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How to watch Popcorn Time on Android

How to watch Popcorn Time on Android

Popcorn Time isn’t just for desktops – Android and other mobile users can enjoy it too. In this article, we’ll show you how to watch Popcorn Time on Android.

This app is a great way to access all the video content you could ever dream of. But just what is Popcorn Time?

Well, Popcorn Time is a BitTorrent-based video streaming service. It combines the libraries of several large torrent trackers, removing the hassle of having to download files and view them on your Android device. With Popcorn Time for Android, all you have to do is search and click play.

How to watch Popcorn Time on Android: a step-by-step guide

This app not only provides a single location to find all of your favorite programs and movies, but does so with a sleek, professional, and intuitive interface that feels great even on smaller screens.

Popcorn Time works on any device that can run Android 4.0 or higher. Additionally, you can use the application on your Android TV and skip paying for a handful of other streaming services that cannot offer the same viewing options.

Below you will find a step-by-step guide that will get Popcorn Time set up on your Android device in no time.

1. How to download Popcorn Time for Android

This app is not available on Google Play. Therefore you’ll need to download Popcorn Time for Android from the Popcorn Time website, which should automatically offer the right version for your device.

Popcorn Time on Android

You might get a pop-up message warning about third-party files that can harm your device. Don’t be afraid to click “OK.”

Now it’s time to get into the installation process.

2. How to install Popcorn Time on Android

Before you can install the Popcorn Time .apk file, you’ll need to go into your Android device settings to allow the installation of apps downloaded from sources other than Google Play. The way to do it differs slightly depending on your device model and Android version, but in general, it goes like this:

Popcorn Time settings
  1. Navigate to Settings and choose Security & Privacy or Advanced settings
  2. Scroll down to the bottom and press More or Security
  3. Scroll down and choose to Install unknown apps
  4. Find Unknown Sources and check “Allow installation of non-Market applications”
  5. Locate your Popcorn Time .apk download file and open it
  6. Click Install and follow the instructions.
  7. Grab some popcorn, open the app, and start watching!

Installing Popcorn Time on Android TV

You can easily install the Popcorn Time Android application directly to Android TV with just a few extra steps:

  1. On your computer, download the Popcorn Time installation file to a USB
  2. On your Android TV, download a file browser app like ES File Explorer
  3. Plug the USB into the TV and use ES File Explorer to locate and install the Popcorn Time application

3. How to setup Popcorn Time for Android

Now that you have the application downloaded, you can begin using Popcorn Time on your Android Device. Before beginning, you may want to tweak your settings. You will find them in the hamburger menu at the top left.

Popcorn Time movies

Here, you can adjust your language, subtitle settings, cache settings, and most importantly your VPN warning, which should be turned on by default. It signals if your VPN is off before downloading any content.

Popcorn Time settings

We highly recommend both using a VPN and keeping this setting checked.

Importance of a VPN for Popcorn Time

Popcorn Time is essentially a torrent client. This means that using it to watch films and TV shows on your Android amounts to violating copyrights.

While there are some countries, like Canada, where downloading copyrighted content is overlooked, the situation in the US is much worse. You can get fined like those people who downloaded Adam Sandler’s The Cobbler and were ordered to pay a few hundred bucks, which is especially sad given how horrible that movie is.

To avoid getting caught or blocked by your ISP, you should use a VPN to hide your true IP address and encrypt your traffic. What’s more, it’ll also make you more secure on public wifi connections, help you avoid geo-blocking, and protect your personal data from hackers, cybercriminals, and other wrongdoers.

Top 3 VPNs for Popcorn Time on Android

VPN account creation

While Popcorn Time suggests Anonymous VPN, our tests have shown that this is a mediocre service at best. Therefore we recommend these three VPNs that are a great fit for all Android users who want to enjoy Popcorn Time safely.

1. CyberGhost

As one of the most popular VPNs in the market, CyberGhost ticks plenty of boxes in terms of security, ease of use, and content unblocking. While not the fastest horse in the stable, it's still a decent choice for streaming and torrenting.
  • Massive server list
  • Solid security
  • Very user-friendly
  • Works with Netflix
  • Good for torrenting
  • 24/7 live chat support

2. NordVPN

NordVPN
9.8 / 10
Flawless privacy practices, advanced security features, and reliable geo-unblocking capabilities make NordVPN the undisputed industry leader. Whatever your needs, this VPN has you covered – all starting from just $3.30/month.
  • Excellent security
  • Great server list
  • Awesome for Netflix
  • Good for torrenting
  • Very easy to use
  • Affordable prices

3. ExpressVPN

Unassailable security, reliable geo-unblocking, and above average speeds make ExpressVPN one of our favorite VPNs overall. A premium tool in every respect, including the price.
  • Watertight security
  • Massive server list
  • Great for streaming
  • Very good for torrenting
  • Very fast
  • 24/7 customer support

If none of these seem like a good fit for you, check out our list of the best VPNs for Android.

Troubleshooting – Popcorn Time not working on Android

Some users have discussed the difficulties of using the Popcorn Time app for Android devices. The app can sometimes freeze or get in a buffering loop when trying to stream. There are a few things you can do to try and resolve this issue:

  1. Make sure that you are not experiencing internet issues
  2. Make sure your ISP doesn’t block P2P traffic (a VPN would help if that’s the case)
  3. Ensure that you have downloaded the app from the official Popcorn Time website
  4. Check that you’re running the most up-to-date version of the application. Popcorn Time is frequently updated and improved.
  5. Make sure your firewall or anti-malware app doesn’t block Popcorn Time
  6. If all else fails, try reinstalling the app

Popcorn Time for other devices:

5 comments
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  1. Carrie10
    Carrie10 May 31, 2019 at 12AM

    Didn’t try installing this on my Android but you’ve made me curious about it. Will be installing it shortly. It seems easy to use so that’s a plus I guess. I hate having to install complicated apps.



  2. Paquin
    Paquin April 10, 2019 at 11AM

    If you are a movie freak like me, you should know that downloading movies from hundreds of sketchy torrent websites out there can be a hassle and sometimes harmful to your computer. Popcorn Time app does convert torrent to streaming video, allowing viewers to watch movies with a single click and no downloading. Great job to the developers



  3. Connie Parrish
    Connie Parrish February 18, 2019 at 5PM

    I’m not a big fan of watching TV or movies on my phone. I just can’t deal with the small screen size. However, this does look like a good option for people who like watching shows on their phone. I’m the same way with reading books too and even going online. What do other people think about this?



  4. Cory White
    Cory White February 6, 2019 at 12PM

    Lover of movies like me will find popcorn time absolutely interesting. Not just the access to stream videos, it’s easy to use and has an extremely impressive catalogue of movies. I have this App on my android device, it seem like the busiest App on my device…smiles



  5. Cormac Yilmak
    Cormac Yilmak January 30, 2019 at 11AM

    PopcornTime really is great, and I really love that you can use it absolutely anywhere and on any device. The Android version is great, I’ve tried it already and it works perfectly. The only problem I have with Popcorn Time is that you really need a VPN, so in the end it’s not free as you have to pay for the VPN.


Thanks for your opinion!