Mobdro Not Working? 10 Best Free Live TV Alternatives

Mobdro was one of the most popular free live TV streaming apps, offering access to thousands of channels across sports, movies, news, and more. In February 2021, Mobdro stopped working after European authorities took action against its developers, and the app has not returned since.

#Why Did Mobdro Stop Working?

In February 2021, users started reporting issues with Mobdro not loading any streams with error messages like “failed to retrieve data” and “server unavailable.”

After investigation, it was discovered European authorities had taken legal action, resulting in the arrest of the Mobdro developers in March 2021. The app relied on illegally streaming copyrighted content, leading broadcasters to file complaints.

With the developers arrested and official domains seized, Mobdro has been permanently shut down with no plans by the team to bring it back. The risks of using illegal streaming apps became very real for the millions that relied on Mobdro.

Plenty of free live TV alternatives still exist for cordcutters. While no single app perfectly replicates Mobdro’s offerings, combining a few options provides an excellent replacement.

#What Are the Best Apps Like Mobdro for Free Live TV?

Here are our top recommendations if Mobdro has stopped working in your area:

1. Pluto TV - Completely legal live TV service from Viacom offering 100+ channels.

2. Plex - Media server that recently added 80+ free live channels with DVR capability. If you want to learn how Plex compares with similar tools, check our Emby vs Plex comparison.

3. Sling TV - Popular streaming provider with affordable plans ($20-50/month).

4. Philo - Low-cost live TV with 60+ channels for only $25 a month.

5. Locast - Free streaming of local broadcast stations in 36 US markets.

6. Tubi - 100% legal on-demand streaming, completely free with no subscription needed.

7. Xumo - Provides 190+ free live channels alongside a large on-demand library.

8. Stirr - Local news and 100+ free channels streamed by Sinclair Broadcast Group.

9. Plexamp - Plex’s dedicated music streaming app with 60 million tracks free.

10. Streamflix - Aggregates free movies and TV spread across multiple apps into one interface.

This lineup offers a variety of both live and on-demand free streaming options so you can ditch cable without spending much. Most options can be used worldwide.

We’ll now go over how to install these replacement apps on the most popular platforms.

#How to Get Mobdro Alternatives on Android

The apps above are all available free on the Google Play store for Android 4.4 and higher, except for Streamflix which requires sideloading:

1. Enable “Unknown Sources” in Android security settings

2. Download Streamflix APK from Aptoide store

3. Install and open the app

4. Select login with Gmail

The ability to install apps outside the Play store does increase malware risk. We recommend sticking to reputable sites like Aptoide with user reviews. For more Android streaming options, see our list of the best Android TV apps.

That covers getting Mobdro alternative apps up and running on any Android phone, tablet, Android TV device like the Nvidia Shield, and even Amazon Fire tablets.

Next we’ll go over Fire TV installation.

#How to Install Replacement Apps on Amazon Fire TV Stick and Fire TV

The Fire TV platform makes it easy to find apps through the Amazon store, but some services like Streamflix require sideloading:

1. Enable ADB Debugging under Developer Options

2. Download Downloader app from Amazon store

3. Open Downloader and enter URL from TROYPOINT

4. Install TROYPOINT App Installer

5. Open TPAI and search for Streamflix to install

That will get Streamflix up and running. All other apps can be found free right within the Amazon appstore. You can also browse more options in our guide to free channels on Fire TV Stick.

#Getting Mobdro Replacements on iPhone and iPad

Unfortunately most Mobdro alternative apps are only available on Android. iPhone and iPad users can access:

• Pluto TV

• Plex

• Sling TV

• Philo

• Locast

• IMDb TV

• Tubi

• Stirr

Install these directly from the Apple App Store on iOS 12 and higher.

#How to Watch Free Live TV on Roku

Roku devices have quick access to most Mobdro replacements like:

• Pluto TV

• Plex

• Sling TV

• Philo

• Locast

• IMDb TV

• Xumo

• Stirr

Open the Roku Channel Store and download for free. If you’re trying to decide between streaming platforms, our Apple TV vs Roku guide breaks down the differences.

That covers the most popular streaming platforms. While Mobdro is gone for good, combining 2-3 apps from our best Mobdro alternatives list will replicate much of the experience.

#Are Free Live TV Apps Legal?

With Mobdro relying on illegally distributed copyrighted content, its shutdown raises questions around the legitimacy of replacements. Here’s what you need to know:

Verified Apps: Pluto TV, Sling TV, Plex and other major brand apps are 100% legal with the proper broadcasting rights. They offer a combination of free content and paid subscriptions.

Unverified Apps: Smaller apps like Streamflix, Livetvnet, and Cat Mouse rely on aggregating streams “scraped” from the internet. Quality is unreliable and while malware risks are low, some piracy is enabled.

Unverified apps offer content for free from questionable sources. Using a VPN helps maintain privacy and security when sideloading or streaming free content. For other media server options that are fully legal, take a look at our Kodi alternatives roundup.

#How Can a VPN Help When Streaming Free Content?

Here are benefits of using a VPN while streaming:

• Encrypts traffic so your ISP can’t see activity

• Changes IP address to access region-locked content

• Avoids tracking and monitoring by ISP and government

• Protects from malware by routing traffic through a secure tunnel

We recommend Surfshark VPN available from just $2.30/month covering unlimited devices. It offers fast speeds for HD streaming and dedicated apps for Fire TV Stick, Android, iOS, and most platforms.

A quality VPN matters whether you stream free content or access paid services. It keeps your activity private, secures your connection, and opens up restricted libraries abroad on any device.

#Bottom Line

• Mobdro stopped working permanently when European authorities arrested the developers

• Pluto TV, Plex, Philo and Sling TV are great free or low-cost alternatives

• Apps like Xumo and Locast add more niche content

• Smart DNS proxy or VPN helps safely access region-restricted streams

• Malware risks are low, but some unauthorized piracy is enabled with unverified apps

• Combining 2-3 apps best replicates Mobdro’s offerings

While Mobdro itself is gone, alternative apps provide plenty for cordcutters seeking free live TV streaming. Using reputable options minimizes risks.

#Frequently Asked Questions

#Why is Mobdro not working anymore?

Mobdro stopped working after European authorities arrested its development team in early 2021 for enabling illegal distribution of copyrighted streaming content. The servers were seized and the app has been permanently shut down. There is no official timeline or plan for a return.

#Is Mobdro going to come back?

No. Mobdro relied on illegally streaming copyrighted material and is gone for good. The developers were arrested, domains were seized, and authorities will prevent the platform from returning. Any sites claiming to offer a “new Mobdro” are likely scams or malware.

#What app replaced Mobdro for free live TV?

The best Mobdro replacements are Pluto TV, Plex, and Tubi for free content, plus Sling TV and Philo for affordable paid plans. Combining 2-3 of these apps replicates most of Mobdro’s movie, TV, and sports offerings through legal channels.

#Is it safe to use Mobdro replacement apps?

Major brand apps like Plex and Pluto TV are 100% legal, while smaller aggregator platforms do enable some unauthorized streaming. Stick with apps from official app stores, and consider using a VPN when accessing any free streaming content to protect your privacy.

#Can I still get Mobdro on Fire TV Stick?

No. Mobdro no longer exists after being shut down, so it is not accessible on any device. Our guide above details the best alternative apps to sideload or install on Fire TV devices, including Pluto TV and Tubi which are available directly from the Amazon appstore.

#How do I sideload streaming apps on Fire TV Stick?

Enable ADB Debugging in Developer Options, then install the Downloader app from the Amazon store. Open Downloader, enter the URL for your chosen app’s APK, and follow the on-screen prompts. Only download APKs from trusted sources to reduce malware risk.

#Does a VPN help with free streaming apps?

Yes. VPNs encrypt your traffic so your internet provider cannot monitor streaming activity. They also change your IP address to unlock region-locked content libraries and add a layer of protection against tracking. Surfshark and NordVPN both work well with most streaming platforms.

#Is there a Mobdro alternative for iPhone?

Mobdro was Android-only and never had an official iPhone app. For iOS users, Pluto TV, Plex, Tubi, Sling TV, and Philo are all available on the App Store. These legal apps cover a broad mix of free and paid live TV channels.