How to Sideload Apps on FireStick with Downloader

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 a Downloader App for FireStick?

Downloader is a user-friendly app developed by AFTVnews.com and is available on the Amazon App Store. It is a must-have tool for FireStick users who want to sideload third-party apps and manage downloads with ease.

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
• Seamlessly navigate websites with your Fire TV remote

Many cord-cutters prefer Downloader over alternatives like ES File Explorer as it’s simple to use with an easy-to-understand interface.

As per AFTVnews.com, Downloader has over 50 million users. Streamers highly regard the app, and according to the Kodi team, “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:

• 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

Read: How to Install and Use Best VPN for FireStick

Also Read: How to Jailbreak FireStick

How to Install Downloader App on FireStick

Here 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. Open Downloader.

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

Now, you can access Downloader from the Your Apps & Channels section.

How to Prepare FireStick to Use Downloader and Sideload Apps

By default, FireStick does not allow the installation of third-party apps. Therefore, you must first change this setting to enable sideloading. 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 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 make it easier.

How to Access Downloader?

You can always move the app and create a home screen shortcut if you do not find the Downloader on the home screen. 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 middle menu bar (the icon on the right with three 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

Please follow these steps:

1. When you open the app for the first time, click Allow to grant permission.

2. Click OK on this Quick Start Guide prompt.

Enable JavaScript in Downloader

Before using the Downloader app on your FireStick, it is recommended that you make a slight adjustment: enable JavaScript. If this option remains unchecked, some websites will not open correctly. This tweak is optional but recommended.

Also Check: Best VPN for FireStick

To enable JavaScript in Downloader, follow these steps:

1. Launch Downloader. On the left sidebar, you should see the Settings option. Select it. In Settings, select the checkbox next to Enable JavaScript.

2. Click Yes when you see the warning message. Most browsers enable JavaScript by default, so you don’t need to worry about the warning.

Using Downloader to Sideload Apps on FireStick

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

First, we will learn how to download files from a direct URL, and then how to download files from websites.

Method 1: Download/Install APKs on FireStick with Direct URL

First, use the Home section, which allows us to directly download the files using the URLs that point to 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 on-screen keyboard.

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

3. The download will automatically start. Once it downloads, click Install on the bottom right.

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

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

Method 2: Download Files/Install APKs from Websites

The downloader features a built-in web browser, enabling users to browse websites and download files. This feature is handy when you can’t access a direct download link (DDL).

1. Launch Downloader and select the Browser option from the left pane. Next, select the URL box, enter the website you want to browse, and click Go.

2. Use the FireStick remote navigation buttons to scroll up and down, and hover left and right. When you see the download button, click it by pressing the Select button.

3. When the download completes, the Downloader will stage the app for installation. Click Install.

4. Click Done to close the installation screen when the app is installed.

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?

Except in a few countries, Downloader is available in most regions of the Amazon App Store. If you don’t find Downloader in your 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. 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.
•  You will view a list of registered devices for the account if you’ve already registered. 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.

Read Also: How to Install Cinema APK on FireStick

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up

With Downloader, you can easily sideload your favorite third-party apps on FireStick. This safe and secure sideloading app features an easy-to-use interface and supports all file types, helping you unlock the full potential of your Fire TV.

Related:

• Best Downloader Codes
• How to Uninstall & Delete Apps from FireStick
• How to stop buffering on FireStick
• How to Install ExpressVPN on FireStick

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.