How to Build an Android TV Box with a Raspberry Pi 4
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Introduction
Android TV boxes have become increasingly popular due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and access to a vast array of apps and streaming services. In this guide, we will show you how to build your own Android TV box using a Raspberry Pi 4, which offers excellent performance and customization options at a fraction of the cost of commercial alternatives.
What You Will Need
1. Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (2GB or 4GB variant recommended)
2. MicroSD card (16GB or larger)
3. USB-C power supply
4. HDMI cable
5. USB keyboard and mouse
6. Monitor or TV with HDMI input
7. PC for downloading and flashing the Android image
8. Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi connectivity for internet access
Step 1: Download the Android Image
The first step is to download an Android image compatible with Raspberry Pi 4. We recommend using LineageOS, a popular open-source operating system that offers regular updates and a great selection of apps.
1. Head over to the LineageOS website (https://www.lineageos.org/) and find the version compatible with Raspberry Pi 4 Model B.
2. Download the image file (.img) onto your PC.
Step 2: Flash the Android Image onto the MicroSD Card
Once you have downloaded the Android image, you will need to flash it onto your MicroSD card using software like BalenaEtcher.
1. Install BalenaEtcher (https://www.balena.io/etcher/) on your PC.
2. Insert your MicroSD card into your PC using an SD card reader.
3. Open BalenaEtcher and select the downloaded Android image file.
4. Choose the MicroSD card as your target device.
5. Click “Flash!” to start the process.
6. After the image has been successfully flashed, eject the MicroSD card from your PC.
Step 3: Assemble and Power Up Your Raspberry Pi 4
1. Insert the flashed MicroSD card into your Raspberry Pi 4.
2. Connect the HDMI cable between the Raspberry Pi and your monitor or TV.
3. Plug in your Ethernet cable or set up Wi-Fi for internet access.
4. Connect your USB keyboard and mouse to the Raspberry Pi’s USB ports.
5. Lastly, plug in the USB-C power supply to power on the Raspberry Pi.
Step 4: Configure Android TV Settings
After powering up, you should see a boot screen displaying the LineageOS logo. Once the system has fully booted, you will be presented with an initial setup process.
1. Choose your language.
2. Connect to a Wi-Fi network or confirm your Ethernet connection.
3. Sign in with your Google account (optional but recommended).
4. Complete any other setup steps such as location settings, date and time, etc.
Step 5: Install Apps and Enjoy Your New Android TV Box!
Now that your Android TV box is set up and configured, you can start adding apps for content streaming, gaming, and more!
1. Open “Google Play Store” app and sign in if you haven’t already.
2. Search for apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, or Kodi to install on your device.
3. Customize your home screen with shortcuts to your favorite apps.
4. Sit back, relax, and enjoy streaming video content on your very own Raspberry Pi 4 Android TV box!