How to Easily Sideload Apps on FireStick with Downloader

I will show you how to sideload apps on all Amazon Fire TV devices, including FireStick Lite, FireStick 4K, FireStick 4K Max, Fire TV Cube, and TVs with Fire OS. However, if you are using the Fire TV Stick HD (latest model), you will not be able to sideload apps with Downloader. This post was last updated in April 2026.

What Is a Downloader App for FireStick?

Downloader is an app developed by AFTVnews that lets you sideload apps on Firestick and Android TV.

Downloader allows you to:

• Browse websites
• Enter URLs and short codes to download files like APKs
• Open, install, delete, and manage apps
• Favorite your frequently visited URLs
• Navigate websites with your Fire TV remote

AFTVnews.com reports that Downloader has over 100 million users. Streamers highly regard the app, and the Kodi team states, “The only correct way of installing Kodi on Amazon devices is to stop using ES file Explorer!“  

Best Features of Downloader

Here are the top features of Downloader:

• It lets you download files via URL, short code, or website
• Comes with an easy-to-manage file manager
• Receive regular updates to fix bugs
• Supported on Google TV, Android TV, Android phones/tablets, Fire TVs, and Fire tablets
• Available on all major app stores, including the Amazon App Store and the Google Play Store

In the next section, I’ll guide you on how to install the Version 2 update of Downloader with a redesigned interface and expanded browser.

Read: How to Install and Use the Best VPN for FireStick

How to Install Downloader App on FireStick (Updated Apr 2026)

Below are the step-by-step instructions to install Downloader on your FireStick via the Amazon App Store:

1. Click the Find icon on your FireStick home.

2. Select the Search box.

3. Using your FireStick remote, type Downloader using the on-screen keyboard. Then, select the first Downloader suggestion.

Note: If you have a FireStick remote that supports voice control, press and hold the Microphone icon and say “Downloader.”

4. Click on Downloader.

5. Click Get/Download on the Downloader’s dashboard. After a few seconds, the Downloader will be installed.

6. Give it a few minutes to download the app.

7. On the pop-up that appears, click Allow to grant Downloader permission to access files on your device.

8. You’ve now successfully installed the latest version of Downloader.

How to Prepare FireStick to Use Downloader and Sideload Apps

By default, FireStick does not allow the installation of third-party apps. Therefore, you need to first change this setting to enable sideloading. Please follow the steps below:

1. Launch your FireStick home screen and navigate to the Settings icon.

2. Scroll down to the My Fire TV tile in the bottom left corner and click on it.

3. Click on Developer Options.

4. You will see one of the following two options depending on your FireStick device version:

• Option 1—Install Unknown Apps: Click it and proceed to the next step to enable Downloader.
• Option 2—Apps from Unknown Sources: Click this option and then click Turn On at the following prompt. Skip the next step.

5. Navigate to Downloader and select it to turn it ON.

Note: This window will not appear if your device displays Option 2 in the previous step.

Your FireStick is now prepared to install various third-party apps using Downloader.

How to Download Apps on FireStick Using Downloader App

Legal Disclaimer: This tutorial is purely educational. FireStickTricks.com doesn’t own, host, operate, resell, or distribute any streaming apps, addons, websites, IPTV or services. The page contains some unverified services, and we are not certain whether they hold legal licenses to distribute the content. FireStickTricks.com does not verify the legality of each app/service in all regions. Do your due diligence if you use any of the unverified apps/services, and stream only content that is available in the public domain. The end-user shall be solely responsible for the media accessed.

Now that you have prepared your FireStick, let’s sideload apps on Fire TV or FireStick in minutes. But before that, here is some extra information to help you access Downloader.

Access Downloader From Your Home Screen

You can always access any app from your home screen by following this guide on how to create a home screen shortcut. Here’s how you can easily access Downloader by pinning it to your home screen’s app section:

1. Select the app icon on the home screen from the middle menu bar, the one on the right with three squares and a + sign. You can also press the button with that icon on your remote if your device includes it.

2. Use the navigation buttons to go to the Downloader tile, but don’t launch the app. Instead, press the Menu button on your FireStick remote.

3. Select Move to front.

4. The Downloader app icon is now available on the first tray and your home screen.

5. Click on the app to launch it. You’ll see a centralized address bar that handles URLs, short codes, and Google searches at the top.

Using Downloader to Sideload Apps on FireStick

Finally, let’s explore how the Downloader app facilitates downloading and sideloading APK files on the Fire TV Stick. Again, it is straightforward.

Unlike the previous version, Downloader 2.0 eliminates the need to switch between the Home and Browser menus and makes it easier to download APKs using direct URLs, short codes, and Google search.

For this guide, I will show you how to download and sideload Kodi using Downloader.

1. Click on the address bar to enter a URL or a short code.

2. Enter the short code 225334 or type the URL kodi.tv/download/android, and click Next.

Note: FireStickTricks.com does not host this URL. It redirects you to an external location.

3. Downloader will redirect you to where the APK is hosted.

4. Scroll down and, under Downloads, select ARMV7A (32BIT). 

5. The download process begins, and you can track its progress on the screen.

6. When the download finishes, the Downloader app will prompt you to install Kodi. Choose Install.

7. Once the app is installed, you will see a notification indicating that the app has been installed. You will also see two buttons at the bottom—Done and Open. Select Done to open the installed app later. Click Open to start using the app immediately.

8. Press the Delete button to remove the APK file from your storage. You don’t need it anymore.

9. Click Delete again to confirm.

That’s how you install APKs using the Downloader app.

Highly recommended for FireStick👇

How to Use a VPN on FireStick

Your internet provider and many websites/apps can see your IP address and some details about your connection. Using a VPN encrypts your traffic and masks your IP address, which helps protect your online privacy.

I recommend ExpressVPN. It’s a reputable VPN with strong encryption and fast connections, and it’s straightforward to install on Fire TV/FireStick and other devices.

Next, I’ll show you how to set up and use ExpressVPN on your Fire TV/Stick. 

Step 1: Subscribe to ExpressVPN HERE. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Meaning, you can use it for 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 when you purchased 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.

Can’t Find Downloader?

NOTE: If you are using the latest Fire TV Stick HD (Select model), the Downloader app may not be available. This is because newer Fire TV devices now run on Vega OS, which replaces Android and does not support sideloading. As a result, you cannot install apps from outside the Amazon Appstore, including Downloader. Amazon has confirmed that these newer devices are limited to official Appstore apps only, meaning third-party APK installation is no longer possible on such models.

The Downloader app is available in most countries where the Amazon Appstore operates, but not in all. It may be restricted or unavailable in some countries due to local policies or licensing. If you don’t find Downloader in your App Store, you need to:

• Deregister your FireStick from your Amazon account
• Create a new Amazon ID with a different region, like the US

Deregister Your Amazon Account and Register with a New One

If the Downloader is unavailable in the FireStick App Store, you will need to create a new universal Amazon account to access the app. Before creating a new account on Amazon, don’t forget to:

• Choose a different email address.
• Select the USA as your region.

Although this process will help you get the Downloader app, it also comes with a downside. You will lose access to your downloaded applications, files, data, and history.

This can be particularly inconvenient for FireStick users who have been using the same Amazon account for a long time. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make.

Please follow these instructions to register/deregister an Amazon ID:

1. Access the Fire TV home menu and select the Cog icon to load the Settings menu.

2. Next, access Account & Profiles.

3. You will get one of the following two options:

•  If you haven’t signed in, a Register button will appear. Press it and enter your Amazon.com account credentials.
•  If you’ve already registered, you will see a list of registered devices for the account. Select the relevant account and press Deregister. You will be immediately signed out of the account. You can then follow the instructions above to register with a new Amazon.com account.

Wrapping Up

With Downloader, you can easily sideload your favorite third-party apps on FireStick. This safe and secure app features an easy-to-use interface and supports multiple file types, helping you unlock the full potential of your Fire TV. It also includes a built-in browser for entering URLs or short codes, allowing you to quickly download files and install apps without needing extra tools. It offers smooth remote navigation, making the entire process simple for beginners while still providing the speed and control that more experienced users need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Legal Disclaimer - FireStickTricks.com does not verify the legality or security of any add-ons, apps or services mentioned on this site. Also, we do not promote, host or link to copyright-protected streams. We highly discourage piracy and strictly advise our readers to avoid it at all costs. Any mention of free streaming on our site is purely meant for copyright-free content that is available in the Public domain. Read our full disclaimer.