How to Sideload Apps on FireStick: In this post, you’ll learn how to install the Downloader app and sideload apps on your FireStick. These steps work for all Fire TV OS devices, including FireStick 4K, 4K Max, FireStick Lite, Fire TVs, and others.
What Is the Downloader App for FireStick?
Downloader is a simple, user-friendly app created by AFTVnews.com, available directly from the Amazon App Store. It’s an essential tool for FireStick users who want to sideload third-party apps and manage downloads effortlessly.
The Amazon FireStick is an incredibly powerful streaming device that has revolutionized the way we watch TV. Even if you don’t own a Smart TV, simply plug the FireStick into any HDMI port, and it instantly transforms your regular TV into a smart one with access to a wide range of streaming services. To take your FireStick experience to the next level, using a VPN is highly recommended. A FireStick VPN helps you bypass geo-restrictions and ISP throttling, ensuring uninterrupted and buffer-free streaming. Using a VPN with FireStick brings significant benefits, and one of the top options is ExpressVPN. This VPN offers excellent performance, strong encryption, and access to global content libraries. No matter where you are, ExpressVPN ensures a seamless, high-speed streaming experience with top-notch privacy protection. Plus, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. If for any reason you're not satisfied (though it’s highly unlikely), you can get a full refund. With ExpressVPN on FireStick, you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies without any interruptions or concerns. Experts Recommended:
With Downloader, you can:
- Browse websites
- Enter URLs or short codes to download APK files and other content
- Install, open, and delete apps
- Bookmark your favorite URLs
- Navigate websites easily using your Fire TV remote
Downloader is a preferred choice over alternatives like ES File Explorer, thanks to its straightforward design and ease of use.
According to AFTVnews, Downloader has been used by over 50 million people. It’s highly trusted by streamers—and even the Kodi team recommends using Downloader over other sideloading methods, stating, “The only correct way of installing Kodi on Amazon devices is to stop using ES File Explorer!”
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- Download files using direct URLs, short codes, or website links
- Built-in file manager to organize downloaded files
- Regular updates to improve performance and fix bugs
- Compatible with Fire TV, Fire tablets, Android TV, Google TV, and Android mobile devices
- Officially available on major app stores like the Amazon App Store and Google Play Store
How to Install the Downloader App on FireStick
Follow these simple steps to install Downloader on your FireStick via the Amazon App Store:
- From the FireStick home screen, click the Find icon.
- Select the Search box.
- Using your FireStick remote, type Downloader with the on-screen keyboard. Then select the first suggestion that appears.
- Open the Downloader app.
- Click Get or Download on Downloader’s page. Wait a few seconds for the app to install.
Once installed, you can access Downloader from the Your Apps & Channels section.
How to Prepare Your FireStick for Downloader and Sideloading Apps
By default, FireStick blocks installation of third-party apps. To sideload apps, you need to change some settings first:
- From the FireStick home screen, go to Settings (gear icon).
- Scroll down and select My Fire TV.
- Click Developer Options.
- Note: If you don’t see Developer Options, go to Settings > My Fire TV > About, then highlight Fire TV Stick and press the select button 7 times to enable Developer Options.
- Depending on your FireStick model, you’ll see one of these:
- Option 1: Install Unknown Apps — Click this, then enable Downloader in the next step.
- Option 2: Apps from Unknown Sources — Select this and click Turn On when prompted. You can skip the next step.
- If you saw Option 1, now select Downloader and toggle it On.
Your FireStick is now ready to sideload third-party apps using the Downloader app.
How to Download Apps on FireStick Using Downloader
How to Access Downloader
If you don’t see the Downloader app on your FireStick home screen, you can create a shortcut or find it in Your Apps & Channels by following these steps:
- On the FireStick home screen, select the app icon in the middle menu bar (the one with three squares and a plus sign). Some remotes may have a similar button you can press.
- Scroll down through your installed apps and select Downloader.
Getting Started with Downloader
Once you open Downloader for the first time, follow these prompts:
- Click Allow to grant the necessary permissions.
- Click OK on the Quick Start Guide that appears.
How to Enable JavaScript in Downloader
To ensure websites load properly in Downloader, it’s recommended (though optional) to enable JavaScript:
- Open Downloader and select Settings from the left sidebar.
- Check the box next to Enable JavaScript.
- When you see the warning message, click Yes to confirm. Most browsers have JavaScript enabled by default, so this is a safe setting.
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Using Downloader to Sideload Apps on FireStick
Downloader makes it easy to download and install APK files on your FireStick. Here’s how to do it:
Method 1: Download and Install APKs Using a Direct URL
- Click Home on the left sidebar in Downloader.
- In the URL input box on the right, enter the direct link to the APK file and press Go.
- The download will begin automatically. When finished, click Install at the bottom right.
- After installation completes, you’ll see a notification. You can choose Done to exit or Open to launch the app immediately.
- Finally, press Delete to remove the APK file from your FireStick storage since it’s no longer needed.
Method 2: Download and Install APKs from Websites
Downloader includes a built-in web browser, allowing you to visit websites and download files directly—perfect when you don’t have a direct download link.
- Open Downloader and select the Browser option from the left sidebar. Enter the website URL in the address bar and click Go.
- Use your FireStick remote to navigate the page—scroll up and down, and move left and right. When you find the download button, press Select to start downloading.
- Once the download finishes, Downloader will prepare the app for installation. Click Install.
- After installation completes, select Done to close the installation screen.
That’s how you sideload apps using Downloader’s web browser!
How to Stay Anonymous on FireStick
Before you begin streaming or using apps on your FireStick, be aware that your online activity is visible to your ISP and government authorities. Streaming free movies, TV shows, sports, or playing free games could potentially lead to legal issues. Fortunately, there’s a reliable way to keep your activities private: using a good VPN for your FireStick. A VPN hides your original IP address (such as 2401:4900:88a9:13c2:20c3:d4f4:9f26:4c98), helping you bypass online surveillance, ISP throttling, and geographic restrictions.
I personally use and recommend ExpressVPN—known for being fast, secure, and compatible with all streaming apps. It’s easy to install on Fire TV and FireStick devices. While we don’t support piracy or copyright infringement, it’s not always easy to distinguish between legal and illegal sources. So, to protect yourself, here’s how to set up ExpressVPN on your FireStick:
- Step 1: Subscribe to ExpressVPN — it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you try it risk-free.
- Step 2: Turn on your Fire TV Stick, go to Find, then select Search.
- Step 3: Type ExpressVPN into the search bar and select the app from the results.
- Step 4: Click Download to install the ExpressVPN app.
- Step 5: Open the app and sign in with the credentials you created when subscribing.
- Step 6: Click the Power icon to connect to a VPN server. That’s it—your connection is now secure with one of the fastest and most trusted VPNs for FireStick.
Can’t Find Downloader App on FireStick App Store?
Downloader is available in most regions of the Amazon App Store, but if you can’t find it in your country, here’s what you can do:
- Deregister your FireStick from your current Amazon account
- Create a new Amazon account with a different region, such as the US
How to Deregister Your Amazon Account and Register a New One
If Downloader isn’t showing up in your FireStick’s App Store, you’ll need to set up a new universal Amazon account to access the app. Before doing so, keep in mind:
- Use a different email address when creating the new account
- Set the region to the United States
While this method will help you get Downloader, be aware that you’ll lose access to your previously downloaded apps, files, data, and history. This could be inconvenient if you’ve been using the same Amazon account on your FireStick for a long time. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
Steps to Deregister and Register an Amazon Account on FireStick
-
From the Fire TV home screen, select the Settings icon (the gear symbol).
-
Navigate to Account & Profiles. You will see one of two options:
-
If you’re not signed in, a Register button will appear. Click it and enter your Amazon.com account details.
-
If you’re already signed in, you’ll see a list of registered accounts. Select the account you want to remove and click Deregister. This will immediately sign you out. You can then register a new Amazon account by following the above instructions.
-
This process will enable you to access the Downloader app by switching to a supported region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I sideload third-party apps on FireStick using the Downloader app?
To sideload apps, install the Downloader app from the Amazon App Store, then enter the APK URL in the app to download and install the file directly on your FireStick.
Is it safe to sideload apps on FireStick with Downloader?
Yes, it is safe if you’re using Downloader to install APK files from reputable sources. Always verify the file’s authenticity and consider using a VPN for added security.
Do I need to jailbreak my FireStick to use Downloader?
No, you don’t need to jailbreak your FireStick. Enabling apps from unknown sources is enough to allow Downloader to install third-party apps.
Why does my FireStick block installations from Downloader?
This usually happens if permissions for unknown apps haven’t been enabled. Make sure Downloader is allowed under Install Unknown Apps in your device’s settings.
How do I enable permissions for Downloader to install unknown apps on FireStick?
Go to Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options, then enable “Apps from Unknown Sources” and allow the Downloader app to install third-party APK files.
Wrapping Up
Downloader makes it simple to sideload your favorite third-party apps on FireStick. This reliable and secure app offers a user-friendly interface and supports all file types, allowing you to fully unlock the capabilities of your Fire TV.
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