How to Sideload Apps on FireStick with Downloader App

Part I: What is Downloader App for FireStick?

As the name gives away, Downloader by AFTVnews is an app that lets you download files from the web onto your Fire Stick and Fire TV devices. If you have a URL pointing to a file on the internet, you can enter that URL and download the files directly without having to open any webpage. This app also has a built-in browser you can use to download the files from the web pages or websites. You can also use the browser to surf the internet as you would do with any other web browser. It lets you add favorites, bookmark pages too.

While Downloader can download any file for you, it is most extensively used for downloading and side-loading the APK files for the third-party apps you don’t find on the Amazon Store. Once you download an APK file, Downloader starts the installation automatically from within the app. You don’t have to exit the app and find the APK with any file manager. After installing the APK, it also gives you the option to delete the APK from within the app and free up the device space. In simple words, Downloader makes side-loading exceptionally convenient for you.

The app lets you navigate and interact with the interface using the FireStick remote, eliminating the need to connect a keyboard or mouse. The interface is intuitive, tailor-made for device remote allows ease of navigation and use. It takes no time getting used to the Downloader app interface.

Downloader is a lightweight app with size not exceeding 2MB (based on the latest version available at the time of writing this article.) It neither consumes a lot of limited device space nor the resources.

Downloader is completely free to download and use. You will not run into any hidden in-app purchases. What makes Downloader even more incredible is that despite being this feature-rich, it is ad-free. What you can expect is a smooth, seamless experience.

Of, course Downloader is donation supported. But, donations are optional. Donating or not does not change the app functionality, features or experience. I like the app and use it frequently. Therefore, as a gesture of goodwill, I contributed my bit. It is totally your choice!

Before we get to sideloading apps on FireStick, first check out how to get Downloader app on your Fire TV Stick.

Part II: How to Install Downloader App on FireStick

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

#1. Go to the home screen of Fire TV / Stick if you are already not there

#2. Use your remote to navigate to the Search icon on the menu bar on the top of the screen. You will find the search icon on the far left

#3. Now type in ‘Downloader’ (without the quotes of course) using the onscreen keypad (use the remote to navigate to the letters.

#4. You should see the app suggestions on the list that shows up as you begin typing. When you see ‘Downloader’ on the list, select and open it

#5. You should now see ‘Downloader’ appear under ‘APPS & GAMES’ section. Go ahead and click it

#6. Now click the ‘Get’ 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 will again see it in the Apps & Games section and probably on the home screen among the recently installed apps.

How to Sideload Apps on Fire TV / Stick Using Downloader App

Now that you have installed the app, I will show you can sideload apps on your Fire TV or FireStick within minutes. But, before that, here are a couple of extras to make your life easier.

Where Can I Find the App Icon?

The Downloader app may or may not appear on the home screen. You can always go to the Apps list and open the app from there. But, having the app on the home screen is more convenient. I need to use this app frequently and I would like to do it with just a few clicks.

If the app is not on the home screen, this is how you can move it there:

Press and hold the Home button on FireStick remote until a menu pops up
Open ‘Apps’ from the menu
You should now see the list of all your installed apps
The recently installed app icons are at the bottom. Hold down the ‘Down’ key on your remote to scroll all the way down
Select the ‘Downloader’ app
Now press Options on the remote and when a menu pops up on the bottom right choose ‘Move’
Press the ‘Up’ key on the remote and drag the Downloader icon all the way to the top row
Press ‘Select’ on your remote to release the icon once you have chosen the desired position for the app
Now you can go back to the home screen. The ‘Downloader’ app is right here!

Getting Started with Downloader- Enable JavaScript

When you open the app for the first time, you may see the ‘Update Notes for Downloader’ pop-up. Go ahead and read it if you want to, or simply click ‘OK’ to proceed.