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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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?