Installing apps that are not available in the Amazon Appstore, a.k.a sideloading apps, on Amazon Fire TV devices varies slightly depending on which model you are using. This guide covers how to sideload APKs on all models, including Fire TV boxes, Firestick, Fire TV Cubes, and Fire TV Edition televisions and soundbars. It has also been updated to cover the new 2020 Fire TV Stick 3 and Fire TV Stick Lite.
Determine Fire TV model and OS with Informer App (optional)
The exact steps for sideloading differ slightly depending on which model and generation of Fire TV you are using. Steps for all versions are listed in this guide, but it’ll be a little easier to follow if you know which model you have and what version of Fire OS it’s running. If you don’t know this info, install the free Informer App from the Amazon Appstore and the app will tell you.
Fire OS 5 (Android 5.1 Lollipop) Devices:
- 2014 Fire TV 1st Gen
- 2015 Fire TV 2nd Gen
- 2014 Fire TV Stick 1st Gen
- 2016 Fire TV Stick 2nd Gen
- 2017 Fire TV Stick Basic Edition
- 2017 Fire TV Edition television by Element & Westinghouse
Fire OS 6 (Android 7.1 Nougat) Devices:
- 2017 Fire TV 3rd Gen
- 2018 Fire TV Cube 1st Gen
- 2018 Fire TV Stick 4K 1st Gen
- 2018 Fire TV Edition television by Toshiba & Insignia
- 2019 Fire TV Edition television by Toshiba & Onida
- 2019 Fire TV Edition soundbar by Nebula & TCL
Fire OS 7 (Android 9 Pie) Devices:
- 2019 Fire TV Cube 2nd Gen
- 2019 Fire TV Edition television by Grundig & JVC
- 2020 Fire TV Edition television by Toshiba & Insignia
- 2020 Fire TV Stick 3rd Gen
- 2020 Fire TV Stick Lite 1st Gen
Install Downloader App
Search for and install the Downloader App from the Amazon Appstore. Once the app is installed, do NOT open it yet.
Enable Developer Mode
You must enable developer mode to reveal the “Developer Options” menu. This is done by going to Settings > My Fire TV > About and tapping the first “Fire TV…” menu item 7 times. For detailed instructions on how to do this, see this guide.
Go to Developer Options in Settings
Now that Developer mode is enabled, you need to change a setting on your device.
If you have any Fire TV box, Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick 4K, or Fire TV Cube, navigate to: Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options
If you have a any Fire TV Edition television, navigate to: Settings > Device & Software > Developer Options
Enable Apps From Unknown Sources
If you have a Fire OS 7 device, which includes Fire TV Cube 2nd Gen, Fire TV Stick 3rd Gen, Fire TV Stick Lite, Fire TV Edition televisions by Grundig & JVC, and 2020 Fire TV Edition televisions by Toshiba & Insignia, select the Install unknown apps option, scroll to Downloader, and change its setting to ON.
If you have a Fire OS 5 or Fire OS 6 device, which includes all other devices, select Apps from Unknown Sources to change the setting to ON.
Note: You DO NOT need to turn on the ADB Debugging option.
Open Downloader and Grant Storage Permission
Now, go to your list of apps on the Fire TV Home screen and open the Downloader app. If you have a Fire OS 6 or Fire OS 7 device, as soon as you launch the app, you will be asked to allow Downloader access to files on your device. You must select Allow. If you accidentally dismissed the prompt or selected Deny, then reset the app by following this guide.
Enter URL and Download your APK file
Enter the URL for where the APK file you want to sideload is located and select the Go button. If the URL is directly to a file, the file will begin to download. If the URL is to a website, the website will load in the built-in browser. Use the circular UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT buttons on your remote to find the download link and click it by using the center select button on your remote.
Install APK
After the APK file downloads, you will be asked to install the app. Press Down and Right on the remote a few times until the Install button is highlighted. Press the center Select button on the remote to begin installing the app and then select Done when it’s finished installing.
If you have a Fire OS 5 device, the install prompt looks like this:
If you have a Fire OS 6 device, the install prompt looks like this:
If you have a Fire OS 7 device, the install prompt looks like this:
Delete the APK file (optional)
After the app has installed, you can now delete the APK file that you downloaded to free up storage space on your device. To delete the file, select the Delete button within the Downloader app. You can also delete the APK file by going to the Files selectin in the Downloader app and selecting the APK file from the list.
Open the Sideloaded App
You’re done and can now launch the sideloaded app. To do so, go to your list of apps by holding the Home button on your remote and selecting the Apps option.
@AFTVnews
AFTVnews
The Downloader app is, and always has mostly been, a fine simple, basic, and single-purpose app for sideloading to Fire TV devices, but for those who may be interested in a somewhat more robust, configurable, and functional app, be sure to also check out adblink at http://www.jocala.com/, which I have used for a number of years for AFTV backups, sideloads, thumbnail deletions, directory clean-ups, etc, etc, etc, and yet still keep finding new uses for it. As always, each and every app has its own purpose. Perhaps, at some point, Elias may do a review of this very capable app.
AFTVUser, I screwed up. My reply to you is below. Keep scrolling down
Glad you found it helpful. I use adblink on virtually all of my Android devices—phones, tablets, Fire TV devices, etc. The app’s author is incredibly responsive to feature requests and bug reports as evidenced by his participation in the XDA Developer’s Forums: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/adblink-v4-5.3389826/
I’m going to have to read up on how to do thumbnail deletions, directory clean-ups, etc,
Wish Elias was responsive on why I’m having an issue with Downloader, but I get no response.
What’s the issue?
thank you.Im so glad your back.you were missed.
I smiled when I saw this post. Reminds me that its good to have you back.
Do you plan on any articles on the Fire HD tablets?
Tips and Tricks, Downloader, Google Play, etc
Hey Elias excelent explanation,and i bet you miss doing these tutorials.
Welcome back.
The app is amazing! Lately, the Google web search has been acting up when I download Drive files, Mega files, etc. It throws off a download error if I were to download for example, a .zip along with cursor issues when I scroll on some websites. Other than that, its very useful with very low slowdowns
The app I am trying to use downloads and opens, but then when I try to sign in (Xfinity Stream), it says Unsupported Browser Link, and that Amazon Fire does not open browser links. The app is nowhere to be found, on my home screen. Can you please help?
Hey Elias, realize you need to fund this site, but noticing many more ads than before. Really takes away from enjoying your great content. Alternatively, do you have a way for us to donate instead and allow you to limit ads?
id donate if able. live off very low disability from the us army.i appreicate everyones hard work here .its greatly by many thanks again
HI
when i type in downloader in search bar then select the word from list, it does not come up with the app, the results come up with 1 row of films and 2nd row with youtube, amazon photos and amazon browser, this was just after my stick updated, i rebooted stick and still the same, it seems pretty hard to search for items and get the right results, my other stick is fine. my friends have the same issue
You have to go into the Appstore. I got the updated version yesterday.
Yesterday I replaced my old fire stick with the 4K version. I did that because I could not get the downloader app to work with HD***** streamer. It always stopped at the initial down load and switched to the google browser. I am still having the same problem. I have enabled 3rd party apps. I have checked the boxes to auto install, to accept JavaScript etc. I checked allow access to files etc. it starts the download and immediately goes to google browser and then I’m stuck. I feel like I wasted the money on the new stick. Can anyone help me. The download file is http://hd*****. It downloads the file for creating the player.
The URL you are entering is likely incorrect. Enter the URL on your phone or a computer EXACTLY as you would enter it in the Downloader app to see if it comes up correctly on the phone/computer. If it does not, then there is a problem with the URL so it will not work in the Downloader app either.
First thanks for reaching out to me. I did as you suggest and it worked. It went to google and showed the apk ready for download. My daughter used the downloader app and her download worked flawlessly. I did notice control over permissions is locked out which maybe causing the problem. Is there anyway for me to show you the screen I get. BTW, I don’t want to be a pain. So thanks.
Take a picture with your phone and send it to app@aftvnews.com and also include in the email what exact URL you are trying.
Thanks Elias. I sent the screen shots on July 1.
I’m trying to download the VidAngel app onto my Fire Stick using Downloader but I’m not having any success. Help please.
I’m not seeing the app. I selected home button but no hbo max. I can only launch from settings/applications field.
Thank you so much. You made it super easy!
Thank you thank you thank you! I followed your guide and it worked on the first try!
I can’t seem to find the downloader app on the Fire Stick to download. I type downloader in the search button, click on the downloader app link, and it does nothing. I also searched for it under Apps, Categories, Utilities, and it’s not listed there either. Has the app been removed from the Amazon App Store?
Downloading to a Sony Android TV and Apps are being sent to System Apps. Which means that whilst the downloads work, they are hidden deep into the system settings menus.
the hbo max downloads and I can launch from that download confirmation. However, it does not appear with my app. I must go through the whole process to watch hbo max. Why doesn’t the app become available Amongst my other apps??
I downloaded the file but when I go to install, I get a message “X App not installed.” It shows the HBO Max logo, but is there something I might have done wrong or a setting I need to change? Thanks so much for this guidance!
NM. I figured it out. I still had an old HBO app installed. Once I deleted that, it worked :)
Did you have to uninstall all HBO apps? I was instructed to only uninstall the HBO Max, but I am getting the X app not installed as well.
Thank you it was helpful and I donated to the cause.
Hi all, I downloaded the latest version 1.4.1 to my firestick 4K. When I try to install any file after downloading I get the “”No app found to handle this file” error. I thought this was fixed in a previous version. Any ideas anyone?
I followed all the steps, but after running install it says the app did not install. Any advice?
What app is it? Not all apps can be sideloaded.
Xfinity stream on my amazon fire tv, second generation.. I’ve had it working on my fire tv for a couple years but it just quit working, stating error 14001.
I was trying to sideload HBO Max. Instructions said I only needed to remove HBO NOW, but turned out that I needed to remove all HBO apps. Worked perfectly after that.
Thanks for pointing this out. Since writing my guide, HBO renamed their “HBO Now” app to “HBO,” so that is why it didn’t work for you. I’ve updated the guide to mention both names now.
Quand je veux télécharger browser.aftvnews.com ,je reçois un message une erreur lors de l’analyse du package Y-a-t-il une solution
I don’t have a problem with the downloader app not working just can’t see live streaming that is behind apps displayed on screen, can hear the live stream and just see part of picture but apps displayed block most of vision of live stream
I followed your easy to understand instructions to install the Downloader on my new Fire TV Stick (2nd Gen) and then followed instructions (https://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-install-and-use-hbo-max-on-amazon-fire-tv-or-firestick-avoiding-common-icon-launch-issues/#:~:text=HBO%20Max%20is%20not%20currently%20available%20in%20the,precautions%20to%20avoid%20common%20issues%20with%20the%20app.) on how to download the HBO Max app. Some of the easiest instructions I’ve ever used to solve a tech challenge.
Is there a set up for Apple TV box
Hi I truly love the app but I’m having a problem with s link and I was wondering if you could help. I tried downloading a link but it would give me a no connection error. So I attempted to try downloading a couple other links and it worked . help me out please
Post the exact URL that you are having issues with.
I have downloader installed. Can someone please give me the correct url for Xfinity Stream so I can install it via Downloader to my amazon fire tv box, second generation. ty
On my old android phone I was allowed to download the Downloader app now that my old phone got damage I had to buy a new one now when I try to download the Downloader app again it says that my new and old phone are not compatible. Can someone please help me by the way My new phone is a LG Stylo 6.
Sorry, but Downloader is only available for Fire TV and Android TV.
Could somebody please provide a link to a Tidal apk able to run on Fire Stick TV 4K (OS 6 – Android 7.1 Nougat)?
Thanks in advance
Comcast stream app opens but I get error 14001 when opening any channel. I can’t find a solution.
Some post indicate Comcast is feuding with Amazon and is blocking its programming to firetv/firestick customers.
I’m getting ready to drop Comcast cable programming as a result.
Weirdly – had this working a month ago on the Amazon 4K HD but when I went to update – and followed all steps here – get this error message.
“Oops! Something Went Wrong. Please restart the HBO max app. Service Code: H-7a8312cc-5bc4-45d4-a51d-7b9edcd74da4”
Any tips on a fix would be greatly appreciated!!
I was able to get Peacock on and it works but there is no icon for the app. All I get is a grey box with what looks like a box and mountains and then a line through it. How do I get the icon to appear?
Hi, I need some help. I was installing the wrong APK for the Amazon App Store. Seems this APK is just for Android devices (like tablets, phones) but not for the FireTV. Issue is now that I am not able to connect to the App Store anymore (e.g. Apps are not showing up in the “YOUR APPS & GAMES” section. Is there a way to fix it? I was thinking to install the right APK for FireTV, but I am not able to find it. I believe a factory reset won’t help either as systems apps might no be reinstalled. Any ideas?
I figured it out. After googling around I found a post in the XDA Developer community. I just needed to uninstall the APK com.amazon.venezia. After that the default Appstore came back. :-)
what about those firesticks that don´t have search option? i only have home and settings options
Thanks
Parse Error
There was a problem parsing the package.
Installing Weyd
Firestick OS 5
Thanks in advance for any tips!
I am located in the Caribbean and still getting the unsupported version message after sideloading the new version. I use a VPN and am able to login to HBOMax via a web browser on my desktop/laptop with no challenges.
Is it possible to pass URL from my app through intent to this app, then user will just have to click “Go”?
What do you do when the Peacock app doesn’t install…message says it needs updated but when the update button is pressed the message is that it can’t be found. My Firestick is os6, 3rd generation and has newest update.
Seems to have gone from Amazon
I got through the whole process, it says it installed but is not showing up in my apps.
As soon as the whatsapp application came up my remote no longer work fire TV 4K
Every time I try to download an app, after I press go. It takes me to aftnews browser page, and don’t give me the option to install.
Can you list the exact URL that you are viewing or entering that is resulting in this issue?
Are APKs the only type of files the downloader will download in its original format? I have tried other files (backup files for restoring Apps) and downloader will download them but changes them to a .bin or .zip file.
It can download any file type, but if the server doesn’t explicitly define the file extension, it will sometimes use the wrong one. I’m going to be working on this bug in the next version, but can you give me a specific URL where you are experiencing this issue?
I’m Trying to download the downloader app on my fire tv cube and I keep getting an error download failure. There was an error while downloading downloader. Please try again. Any help is appreciated.
You can find the Android APK on your Fire TV’s internal storage. You’ll need to download the “Total Commander” app to your Amazon Fire TV device: To get to the installation page, on your remote, hold down the “Alexa” button and say, “Total Commander app.” To install it, click on “Get.”
Trying to search for http://lenoxmp.com/app.apk on the downloader app on my $K firestick and keep getting ” An unknown error has occurred. Check your URL and connection message. What can I do to fix this problem ?
My Toshiba fire TV is running out storage alway?
how to resolve parse error: syntax error unexpected * in /home/user_p8g6nwinrz/go.aftvnews.com/go-html/html_search_results.php on line 105
Trying to download to T95ZPLUS Kodi box. getting error message “This app not available for any of your devices”. Does app work with this box its running Android 7.1.2
AFTVUser, I’ve been using Downloader many times with no issues. Have not used it in a long time. Today, I paid for an apk, but when trying to download it, I kept getting a “No connection” error. That has NEVER happened before. Uninstalling and reinstalling did not fix the issue. Storage is allowed and JavaScript is enabled. Apps from unknown sources is on.
Thanks to your post about adblink, I was able to install it and no leftover apk install file to delete as that is on my PC and not my Fire TV. THANKS! You saved my bacon and bacon is very expensive these days! :-)
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AFTVUser says:
June 15, 2020 at 7:33 pm
The Downloader app is, and always has mostly been, a fine simple, basic, and single-purpose app for sideloading to Fire TV devices, but for those who may be interested in a somewhat more robust, configurable, and functional app, be sure to also check out adblink at http://www.jocala.com/, which I have used for a number of years for AFTV backups, sideloads, thumbnail deletions, directory clean-ups, etc, etc, etc, and yet still keep finding new uses for it. As always, each and every app has its own purpose. Perhaps, at some point, Elias may do a review of this very capable app.
Hi Elias, I don’t see Acorn TV or Britbox in the list of apps to launch. Are they available to be attached to a button?
To clarify, this question is for remapper.
Hi,I followed all the steps to download the downloader and keep getting “There was an error while downloading downloader. Please try again. I have Fire TV Stick 4k 1sr gen. Thanks
Jesse, See AFTVUser’s post from June 15, 2020 and use adblink to install apps instead. Downloader use to work for me, then I keep getting a “No connection” error so I uninstalled it and use adblink to install apps.
Hi trying to download Pico Media it says downloaded but them every time go to install it’s looks like it is but then says app not installed! Help
Hi there,
I am currently battling with an error message I cannot get passed which is ‘an unknown error has occurred check your url and connection’. This is when I try to download an API through Downloader via the link of (bit.ly/mrunlock).
Attempted fixes so far:
1. Clearing cache and data through Downloader options on firestick.
2. Ensuring that Apps from Unknown Sources are enabled through Developer Options.
3. Restarting my firestick.
4. Restoring my firestick to factory settings.
5. Directly plugging in the firestick to the hdmi port of the TV with no extension cable.
All attempts have not worked yet. Has anyone got any ideas to fix this??
Thanks!
I love the WiFi I’m just wondering if anybody could assist me and a direct link to the google play services I could use to download so that I can use the chrome app that I downloaded for the for the fire stick
i kep trying but get errorcant findunknown-1not sure how to fixneed help thanks
I have a brand new Firestick 4K Max. I downloaded the Disney+ sideload and chose to open the Viki.com app in my library instead of Disney+. My new selected Viki app will open whenever I select Disney+ icon in my apps library. But nothing happens when I select the Disney+ button on the remote. I cleared the data and reselected Viki again with no change. Any suggestions?
I have a Samsung QN900a TV that does not have a google play. I want to use a usb driver with your downloader mpk if possible. i am unable to download just the installer or file and try it on my tv using my windows 10 pc. Please advise
I can’t get the app to
Install after following all directions it said app not installed
I can click on the file.
This is loaded and then saved as php file.
Have now completely deleted the stick again and set up again.
The same problem.
Tried it directly via the donwloader app as well as via the shortcut service.
Is there any help for this?
Is there anyway to add this to a ROKU device?
Can I install downloader on my Samsung Galaxy Book?