Install the app via APK (without the Play Store)

Does your Android device have no Google Play Store (a signage screen with built-in Android, or a brand that ships without Play)? Then you install the gibeon.io app directly via the APK file. If the Play Store is on it, use that route instead, it is faster, see the hardware overview.

What you need

• An Android device with Android 11 or newer
• An internet connection on the device
• Your activation code from the CMS (Screens → Connect screen)

Step 1: Allow unknown sources

By default Android blocks apps from outside the Play Store. Turn this on for the app you will use to open the APK (your browser, a file manager or the Downloader app):

Settings → Apps → (the app) → Install unknown apps → Allow.

On some devices this is called Unknown sources.

Step 2: Get the APK onto your device

Choose the method that fits your device.

Via the browser or the Downloader app (recommended for TVs and sticks)

1. Open the TV browser, or install the free Downloader app (available on most Android TVs).
2. Go to gibeon.io/install and choose the Android download, or enter the download URL directly: https://cdn.gibeon.io/player/android/gibeon-player-latest.apk
3. Wait until gibeon-player-latest.apk has downloaded and confirm the installation.

Via a USB stick

1. Download gibeon-player-latest.apk from gibeon.io/install to your computer.
2. Copy the file to a USB stick, formatted as FAT32 (not exFAT or NTFS).
3. Insert the stick into the device, open the file manager and select the APK.
4. Confirm the installation.

Via ADB (advanced)

For those who have Android platform-tools on a laptop:

adb connect <IP-ADDRESS>:5555
adb install -r gibeon-player-latest.apk
adb shell am start -n io.gibeon.player/.OnboardingActivity

Step 3: Open and activate

Open the gibeon.io app. Enter your activation code from the CMS and connect the screen in Screens. Your content appears as soon as the screen is connected.

Setting up autostart

Do you want the app to start by itself after a restart? See setting up autostart. A locked kiosk handles autostart itself, see Install a kiosk (Device Owner).

Developer settings via the remote

Both the regular app and the kiosk version have a hidden developer settings screen that you open with the remote, without a laptop or ADB. Handy for reading the status on site, changing autostart, or unlocking a locked kiosk.

Within 5 seconds, press this sequence on the remote’s direction keys:

up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right.

A Developer settings window opens in large letters (readable from a distance, for example during a video call with support) with:

• Device diagnostics: version, network, sync status and hardware info, to read out to support.
• Autostart on or off: determines whether the app starts by itself after a restart.
• The option to unlock the kiosk: only on the kiosk version; it temporarily removes the lock so you can reach the Android settings. On the regular app there is nothing to unlock.
• Close.

The window is a snapshot. If you want fresh values after closing it, do the sequence again.

Works with a physical remote or a keyboard with direction keys. On a touch screen without direction keys the sequence is not available.

iiyama signage screens

iiyama ProLite signage screens (the LH-UHSB series) have built-in Android, but no Play Store. The APK installation works, with two special points:

• Opening the Android shell: on the remote, press HOME 1 6 6 8 in quick succession. Then install via USB or ADB as above.
• gibeon.io as the boot app: go to Signage Display, Source Settings, Custom App and choose gibeon.io. Then set General Settings, Boot on Source to Custom App. After a restart gibeon.io starts by itself.

An iiyama firmware update can remove sideloaded apps. In that case, install again through the same steps.

What if it does not work