In this post, you will learn how to Install Downloader and how to sideload apps on FireStick. The instructions provided in this guide apply to all Fire TV OS devices, including FireStick 4K, 4K Max, FireStick Lite, Fire TVs, and more. We start with a quick introduction to the app, followed by the steps to install it and then how to sideload apps using it. In the end, we also find out how to install the app on the FireStick devices on which Downloader is not available on the Amazon Store. Keep reading!
What Is Downloader App for FireStick?
Downloader is the most popular sideloading tool for FireStick. Sideloading is installing third-party or unofficial apps on FireStick unavailable on Amazon FireStick, such as Cinema HD APK.
Downloader by AFTVnews lets you download files from the internet onto your Fire Stick and Fire TV devices. If you have a URL pointing to a file on the internet, you can enter that URL and download the files directly without having to open any webpage.
Additionally, this app also has a built-in browser you can use to download files from websites. You can also use the browser to surf the internet as you would do with any other web browser. It lets you add favorites and bookmark pages.
Attention, FireStick Users!
Governments and ISPs constantly monitor your online activity, and accessing copyrighted content on your Fire TV Stick could lead to serious trouble. Currently, your IP is visible to everyone. I strongly recommend getting the best FireStick VPN to mask your IP address and securely stream your favorites.
I personally use ExpressVPN, the fastest and most secure VPN available. Not only is it easy to install on any device, it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, if you're not 100% satisfied, you can always get a refund. ExpressVPN is currently also offering a whopping 3 extra months free on their annual plan!
Read: How to Install and Use Best VPN for FireStick
Features of Downloader
- You can use the Downloader app with the FireStick remote. There is no need to connect a keyboard or mouse.
- Downloader is a lightweight app.
- Downloader is completely free to download and use.
- It is donation-supported. But donations are optional. Donating or not does not change the app’s functionality, features, or experience.
- It is ad-free.
Also Read: How to Jailbreak FireStick
How to Install Downloader App on FireStick
The Downloader app is officially available on the Amazon Store. You don’t have to side-load it onto your device. Here is how you can install the app:
1. Go to the home screen of the Fire TV / Stick if you are not already there. Use your remote to navigate to Find > Search on the menu bar in the middle of the screen.
2. Now type in Downloader (without the quotes) using the onscreen keypad. You should see the app suggestions on the list as you begin typing. When you see Downloader on the list, select and click it.
3. You should now see Downloader under the APPS & GAMES section. Go ahead and click it.
4. Click the ‘Get‘ or ‘Download‘ button to download and install the app. You should have the app in no more than a couple of minutes.
Once the app is installed, you can access it from the Your Apps & Channels section (more on it later).
How to Prepare FireStick to Use Downloader and Sideload Apps
The default setting of FireStick doesn’t allow you to install third-party apps as a security measure. Therefore, you won’t be able to sideload applications using Downloader until you make a few tweaks.
To install APKs via Downloader, you’ll need to allow FireStick to install apps from unknown or third-party sources.
Please follow these steps:
1. Launch your FireStick home screen and navigate to the Settings icon.
2. Scroll down to the My Fire TV tile and click on it.
3. Click on Developer Options.
Note: If you don’t see Developer Options, follow our guide on How to Get Developer Options back on FireStick.
4. Select Install unknown apps.
Note: Some versions of FireStick may have the option Apps from Unknown Sources instead of Install Unknown Apps. In that scenario, select Apps from Unknown Sources, turn it ON, and skip step 5 below.
5. Navigate to Downloader and select it to turn it ON.
Your FireStick is now prepared to install various third-party apps using Downloader.
How to Download Apps on FireStick Using Downloader App
Now that you have prepared your FireStick, I will show you how to sideload apps on your Fire TV or FireStick within minutes. But before that, here are a couple of extras to make your life easier.
How to Access Downloader?
If you do not find the Downloader on the home screen, you can always move the app and create a home screen shortcut.
To access Downloader from Your Apps & Channels (which is a list of the installed apps on FireStick), follow these steps:
1. Select the app icon on the home screen in the menu bar in the middle (the icon on the right with 3 squares and a + sign). You may also click the similar button if you have one on your remote.
2. Scroll down and click Downloader.
Getting Started with Downloader
When you open the app for the first time, click Allow to grant permission.
Click OK on this Quick Start Guide prompt.
Now, before we get started with Downloader, there is one little tweak to the app I would suggest you make—Enable JavaScript. Some websites will not open correctly in Downloader if this option remains unchecked. This tweak is optional but recommended.
Also Check: Best VPN for FireStick
Here is how you enable JavaScript:
1. Open Downloader. 2. On the left sidebar, you should see the option Settings. Select it. Check the box next to Enable JavaScript in Settings.
2. Click Yes when you see the warning message. Don’t worry about the warning. Most browsers keep JavaScript enabled by default
Using Downloader to Sideload Apps on FireStick
Finally, we get to the point where we see how the Downloader app helps download APKs and side-load the apps on Fire TV Stick. Again, it is straightforward.
First, we learn to download from the direct URL for the files. Then, we know how to download a file from a website.
Method 1: Download/Install APKs on FireStick with Direct URL
Let us first use the ‘Home’ option, which lets us directly download the files using the URLs pointing at those files.
1. Click Home on the left sidebar. On the right, click inside the input/text box.
2. Enter the file URL and press Go on the onscreen keyboard.
3. The download will automatically start. Once the downloads, click Install on the bottom right.
4. Once the app is installed, you will see a notification confirming the status. You will also see two buttons on the bottom – Done & Open.
Choose Done if you want to open the installed app later. Click Open to start using the app right away.
5. When you click Done, you will see a pop-up on the Downloader interface. Press the Delete button to remove the APK file from your storage. You don’t need it any longer.
Method 2: Download Files/Install APKs from Websites
You may not have the direct link to the file you wish to download. That’s not a problem. The Downloader app has a built-in browser that allows you to visit the websites and download from the download links on the web pages.
1. Select the Browser option on the left menu on the Downloader interface. Now, highlight the address bar and type in the destination URL from where you wish to download the file. Click GO.
2. Use the remote up/down keys to scroll the page and go to the Download link. Click the Download link. The file will start to download.
3. Click Install.
4. When the App Installed notification appears, you can either hit Done to go back to Downloader or click Install to install the app you downloaded.
That’s how you install APKs using the Downloader app.
Highly recommended for FireStick👇
How to Stay Anonymous on FireStick
Before you start, I would like to warn you that everything you do online is visible to your ISP and Government. This means playing free games, streaming free movies, TV shows, and Sports might get you into legal trouble.
Thankfully, there is a foolproof way to keep all your activities hidden from your ISP and the Government. All you need is a good VPN for Fire Stick. A VPN will mask your original IP, which is and will help you bypass Online Surveillance, ISP throttling, and content geo-restrictions.
I personally use and recommend ExpressVPN, which is the fastest and most secure VPN. It is compatible with all kinds of apps and is very easy to install on Fire TV / Stick.
We do not encourage the violation of copyright laws. But what if you end up using apps from an illegitimate source unintentionally? It is not always easy to tell the difference between a legit and illegal source.
So, before you start using apps on your Fire Stick / Fire TV, let’s see how to use ExpressVPN to keep your activities hidden from prying eyes.
Step 1: Subscribe to ExpressVPN HERE. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Meaning, you can use it free for the first 30-days, and if you are not satisfied with the performance (which is highly unlikely), you can ask for a full refund.
Step 2: Power ON your Fire TV Stick and go to Find, followed by the Search option.
Step 3: Now type “Expressvpn” (without quotes) in the search bar and select ExpressVPN when it shows up in the search results.
Step 4: Click Download to install the ExpressVPN app on Fire TV / Stick.
Step 5: Open the app and enter the login credentials that you created while buying the ExpressVPN subscription. Click Sign in.
Step 6: Click the Power icon to connect to a VPN server. That’s all. Your connection is now secure with the fastest and best VPN for FireStick.
You can also read more detailed info on using ExpressVPN with Fire TV / Stick.
Can’t Find Downloader App on FireStick App Store?
Can’t find the Downloader app? Downloader is not available on Amazon Store in all the regions. This is the biggest possible reason you cannot see and download the app from the official app store.
You can deregister your existing Amazon account in your region and sign in with FireStick with a universal Amazon.com account.
Also Read: How to install Kodi on FireStick
Deregister Your Amazon Account and Register with a New One
As I said earlier, if Downloader is not listed on the Amazon Store in your region, you may sign out from the existing Amazon account on FireStick and register again with a new Amazon.com account.
This means you will need to create a new account at Amazon.com with an email address different from what you already use in the existing account. And, when you are signing up for a new account, do not forget to select the USA as your region.
I do not recommend this method. Deregistering would remove all your existing apps, data, and history. You will be starting afresh. It’s not a big deal for those who have just started using FireStick. However, this could be one big hassle if you have been using the device for a while. The choice is all yours, though!
Of course, if you are getting started with a new device, register with a new Amazon.com account and not your local Amazon domain account.
Here are the steps to register or deregister the Amazon account:
- Select Settings from the menu bar of the FireStick home screen
- Now select Account & Profiles Settings, and you will see one of the following two:
- If you haven’t registered FireStick with your Amazon account, you will see the option to ‘Register.’ Select this option and sign in with your Amazon.com account
- The already registered devices will show the name associated with the Amazon account. Select the account name and click the ‘Deregister’ option. You will be signed out from the existing account. Now you can sign in with a different account.
Read Also: How to install Cinema APK on FireStick
Wrapping Up
That’s more or less everything we need to know about the Downloader app. You will find this app on Amazon Store, and when you don’t, you can always use the re-register workaround we discussed. This app has rapidly become one of the most popular tools for downloading and installing third-party apps and services on FireStick.
Downloader offers exceptional ease of use and convenience. You can have any app side-loaded with just a few clicks on your FireStick device. You can also use Downloader to install other files, such as music, videos, and more. All in all, Downloader is a must-have app on every FireStick device. Did you install Downloader on FireStick? Please share your experience using the comments section below.
Related:
- Best Downloader Codes
- How to Uninstall & Delete Apps from FireStick
- How to stop buffering on FireStick
- How to install ExpressVPN on FireStick
Disclosure - FireStickTricks.com is reader-supported blog. When you buy a product through links on our site, we may earn commission. Learn More
Your instructions are very helpful. I needed to upgrade an installed app that was not yet available at the Amazon App store. Be sure to uninstall the old version first. Took me a couple of Fails before I thought to do that.
Hi Bradford. Happy to help and I’m glad you figured it out!
Hi there I lost all my downloaded apps
Hi, hold down the Home button on your remote for about 5 seconds. Click Apps on the window that pops up. You will find all your installed apps here. However, if you do not see your apps, you may need to reinstall them. Here is our list of best apps for FireStick: https://www.firesticktricks.com/amazon-fire-stick-apps.html
I downloaded and installed an app using downloader. I was able to run it just fine if I click run. However I cannot find the app anywhere now that I am trying to launch it again. If I go to the apk in downloader I have the option to install it again, after which I can choose to open it again like normal, but it doesn’t put an app in my list of apps. Do I really have to reinstall the app every time I want to use it? Or is the new app just hidden somewhere?
Hi Eoin, hold down the Home key on your remote for about 5 seconds. When you see a popup window, click Apps. Here, you will find all your installed apps.
Hi Max.Sorry to post here because Iam a bewbie ,using your paradise of knowledge.I did
Open Developer Options,Turn on Apps from Unknown Sources,Go back to the Settings page
Open Preferences > Privacy Settings, Disable Device Usage Data , Disable Collect App Usage Data , Go to the home screen of your Fire Stick , Select the Search tool in the top-left corner
Type ES File Explorer using Remote of your FireStick,
But still failing several times.I tried Downloader,also did not see any app to appear to download.I am in Canada. Please help,please
Hi Harry, that’s surprising. Did you also sign in to your FireStick with the Amazon account with a Canada address?
file not found after connecting to kodo tv.downlad
Hi Larry, it works for me. You may have run into a temporary issue. Try again. If it still doesn’t work, try the link https://kodi.tv/download instead
do i need to reinstall downloader every time i install a new app or a new build great site THANK YOU.
lo0kimg forward to your comments. JACK
Hi Jack, thanks! No, you don’t need to install the Downloader every time you want something new. Just download it once and make sure you do not uninstall it.
Hi, I’m trying to install NowTV app using downloader but everytime it starts to install it stops after a few seconds and says app not installed. Any ideas or help would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Clark, we haven’t reviewed or used NOW TV app yet.
i am installing SOplayer on my new Fire TV… i get through the whole process and it even downloads, but when i try to open , it say no app tied … doesn’t give an option to finish downloading?
Hi Robert, we haven’t tested/used SoPlayer yet. If you are looking for an IPTV service, you may want to try one of the options on our list: https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-iptv-service.html
I am trying to install Downloader, but when I click on Get I get pop up saying Purchase failure. I have followed all preceding steps correctly. Thanks for your help!
Hi Roberta, please enable 1-Click purchase in your Amazon account.
Trying to download Player but it keep saying it’s going to an SD card and i want it to go to internal
Hi Marvin, which device are you installing the app on?
What’s the https for the cinema app
Hi Janet, here is our guide on how to install Cinema HD app on FireStick: https://www.firesticktricks.com/cinema-apk-firestick.html
I loaded spectrum app thru downloader
Now how do i find it easily to watch every day after turning tv on and off?
Thank you
Hi Kelly, you can bring it up on the home screen of FireStick. Hold down the home button on your remote for a few seconds. When the popup window is displayed, click Apps. Scroll down and select the app. Press the menu key on your remote (the key with 3 lines). On your TV Screen, you will see a popup menu in the bottom right corner. Click Move and drag the app to the first row.
Can you download Xfinity with this app?
Hi Mark, Xfinity is available via the official Amazon Store. You don’t need to sideload it onto your device. However, this service is available only in select regions in the US. Here is the resource that might help: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xfinity#Comcast_Internet_availability_by_state
I was lead to this article to help downgrade my Netflix on my firestick tv. But all I see is how to add kodi on firestick tv? Can you help me on how to downgrade my Netflix on Amazon firestick tv. Thanks
Hi, I am not sure I understand what you mean when you say ‘downgrade Netflix’. Could you please elaborate?
Everytime I go to download my file it takes me to Media Fire…Why?
Hi Karen, which file are you trying to download?
I am a newbie,having a new Amazon Firestick second gen. I want to know, how can I install some third part downloaded Apk/app ,saved in my usb stick, on this new Amazon Firestick second gen ?
Is currently Youtube available on frond page of Amazon Firestick second gen ?.
Hi Jennifer, you can transfer files and sideload APKs from a computer with ES File Explorer. Transfer the files in your USB drive to your computer. Download ES File Explorer on FireStick from Amazon Store. Now, follow the instructions in this guide: https://www.firesticktricks.com/es-file-explorer.html#How_to_sideload_apps_from_your_computer_and_transfer_files
Do you mean FireStick home screen when you say ‘front page’? YouTube doesn’t come preinstalled on FireStick. But, you can download it from the Amazon Store. On your FireStick home-screen, select the Search option in the top-right corner and look up for YouTube
I need to know how to install alexa on my firestick. Thanks KS
Hi Katherine, Alexa comes preinstalled with your FireStick. Just press the button on the remote with the mic symbol and start speaking
I am to the point on the Downloader app where I’ve typed in my url and the webpage is displayed. But there’s no download button or install button. I’ve followed all the prompts to allow outside sources, etc. Can you help?
Hi Darlene, which app are you trying to install? Let me know so that I may help you better. Please do not include any third-party URL in your reply to this comment which is not in any of our guides.
Hi, trying to download a file on my downloader app but only get a pop up that says open, I can’t seem to get a pop up that says install why? When I click on open I get a blank screen.. any idea what it is.?
Hi Karen, which app are you trying to install? When you reply to this comment, please do not include any third-party link unless it is one of the links from our website
Downloader on my fire stick 4K gives me unknown server error is their a fix
Hi Tim, it works just fine for me. You may want to uninstall and reinstall Downloader. This might work.
Hi
I’m trying to download a URL of a website but it’s fixing me an Unknown host error. Any thoughts?
Does this mean that the website is no longer available?
Thanks
Hi Jeanette, yes, looks like the website is no longer available. That’s the most probable cause. Did you try opening the link in a mobile or computer browser?
If you reply to this comment, please do not share any third-party link unless it is from one of our guides. We will not be able to reply to any comment with a third-party link.
The downloader on my amazon fire stick will not load any downloads….any thoughts. thanks
Hi Eric, it works just fine for me. What are you trying to download?
No matter what URL I type in the direct download box, Downloader gives me a “Forbidden” error. It says try typing https if you originally typed http. I uninstalled it and reinstalled it, but the error keeps popping up. I’m using Firestick (pre 4K version). I’m trying to update kodi to a newer version and I can’t because of this error. I’ve tried in ES File Explorer too and the download fails. I’ve tried multiple URLs too. I’ve already uninstalled kodi on the Firestick too. So now I’m kodi-less. I noticed that kodi.tv has put a captcha “I’m not a robot” on their site. Would this cause the issue???
Hi, did you try installing Kodi from our link https://www.firesticktricks.com/kapk
Here is our guide: https://www.firesticktricks.com/install-kodi-on-fire-stick.html
how come I see kodi on my Apps on fire stick
Hi Ronald, do you mean Kodi came preinstalled with your FireStick? Did you buy a jailbroken device?
Hello, I can not down load the downloader on kodi 18.0 Any way to add addons without downloader? I get a amazon message on the screen.
Hi Martin, you don’t need the Downloader app to install addons on Kodi. Take a look at our list of top Kodi addons: https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-kodi-addons.html
You will find the link to the installation guides in this article. Follow the guide and install the desired addon.
when your say”You can deregister your existing Amazon account of your region and sign in with to FireStick with a universal Amazon.com account”
What is a universal Amazon.com account? How is it different from your existing Amazon account?
Hi Manuel, if you are in the USA, you are probably already using an Amazon.com account. You don’t need to deregister if you have a US address as the billing address in your Amazon account.
Is there any specific issue you are experiencing that made you ask this question?
Download links on Google drive dont seem to work through downloader. Any ideas??
Hi Ryan, yes Google Drive links may not work. You may download them on your computer and upload it to free uploading sites such as Mediafire. When you get the Mediafire link, you may use it in Downloader
When I try to access gmail via Downloader it blocks me and says there’s a problem with cookies on my browser. Don’t have a browser installed
Hi Chris, Downloader has a built-in browser but with limited features. You could access your email via a browser app like Silk Browser or FireFox. You may install them from the Amazon Store itself.
It’s telling us to update our billing info before down loading down loader. We did and still not working
Hi Alicia, please add a US address in your Amazon account with which you are signing in to FireStick. If you don’t have one, please follow the instructions in our guide for the workaround.
Downloader has been installed for a couple years but when I attempt to open it, it doesn’t allow me to because I don’t have payment info set up. Never had it set up before and things worked fine. Any workaround? Thank you!
Hi Jeff, try to uninstall and reinstall Downloader. Also, make sure your Amazon account has a billing address from the United States.
Hi, anybody know will this down load fix the problem with IXQ TV?
Hi Jerry, I am not sure what you mean. Could you please elaborate your question?
Even after downloading .of the downloaded file it is not getting installed. Clicking on the folder / file option there is no successful install message and the downloader is only shown in the ES file explorer but non functional. Will be thankful for next step to be taken
.
Hi, I just followed the steps in the guide and I could install the Downloader app. Here is the quick summary of the steps:
Open ES File explorer
Click Tools option on the left to expand it
Click Download Manager from the expanded options
Click +New on the bottom on the right part of the ES File explorer
In the Path field enter the URL https://www.firesticktricks.com/aftvapp
In the Name field type any name you want
Click Download Now
Click Open File after download is complete
Click Install
Click Install again
Downloader is removed from apps and games
Hi Gopal, Downloader is not available in some locations and one of them is India. You can use ES File Explorer as an alternative
OMG you have solved a problem I have been having for 1 year…. my downloader app was nowhere to be found on my firestick.. Thanks to you it is now back!