Screenflex for Android APK

A detailed guide for installing, configuring, and optimizing the Screenflex APK on Android devices that do not support Google Play Store.

1. System Requirements

To ensure optimal performance and stable playback, confirm the device meets the following requirements.

Minimum OS
  • Android 7.0 (Nougat) or higher

    (Recommended: Android 10+ for best performance)

Hardware
  • CPU: Quad-core or higher
  • RAM: 2GB+ (Recommended: 4GB+)
  • Storage: 200MB free for installation
  • Stable WiFi/Ethernet connection
Recommended Devices
  • Android media boxes (non-Google certified)
  • Android tablets without Play Store
  • Android-based kiosks & industrial displays
  • Older devices that require sideloading
  • Fire tablets running custom Android builds
2. Downloading the Screenflex APK

The APK is required for devices that do not have access to the Google Play Store (such as kiosk devices, custom Android builds, and many Android media players).

You can download the latest official Screenflex APK here:

This link always contains the most stable and up-to-date version of the Screenflex Player.

Only download the APK from the official Screenflex website or your Screenflex Dashboard.

Third-party APK websites are not safe and may contain modified or malicious packages.

3. Allow Installation from Unknown Sources

Since the APK is installed manually, Android requires permission to install apps from outside the Play Store.

Depending on your Android version:

Android 8.0+
  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to Apps & notifications
  3. Tap Special app access
  4. Tap Install unknown apps
  5. Choose the app you will use to install the APK (Chrome, Files, USB file manager)
  6. Enable Allow from this source
Android 7.0 and older
  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Security
  3. Enable Unknown sources

After installation, you may disable this setting again for security.

4. Installing the Screenflex APK
Step 1 — Transfer the APK file

You can install the APK using any of the following methods:

  • Download directly on the device
  • Transfer via USB drive
  • Upload via cloud storage (Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive)
  • Transfer via LAN / network file sharing
  • Push via ADB (advanced users)
Step 2 — Install the APK
  1. Open the APK file using your file manager
  2. Tap Install
  3. Wait for installation to complete
  4. Tap Open, or find Screenflex in your App Drawer
5. Installing via ADB (Alternative Method)

You can install the Screenflex APK from your computer using ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

ADB works via USB cable or wirelessly over Wi-Fi.

A. Install APK via USB (Most Reliable Method)

Step 1 — Enable Developer Mode

On the Android device:

  • Open Settings
  • Go to About phone / tablet / device
  • Tap Build number 7 times
  • Enter your PIN if asked

    You’ll see: “You are now a developer!”

Step 2 — Enable USB Debugging

  • Go to: Settings → Developer Options
  • Enable: USB debugging
  • Connect the device to your computer via USB.

Step 3 — Verify ADB Connection

On your computer, run:

bash
adb devices

If you see the device listed, you're ready.

Step 4 — Install the APK

bash
adb install screenflex.apk

If the app already exists and you want to overwrite it:

bash
adb install -r screenflex.apk
B. Install APK via Wi-Fi (When USB Is Not Available)

Wi-Fi installation is ideal for kiosk screens, wall-mounted devices, or Android boxes where USB ports are inaccessible.

Step 1 — Enable Developer Mode

On the Android device:

  • Open Settings
  • Go to About phone / tablet / device
  • Tap Build number 7 times
  • Enter your PIN if asked

    You’ll see: “You are now a developer!”

Step 2 — Enable Wireless Debugging

  • Go to: Settings → Developer Options
  • Enable: Wireless debugging
  • A screen will show a pairing code, an IP address and a port

Step 3 — Pair the Device

On your computer:

bash
adb pair DEVICE_IP:PORT

Enter the code displayed on the device.

Step 4 — Connect

bash
adb connect DEVICE_IP:PORT

Step 5 — Install the APK

bash
adb install screenflex.apk

If the app already exists and you want to overwrite it:

bash
adb install -r screenflex.apk
6. Grant Required Permissions

When you launch the app for the first time, the player will request several permissions.

  • Storage Access: To cache media, download assets, and play offline content.
  • Network Access: Allows content updates, reporting status, syncing schedules.

Tap Allow on all required permissions to guarantee stable operation.

7. Linking Your Device to Screenflex
Step 1 — Generate the Code
  1. Log in to your Screenflex Dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Screens → Add Screen.
  3. Fill in the form.
  4. A 6-digit pairing code will be generated automatically.
Step 2 — Enter the Code on the Android Device
  1. Open the Screenflex app on your Android device.
  2. Enter the 6-digit code provided by the dashboard.

    (Or enter the Screen Slug)

  3. After a few seconds, the device will:
    • Link to your account
    • Sync the assigned playlists
    • Begin showing content automatically

This linking method ensures that only authorized users can register new screens.

8. Enable App Pinning (Recommended)

App Pinning ensures no one can exit the Screenflex app accidentally. This is crucial for public-facing screens.

Android offers built-in App Pinning that locks the device to a single app.

How to Enable App Pinning (on most Android devices)
Step 1 — Enable App Pinning in System Settings

On the Android device:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to Security and privacy
  3. Tap More privacy settings
  4. Tap Allow apps to be pinned
  5. Turn on App Pinning
  6. Enable Lock phone after unpinning (very important for signage)
Step 2 — Pin the Screenflex App
  1. Open Screenflex app
  2. Press the Recent button. Or if you are using gestures, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold
  3. Locate the Screenflex window
  4. Tap the app icon at the top
  5. Choose Pin this app

Your device is now locked to Screenflex.

Step 3 — How to Exit App Pinning

To exit (only if needed):

  • On most devices:

    Hold both Back + Recent Apps buttons together

  • If using gesture navigation:

    Swipe up and hold,then enter the device PIN/passcode.

This prevents staff, customers, or users from leaving the app.

9. Enabling Developer Mode & Stay Awake (Recommended)

Developer Mode allows you to access the Stay Awake option, which prevents the device from turning off the screen while charging — essential for stable digital signage operation.

Step 1 — Enable Developer Mode on Android

On the Android device:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Scroll down and tap About phone (or About tablet / About device, depending on the model)
  3. Scroll until you find Build number
  4. Tap Build number 7 times
  5. Enter your device PIN or password when asked
  6. You will see a confirmation message: “You are now a developer!”

Developer Options are now unlocked.

Step 2 — Enable “Stay Awake” (Prevents the screen from turning off)
  1. Go to Settings
  2. Tap System (or Additional settings, depending on device)
  3. Tap Developer options
  4. Scroll down until you find: Stay awake — Screen will never sleep while charging
  5. Toggle Stay awake ON
Additional Recommendations

For the best 24/7 signage performance:

  • Set the maximum available screen timeout option (or “Never” on devices that support it).
  • Disable Battery Saver / Power Saving Mode
  • Disable Adaptive brightness if the screen dims unexpectedly
  • Keep the device plugged in at all times for stable operation
10. Network Recommendations

To ensure uninterrupted content updates:

  • Use Ethernet for maximum stability
  • If WiFi is used, connect to a dedicated 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network
  • Provide at least 5 Mbps bandwidth per device
  • Disable captive portals (common in hotels/public WiFi)
11. Updating the App

Devices installed with an APK do not auto-update.

To update:

  1. Download the new APK
  2. Open it
  3. Tap Install (it will update the existing app)

Enable periodic maintenance to ensure devices don’t fall behind on updates.

12. Troubleshooting
Can’t install APK
  • Enable Unknown sources
  • Redownload the APK (file may be corrupted)
  • Ensure sufficient storage
Screenflex doesn’t link
  • Make sure the pairing code exists
  • Verify the device has internet
  • Check for typos in the 6-digit code or slug
Playback freezes or stutters
  • Restart the device
  • Ensure at least 5 Mbps bandwidth
  • Check if large 4K videos exceed the device's hardware capacity
App closes unexpectedly
  • Disable battery optimizations
  • Lock the app using App Pinning
  • Restart the device
  • Ensure the device is plugged in
  • Check for any recent updates
Empty Screen
  • Ensure a playlist is assigned
  • Try clearing local cache and reopening the app
13. Limitations

There are currently some limitations. Check them out here.

Interested?

Screenflex works on any screen, TV, or device no special hardware required and no credit card needed