In this post, you will learn how to Install Downloader and 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, All-New FireStick 4K, All-New FireStick 4K Max, and more.

What Is Downloader App for FireStick?

Downloader is arguably the best sideloading application for Fire TVs and FireSticks. It helps you install unofficial/third-party apps not hosted on the Amazon App Store.

The most common method is to install an APK directly from its URL. You can also install APKs from websites because Downloader has a built-in browser.

Amazon does not allow browser downloads, even if you have the native Amazon Silk browser. However, Downloader bypasses this restriction.

Features of Downloader

Some prominent features of Downloader include:

• Offers a built-in web browser.
• Downloads apps and files by entering their URL.
• It’s a lightweight, easy-to-use, and free application.
• Offers an ad-free browsing experience.
• Officially available on the Amazon Store.

How to Install Downloader App on FireStick

The Downloader app is officially available on the Amazon Store. You don’t have to sideload it onto your device. Here is how you can install the app:

1. Go to the Fire TV home screen. Use your remote to navigate to Find > Search on the menu bar in the middle of the screen.

2. Now, use the onscreen keypad to type in Downloader (without the quotes). You should see the app suggestions on the list as you begin typing. When you see Downloader, 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

FireStick has a security setting that prevents 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 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

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?

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 we get started with Downloader, I suggest you make one little tweak to the app: Enable JavaScript. Some websites will not open correctly in Downloader if this option remains unchecked. This tweak is optional but recommended.

Here is how you enable JavaScript:

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

2. Click Yes when you see the warning message. Most browsers keep JavaScript enabled by default. So don’t worry about the warning.

Using Downloader to Sideload Apps on FireStick

Finally, we see how the Downloader app helps download APKs and sideload apps on the Fire TV Stick. Again, it is straightforward.

First, we learned to download the files from the direct URL. Then, we know how to download a file from a website.

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

First, use the Home section, 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. a pop-up will appear on the Downloader interface when you click Done. 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

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 websites and download from the 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 where you wish to download the file. Click GO.

2. Use the remote up/down keys to scroll the page to the Download link. Click the Download link, and the file will start downloading.

3. Click Install.

4. When the App Installed notification appears, you can 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 103.247.54.106 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.

Can’t Find Downloader App on FireStick App Store?

Fortunately, the Downloader app can be found easily via the Amazon App Store. However, that’s not always the case.

The application is unavailable in the App Store in particular regions. So, if you can’t find the Downloader app on the FireStick App Store, you must do two things:

• Deregister your existing Amazon account.
• Use a new Amazon.com ID to sign in.

Deregister Your Amazon Account and Register with a New One

Again, if the Downloader is unavailable in the FireStick App Store, you must create a new universal Amazon.com account to access the app. Next, if you are about to create 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, things aren’t as straightforward. Registering your account means losing access to your downloaded applications, files, data, and history.

It can be a hassle for old FireStick users who have operated the same Amazon account for a while. So, in the end, the choice 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. Immediately, you will be signed out from the account. You can then follow the instructions in step ‘a’ to register with a new Amazon.com account.

Wrapping Up

This post demonstrated how to sideload apps on FireStick with Downloader. The Amazon Store hosts only a limited selection of apps. Therefore, it’s imperative to have a workaround for getting unofficial apps on your streaming devices. Downloader is a popular and safe option if you love experimenting and using new applications.