Setting Up Your Legacy Network-Connected Tablo on Amazon Fire TV or Android TV

The instructions in this article apply to our legacy network-connected Tablo DVRs. For 4th Generation Tablo setup, go here.

This same legacy setup can also be done via Android or iOS phones or tablets.

NOTE - Legacy Tablo apps will no longer be available for download starting September 1st. Many of the underlying technologies used by legacy Tablo apps and services are becoming obsolete and are no longer maintainable. This is why we are discontinuing support for all legacy Tablo apps on September 1st, 2026.

To complete setup of your legacy Tablo via an Amazon Fire TV Cube, Amazon Fire TV streaming stick, Amazon Fire TV-enabled smart TV, NVIDIA SHIELD, Chromecast with Google TV or Android TV-enabled smart TV you must:

• Connect your Tablo to your home Wi-Fi router via Ethernet (setup via Wi-Fi is not supported and must be done via web or mobile apps, see above).
• Use the latest version of the Tablo channel/app (minimum version 2.0.0).

For Amazon Fire TV

To add the Tablo channel/app on your Amazon Fire TV go to: HOME > FIND > APPSTORE > SEARCH > TABLO FOR AMAZON FIRE TV > GET > OPEN.
Once the app is downloaded, you can begin setting up your Tablo.

For Android TV

To add the Tablo channel/app on your Android TV go to: HOME > APPS> OPEN GOOGLE PLAY STORE > SEARCH > TABLO > INSTALL> OPEN.
Once the app is downloaded, you can begin setting up your Tablo.

1. Ensure You Have What You Need to Complete Setup

You will need an active internet connection, an over-the-air TV antenna and a supported form of recording storage (if your Tablo does not come with onboard storage). 

2. Process Firmware Updates if Required

This will ensure your Tablo is running the latest and greatest firmware version. 

3. Ensure Your TV Antenna is Connected

Make sure the coaxial cable is securely attached to the coaxial port on the rear of your Tablo. 

4. Select & Confirm Your Location

Location data is used to provide the correct TV Guide Data for your area. 

Depending on your location, you'll be asked to enter a ZIP or POSTAL CODE. 

5. Ensure You've Connected a Supported Recording Storage Device

If your Tablo does not come with onboard storage, a supported form of recording storage must be connected. For required storage specs and recommendations for your Tablo, go here.

6. Format Your Recording Storage

Tablo will then format your recording storage for use with Tablo. This will erase all data on the drive, including partitions. 

Formatting a brand new drive should only take a few seconds. Formatting a previously used drive will take a bit longer (between 30-90 seconds depending on the size). 

7. Channel Scan

Your Tablo will immediately begin scanning for over-the-air TV channels available in your area. 

Recommended channels (those broadcast in HD quality with five green dots indicating excellent signal strength) will be pre-selected with checkmarks.

You may select other channels (those in SD quality) but we do not recommend selecting channels with marginal or poor signal strength (yellow or red dots).  

You can also choose to deselect channels that you do not plan to watch, like home shopping or foreign language networks.

Are some channels you wish to receive showing marginal reception? You may wish to reposition your antenna and select RESCAN in order to improve signal reception before selecting CONTINUE.