Sideloading Third Party Applications on Zoapi Hub
Sideloading applications is the process of installing an configuring a third-party software onto Zoapi Hub from a source other than Zoapi app store. This can be useful for installing custom apps, beta versions, or tools not available through standard channels. While sideloading provides flexibility and access to a wider range of applications, it’s important to follow the correct steps to ensure the process is smooth and secure.
In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of sideloading applications, using VLC Media Player as an example, and explain how to configure them properly on your Zoapi Hub.
Here is the detailed video tutorial for the same:
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Open the app drawer using the app button or by pressing the F2 key and select “Settings”.
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Go to Security settings and enable Show “File Explorer” if it is not enabled. This will allow us to browse through the file system.
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Download and install your application (taking VLC media player as an example).
Now let’s configure it with the Zoapi Hub.
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Navigate to the installation folder of your application, Locate the executable (.exe) file used to launch your application post installation. Copy the full absolute path of the executable file including the exe file name.
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Go to the C: drive and click on apps.
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Open the sideload.csv file in Notepad or any text editor.
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Read the instructions provided inside the sideload.csv file carefully.
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Add a new entry for your application. Entry for VLC would be:
“VLC, Media Player,, C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC\vlc.exe”
These are Comma Separated Values as described below
First Parameter – Name of the application
Second Parameter – Description of the application. This will be visible in the app drawer.
Third Parameter – Absolute path to icon file in png format. You can leave it blank by adding a ‘,’. It will be automatically extracted from the exe.
Fourth Parameter – Absolute path to the exe of the application. If this path is wrong or exe is not available, then the application will not be sideloaded.
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After adding the entry, save and close the file.
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Run Cleanup from the App Drawer menu. This will reload the applications menu.
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The VLC media player app will now be available in the Apps drawer.
You can pin the sideloaded application to the taskbar if needed.
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Go to Settings > Apps, then scroll down and enable VLC media player for the taskbar.
Your application (e.g., VLC) is now successfully sideloaded and can be accessed through the app drawer or the taskbar.
Need more help?
If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact our support team at support@zoapi.com.
