In this post, you will learn how to install Downloader and sideload apps on FireStick. The instructions in this guide apply to all Fire TV OS devices, including FireStick 4K, 4K Max, FireStick Lite, Fire TVs, and more.
What Is Downloader?
Downloader is a utility app that lets you download files directly from the internet onto your FireStick. On its own, Fire TV does not allow downloading files from a browser. Downloader fills that gap.
With Downloader, you can enter a web address or a short code to fetch apps that aren’t available on the Amazon App Store. It also includes a built-in browser, making it easier to access download pages without requiring additional tools.
In short, Downloader is the bridge between your FireStick and third-party apps. If you want to sideload apps safely and with minimal steps, Downloader is the tool for you.
As per AFTVnews.com, Downloader has over 50 million users. According to the Kodi team,
The only correct way of installing Kodi on Amazon devices is to stop using ES file Explorer!
Downloader is also used to jailbreak a FireStick.
Key Sections in This Guide (Click to Jump)
A Quick Note on Downloader Codes
Downloader lets you access direct URLs, but typing long web addresses on a remote device can be tedious.
To simplify this, the app’s developer introduced Downloader codes that function like URL shorteners. Instead of entering a full link, you can type a short numeric code to download the same file.
For example, the official Kodi APK download URL is:
https://mirrors.kodi.tv/releases/android/arm/kodi-21.3-Omega-armeabi-v7a.apk?https=1
The Downloader code for the same URL is:
4571603
- 👉 Read: Best Downloader Codes
How to Sideload Apps on FireStick With Downloader
Legal Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. FireStickTricks.com does not own, host, operate, resell, or distribute any apps, services, or content mentioned.
There are two ways to sideload using the Downloader app:
I will show you both one at a time.
Install & Set Up Downloader
First, let’s install and set up the Downloader app (if you already have Downloader, skip to sideloading steps):
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 your FireStick remote supports voice control, press and hold the Microphone icon and say “Downloader.”
4. Open the Downloader tile.
5. Click Get/Download on the Downloader’s dashboard.
6. Launch your FireStick home screen and navigate to the Settings icon.
7. Scroll down to the My Fire TV tile in the bottom left corner and click on it.
8. Click on Developer Options.
9. 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: On older FireStick devices, click this option and then click Turn On at the following prompt. Skip the next step.
10. 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.
11. Return to the FireStick home screen and click the app icon.
12. Scroll down and click Downloader.
13 When you open the app for the first time, click Allow to grant permission.
14. Click OK on this Quick Start Guide prompt.
Method 1: Sideload with direct download URL
In this case, the URL points directly to the APK download location, and the file will start downloading the moment you enter it, without redirecting you to a webpage. Here are the steps:
1. Click Home on the left sidebar. On the right, click inside the input/text box.
18. Enter the file URL or Downloader code and press Go on the on-screen keyboard.
Note: FireStickTricks.com does not host this URL. It redirects you to an external location.
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19. After the download is complete, click Install in the bottom-right.
20. Once the app is installed, you will see two buttons at the bottom—Done and Open. Select Done (recommended) to open the installed app later. Click Open to start using the app immediately.
21. Press the Delete button to remove the APK file from your storage. You don’t need it anymore.
This is how you sideload apps on FireStick with a direct download URL.
Method 2: Sideload from a webpage
In this case, you open a webpage and click the download link to install the APK. Please follow these steps:
1. Open the Downloader app and click the textbox on the home screen.
2. Type the URL or the Downloader code. I am using kodi.tv/download/android for demonstration. The Downloader code for this URL is 225334.
3. Click the download link on the webpage. In this case, it is ARMV7A (32BIT).
4. Wait for the download to finish.
5. Click the Install button.
6. The APK is now installed. You may click OPEN, but it is best to click DONE and delete the installation file to save space.
7. Click Delete.
8. Click Delete again.
You have successfully sideloaded an app from a webpage.
Best Features of Downloader
Here are the top features of Downloader:
- Download files directly using a URL or code
- Built-in browser for accessing download pages
- Enables APK installation on FireStick
- Simple, remote-friendly interface
- No registration required
Frequently Asked Questions
You can sideload apps on FireStick using Downloader by installing the app from the Amazon App Store, enabling permissions for installing unknown apps, and then entering a file URL or Downloader code to download and install the APK.
No, you do not need to jailbreak your FireStick to use Downloader. Installing Downloader and enabling app installation permissions is enough to sideload apps.
Downloader itself is safe to use. However, safety depends on where you download apps from. Always use trusted sources and review app permissions before installing.
FireStick blocks installations from Downloader when permissions are not enabled. You need to allow Downloader to install unknown apps from Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options.
Go to Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options > Install Unknown Apps, select Downloader, and turn it ON. On older devices, enable Apps from Unknown Sources instead.
Downloader codes are short numeric shortcuts that replace long download URLs. Entering a code in Downloader fetches the same file without typing the full web address.
Yes, you can safely delete APK files after installation. They are no longer needed once the app is installed and removing them helps free up storage space.
Yes, Downloader works on most Fire TV OS devices, including FireStick Lite, FireStick 4K, FireStick 4K Max, and Fire TVs.
Wrapping Up
This guide showed you how to sideload apps on FireStick with Downloader using a simple, step-by-step process. Once Downloader is installed and permissions are enabled, adding third-party apps becomes quick and repeatable. Just make sure you download apps from trusted sources and review permissions before installing.
Related:
- Best Downloader Codes
- How to Uninstall & Delete Apps from FireStick
- How to stop buffering on FireStick
- How to Install ExpressVPN on FireStick
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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!