How to watch DTT for free on Android: the 5 best apps

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Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) is the TV signal transmission system that replaces the old analogue system with its consequent advantages: better use of the radioelectric spectrum, higher quality in the audio and video signal, lower emission costs, introduction of some interactive services… In Spain this is the system that has been used since April 2010, when it permanently replaced the previous analogue broadcasting system. Today it is the way in which the TV signal reaches the majority of users, with the permission of the cable TV platforms or the streaming video platforms that are so fashionable.

DTT allows any home, with the proper installation, to receive the TV signal from the main general and open channels in our country, including local or territorial channels. Therefore, it is enough to tune the channels correctly to be able to enjoy them for free. However, what happens if we want to watch DTT on Android?

Throughout time, hundreds, if not thousands of apps have emerged that allowed us to watch DTT on a mobile phone or tablet with this operating system. However, the market for these types of apps changes constantly and honestly, fewer and fewer apps are available to do it: legal obstacles, no developer support, changes in consumer habits … There are many reasons why this type of tool is increasingly difficult to find. That is why we have prepared this small list of applications that will allow you to watch DTT on your Android with certain guarantees.

How to watch free DTT with apps

The first option within our reach is to use a specific application that gives us access to the DTT channels, perhaps it is the most comfortable way. We recommend two different ones, although as you will see at the end of the article there are hundreds of options available.

TDTChannels

TDTChannels is without any discussion the best application existing today to watch DTT. This platform, developed by Marc Vila, allows you to tune TV and radio broadcasts through the IPTV protocol. To achieve this, it uses M3U lists, which are nothing more than lists where TV channels that broadcast over the Internet compatible with a large number of players are compiled. In this case, the database is open source and collaborative accessible through GitHub, so it is the users themselves who add and keep the information up to date.

The truth is that it offers all the channels that we can see on traditional TV, and many more. Regional broadcasts, local television channels, international channels and even radio stations are also included. Everything perfectly organized and categorized under a more than worthy interface: if you have tried before to install an application of this type, you will know why I say it.

TDTChannels interface and gridTDTChannels interface and grid

Moving around the app and starting to watch TV is a very simple task. As soon as you install the app and open it, you will find directly the entire list of available channels. You simply have to click on the channel in question that interests you, you will reach the specific section of that channel where you can see the different stream options available and even the EPG guide of contents, which allows you to know what is broadcasting at all times and what will be broadcast next. After clicking on any of the options you can start enjoying the content.

Remember that TDTChannels works through lists that are accessible through the app, but that you can also download from its own website to use them in any other player compatible with the format, nowadays most multimedia players.

Tivify

It is one of the most recent options that allow you to watch DTT channels from any Android device. Tivify is an online platform that has its own app and is now in its first year in Spain. Why haven’t we echoed it before? Well, because only recently have they begun to offer a free subscription Yes, you have some logical limitations, but in essence it offers just what we are looking for, all DTT on the mobile.

Tivify interface screenshots for AndroidTivify interface screenshots for Android

In addition to the DTT channels, there are other thematic channels that may interest you. But the important thing: the general channels that you can enjoy at home are all perfectly collected here in a functional interface that recalls all those streaming video platforms that you like so much. In addition, you can consult all the updated programming and even enjoy content on demand. Impossible offers more for less.

Official apps of DTT channels

Your second best alternative is to go directly to the official apps that the vast majority of general channels offer. RTVE, Antena 3 or the Mediaset group They have their own clients for mobile devices that will allow you to see the content on your Android from the different channels they have. Other channels that broadcast through DTT also have their own apps such as regional channels.

Apps of generalist DTT channelsApps of generalist DTT channels

The main obstacle here is the obvious one: you need a specific app for each of the channels or corporations, so it is not possible to have all the options in a unified way in a single interface, but you will have to switch between them to access their corresponding content. Also, not all channels have an app, so you have less offer than with TDTChannels. Even so, it is your second best option if you want to watch DTT on your mobile. Tap download and install all the clients separately.

RTVE alacarta

The RTVE application gives you access to the channels of the public network, that is, TVE, La 2, Teledeporte, Clan and the 24-hour news channel. You can also watch the content on demand whenever you want and you also have access to radio stations and podcasts.

Keep in mind that some content may be unavailable due to the usual copyright restrictions. Being an official app, this topic is treated with care.

My TV

The application of the Italian corporation Mediaset and owned by the Prisa group is practically a carbon copy, giving free access (with ads) to the content of Tele 5, Cuatro, FDF, Energy, Divinity, Boing and Be Mad. You can also view content on demand and enjoy some interactive services. If you are interested in something from these channels, it is your best option.

AtresPlayer

The other large television media group in Spain also has its own specific app to offer its own content live or on demand. You can enjoy Antena 3, laSexta, Neox, Nova, Mega and Atreseries.

You have all the content available on free-to-air TV, and if you want more you can always opt for the Premium subscription where previews or exclusive content are usually offered.

Other channels?

With regard to the rest of the channels available on a regular basis, there is a bit of everything. Many regional channels have an app that offers live content and on demand. In addition, other DTT channels that have their own app are 13 TV and El Toro TV.

The rest of the channels are unfortunately not available this way. DMax and GolTV, belonging to the Veo Televisión group, do not offer any app. Dkiss from the Kiss Media group either, as is the case with Ten TV or with the networks of the Net Televisión group, in charge of broadcasting the Disney Channel and Paramount Network in our country: it is impossible to access their content through the app. Real Madrid TV is in the same situation.

How to watch free DTT without apps

Sometimes the fastest and most practical thing is to use the web browser that we all have on our Android devices to search for the broadcast of DTT channels. There are several options online.

TDTChanels in web version

The same app that we recommend previously to watch DTT is available in web format, so you only need an Internet connection to watch free channels anywhere. You just have to type www.tdtchannels.com in the web browser you use and look for the option Watch online.

TDTChannels online interfaceTDTChannels online interface

You will access an integrated player where the channels are on the left and the signal on the right, which you can expand at any time.

TVE broadcast on TDTChannelsTVE broadcast on TDTChannels

Tivify in web version

Tivify is also accessible via web browser as in the previous case. As we already explained when talking about its dedicated app, you have to register, but the process is free. Once all the DTT and more is done, it will be at your fingertips easily without having to download applications and take up space in your storage. Yes indeed, we recommend the app, it is clearly better optimized than the web version for mobile devices which does not work as smoothly.

Tivify web interface on AndroidTivify web interface on Android

Photocall.TV

Simply type that address in your browser and you will reach this website where practically all the channels that broadcast open in Spain and many more are collected. Just click on the corresponding logo to access the player and start watching the signal.

Photocall TV content gridPhotocall TV content grid

As you can see at the top there is a menu that allows you to change to international channels and other types of channels that are not DTT but that may possibly interest you. The operation is almost perfect and free of advertising, although there could be channels down from time to time.

Other apps to watch pay TV for free

If you want to better investigate this vast field of options to watch DTT channels or even other pay channels, you can always stop by our article on the best Android apps to watch TV, where we review the content monthly to add new apps or remove the ones. that stop working. TDTChannels and You TV Player, which we have mentioned in this article, may be your best option, for which we mention them for something, but we will not be the ones who prevent you from trying the rest of the similar apps available.

Watching DTT on Android is possible: there may not be an infinite list of alternatives, but at least you do have some options that better or worse, fulfill their mission. Choose your preferred option and enjoy the best television on your Android device.