RANDOM TV FOR ANDROID TV & FIRE TV
A remote-friendly television app for channel-surfing recorded video from the Internet Archive.
Random TV Time works best as a lean-back experience: turn on the set, let something unexpected play and use the remote when you want another channel. The Android app supports compatible Android TV and Fire TV devices, giving you all seventeen channels without an account, subscription, advertising or analytics.
The app streams recorded video hosted by the Internet Archive. It is not a live-TV service, does not provide local broadcast stations and does not replace a cable subscription.
Before you install
Compatible software
The app requires Android 7.0 or later. Device makers modify Android, so exact compatibility and menu names can vary.
Internet connection
The app needs a connection while in use because searches, item information and video files come directly from archive.org.
Official file
Download RandomTVTime.apk only from randomtvtime.com. The direct file is provided for devices that do not offer the app through Google Play.
Adult audience
Archival descriptions can be incomplete. The title-and-tag safety filter is on by default, but the app is intended for adults age 18 and older.
Install on Android TV
- Get the file. Open the official download page in a browser on the television device and download RandomTVTime.apk. You can also download it on another device and transfer it with a file-transfer app.
- Open the downloaded APK. Choose the download from the browser, file manager or transfer app you used.
- Allow that source if prompted. Android may ask you to permit installs from the specific browser or file app. Follow the on-screen prompt, then return to the APK.
- Install and launch. Choose Install, then open RANDOM TV TIME from the television launcher.
Install on Fire TV
- Open the official download page. Use a browser or a reputable downloader app on the Fire TV device to visit randomtvtime.com/download. Alternatively, transfer the official APK from another device.
- Permit the app you used. If Fire TV blocks the installation, follow its prompt to allow that browser, downloader or file-transfer app to install an unknown app. The wording and location of this setting depend on the Fire OS version.
- Return to the file. Open RandomTVTime.apk again and choose Install.
- Find the launcher entry. Open RANDOM TV TIME from the installed-apps area. Its location may differ from apps installed through the Amazon store.
Using the television remote
Directional controls move through the interface, and the on-screen buttons provide channel selection, next and previous, saved items, the lineup, settings and program information. The app also includes a sleep timer, picture and screen-fit controls, optional static and hiss, a safety filter and a hidden-items list.
If a particular remote does not reach a control comfortably, connect a keyboard or pointing device, or open the browser edition in the television’s web browser. The support and user guide includes keyboard commands and troubleshooting.
Updates and troubleshooting
An app installed manually may not update through the television’s app store. Return to the official download page when an updated build is announced, download the new APK and install it over the existing copy. Installing an update over the existing app is intended to keep settings and saved channels; uninstalling first removes local app data.
If the screen stays on static for more than about half a minute, check the network and try a different channel. Some Archive files are unavailable or slow, so a single skipped item does not necessarily indicate a device problem.
Common questions
Is the app in the Android TV or Amazon app store?
The direct APK is the documented option for Android TV and Fire TV devices. Google Play is the preferred source on supported Android phones and tablets.
Does the app need an account?
No. It has no account, sign-in, subscription or advertising.
Where are saved channels stored?
Settings, saved channels, hidden items and viewing history stay in the app’s private storage on the device. Uninstalling the app removes them.
Can I use a smart TV without Android or Fire OS?
If the television has a modern web browser, try the browser edition. You can also connect a compatible Android device to the television through your preferred casting or display method.