How to Sideload Apps on Firestick Using Downloader

March 28, 2026 By admin No Comments 8 minutes

There are many who are looking for ways to install 3rd party apps on Firestick. However, since there are no official sources for them, you will need to access them using the sideloading technique. With that said, this guide will show you how to install apps on Firestick 4K Max, Firestick Lite, and more using the Downloader app. 

WARNING!

Accessing third-party apps is not always the safest. Most unofficial apps offer copyrighted content, which is illegal to access. Plus, some Firestick APK links come with malware and viruses. It’s always wise to ensure full online privacy and security. With FastestVPN on Firestick, you not only encrypt your connection but also secure your data and device while accessing Firestick 3rd party apps. 

What is the Downloader Firestick App?

If you want to sideload apps on Firestick, then the Downloader app is the best for it. The Downloader app is used by cord-cutters globally, specifically to get access to apps or software that are not readily or officially available. This app is available for most streaming devices, including Amazon Firestick, Android TV Boxes, Nvidia Shield, Fire TV Cube, and more. Through the Downloader, the Firestick sideloaded apps offer content pulled from various sources, but it is not always the safest option. For this reason, we recommend using the best VPN for it. With FastestVPN, you can safely sideload APK files or third-party apps on Firestick.  

Is the Downloader App Safe?

Yes, the Downloader app is safe to use as long as it is obtained from a reliable source, such as the Google Play Store or the Amazon App Store. It is a popular tool for sideloading apps on Firestick TV, Android TV, and many more devices. Plus, it’s an official app, which makes it a whole lot safer. The Downloader app doesn’t have any viruses or malware and is without ads. However, the safety isn’t about the Downloader app itself but rather about what third-party apps you install on Firestick using it. With that said, it’s always better to be cautious. 

Is it Legal to Use the Downloader App on Firestick?

Yes, it is legal to use the Download app to install third-party apps on Firestick by enabling Unkown Sources. However, the illegality aspect comes in if you use it to access copyright content. Plus, the safety issues play a toll if you sideload unofficial apps that come with malware and viruses. When engaging in installing unofficial apps, always ensure that your data and device are secure. With FastestVPN for Firestick, you can safely access apps and prevent your data from being compromised. 

Downloader App Features

• Embedded Web Browser – Features a basic built-in browser for accessing websites and downloading files.
• Easily Download Files – you can use the Downloader app to safely download and install multiple files, APKs, and more from the internet.
• Sideloading Support – allows instant access to apps that aren’t readily available in the Amazon App Store. 
• Lightweight and Smooth – you don’t need much storage space for it. This ensures a user-friendly and smooth performance.
• Comes Without Ads  – the Downloader app comes completely without ads. 
• User-friendly Interface – its interface is easy to navigate, and the layout is clear-cut. This makes it simple for even beginners to use. 
• Multi-File Type Support  – with the Downloader app, you can access various kinds of file types, including APKs, PDFs, ZIP files, and more.
• Direct URL Entry – anyone can easily and directly download links. This makes it faster to access files.
• Compatibility with Firestick & Android TV – supports all the major Andrid-base devices like Firestick, Fire TV, and Android TV devices.
• Resume and Pause Downloads – you can easily pause, resume, or cancel downloads according to your convenience.
• It’s Free – there are no hidden or extra subscription fees.
• Built-in File Manager – easily assists you in managing downloaded files. This paves easier access and installation.

How to Install Downloader App on Firestick

As mentioned, if you’d like to sideload apps on Firestick, you need to install the Downloader app from the Amazon App Store. Here is how you can get started: 

• Launch your Firestick and click on the “Find” icon. 
• Now, in the search box, type “Downloader.” 
• Select the first one on the list. (you can either use the on-screen keyboard or the Firestick remote if you have one.)
• Open the Downloader download screen. 
• Click on either “Download” or “Get,” depending on the Firestick version you have. 
• Give it a few seconds or minutes for the Downloader Firestick app to install. 
• Now that you have the Downloader app, you can access it from “Your Apps & Channels.” 

How to Use Downloader on Firestick

Now, if you’d like to learn how to sideload Spectrum TV app on Firestick or even TiviMate on FireTV for IPTV services, you will need to use the Downloader app. 

Preparing Firestick to Sideload 3rd Party Apps

Since Firestick does not directly offer third-party apps, you need to change the settings. Not sure how to get started? Here is how you can prepare your Firestick to use it: 

• Launch your Firestick. 
• On the main home screen, click on the “Settings” icon. 
• Scroll and click on “My Fire TV.” 
• Select “Developer Options.” 
• Click on “Install unknown apps” or “Apps from unknown sources,” depending on the Firestick model you have.
• When you’re prompted with a pop-up, click on “Turn On.”
• Now, from the list, click on “Downloader” to turn it “ON.” 
• That’s it; your Firestick is prepared to sideload or install third-party apps via Downloader.   

Before You Install Third-Party Apps on Firestick

There are a few things to go through before you sideload Firestick apps. 

Locating the Downloader App

• On your Firestick, click on the app’s icon. 
•  You will now see the “Your Apps & Games” screen. Scroll and click on “Downloader.” 

Permissions

Now that you’ve located the Downloader app on Firestick, here are a few permissions you need to get out of the way: 

• If it’s the first time for you to open the Downloader app, click on “Allow” when you see the pop-up. 
• Then you will see the “Quick Start Guide” box, click on “OK.” 

Enable Javascript

Because there are many websites and apps that don’t open successfully, it’s best that you enable Javascript in Downloader. Here is how: 

• Open the Downloader app. 
• On the left-side menu, you will see “Settings.” Click on it. 
• Now, on the right-side menu of settings, enable the box that says “Enable JavaScript.” 
• When prompted by a warning box, click on “Yes.” 

How to Sideload Apps on Firestick via Downloader

Now, let’s get to the main part: downloading and installing third-party apps on your Firestick device. There are two methods to use, starting with:

1st Method – Install APKs on Firestick via Direct URLs

• Launch the Downloader app. 
• Click on the URL box and enter the link of the APK you want to download. 
• Click on “Go.” 
• Wait for it to download, and then click on “Install.” 
• Once installed, you will see a notification of confirmation. 
• If you want to launch the app, click on “Open.” If you want to dismiss it and open it later, click on “Done.” 
•  Now that you no longer need the APK file, click on “Delete” when you see the box that says “Status.” 

2nd Method – Download APKs on Firestick via Websites

Other than downloading apps on Firestick using direct links on the Downloader app, you can also do the same by using websites. Here is how: 

• Launch the Downloader app and click on “Browser” from the left-side menu. 
• Enter the URL of the website you’d like to download in the empty box. Click on “Go.” 
• You can use the keyboard or the remote to navigate. When you find the version of the APK website link you want to download, click on it. 
• It will now start downloading. 
• Once downloaded, click on “Install.” 
• When you see the installation is complete, click on “DONE.” 

That’s all. You now have two methods showing you how to sideload apps on Firestick. 

FAQs – Sideload Apps on Firestick

To Conclude

The Download app is a must-have for all who own a Firestick. There are so many apps that are not readily available on the Amazon App Store, and for that reason, you need to use the sideloading method to install them. In this guide, we showed you how to sideload apps on Firestick using direct links and also by using website links. However, as mentioned, ensure that full online security is maintained with the help of FastestVPN, considering 3rd-party apps are not always the safest to install.