight and runs in the background without interfering with playback. Performance may vary on very low-end devices.

Can I run NZBGet, Sonarr, and Radarr all on the same Android TV device?

It’s possible, though performance will depend on the hardware. Some users prefer to split the load between devices.

Does NZBGet need a static IP on Android TV?

Using a static IP is recommended. It ensures Sonarr and Radarr always know where to connect without network conflicts.

Is SSL required when connecting Sonarr and Radarr to NZBGet?

SSL is optional, but it provides encrypted connections between your device and your Usenet provider.

Putting It All Together on Android TV

By connecting Sonarr and Radarr to NZBGet on Android TV, automation tasks can be handled directly on your TV box. Once configured, NZBGet processes NZB files in the background, while categories and SSL help keep everything secure and organized. Android TV’s always-on design makes it a practical platform for running NZBGet alongside automation tools.