Sideloading lets you install apps on your Firestick that aren’t available through the Amazon Appstore, such as certain third-party media players or region-specific apps. It’s a simple process once you know the steps, but it’s important to only install APK files from sources you trust, since sideloaded apps aren’t reviewed by Amazon the way Appstore listings are.

What Is Sideloading?

Sideloading simply means installing an app from an APK file instead of downloading it through an official app store. Fire OS is built on Android, so it can run most Android APK files as long as they’re compatible with your Firestick’s processor and Fire OS version. People typically sideload apps that Amazon hasn’t approved for the Appstore, older versions of an app, or tools like alternative app stores and file managers.

What You’ll Need

  • A Firestick connected to Wi-Fi and signed into your Amazon account
  • The free Downloader app, available in the Amazon Appstore
  • The direct download URL for the APK file you want to install, from a source you trust

Step 1: Enable Apps from Unknown Sources

  1. From the Firestick home screen, go to Settings, then My Fire TV (labeled Device on some models).
  2. Select Developer Options. If you don’t see it, open About, then click the Fire TV Stick name several times until Developer Options appears.
  3. Turn on Apps from Unknown Sources, then confirm the warning prompt that appears.

Step 2: Install the Downloader App

  1. Return to the home screen and select the search icon in the top-left corner.
  2. Type Downloader and select it from the results, then choose Get or Download to install it.
  3. Open Downloader once it finishes installing. The first time you open it, allow it to access your Firestick’s storage when prompted.

Step 3: Sideload the APK File

  1. In Downloader, select the URL field and enter the direct link to the APK file. Many popular apps also have a short numeric code you can find on sites like aftv.news that you can type instead of a full URL.
  2. Select Go and wait for Downloader to fetch the file.
  3. When the download finishes, select Install on the confirmation screen.
  4. Once installation completes, select Done, then select Delete to remove the APK file and free up storage (this only removes the installer file, not the app itself).
  5. Find the newly installed app under Apps on your Firestick home screen, or in Settings, then Applications, then Manage Installed Applications.

Tips for Safe Sideloading

  • Only download APK files from developers or websites you recognize and trust, since sideloaded apps skip Amazon’s review process.
  • Keep your Firestick’s software updated, since some sideloaded apps require a current version of Fire OS to run properly.
  • Check available storage before sideloading multiple apps, since Firesticks have limited internal space.
  • Delete Downloader’s history and cache periodically from within the app to keep it running smoothly.

Troubleshooting Sideloading Issues

If you see an “App Not Installed” error, the APK may be corrupted, incompatible with your Firestick’s Fire OS version, or a duplicate of an app already installed under a different source. Try re-downloading the file or checking the developer’s site for a Fire TV-compatible version. If Downloader can’t find the file at the URL you entered, double check the address for typos or use the numeric aftv.news code instead. Running low on storage will also block new installs, so clear space in Settings, then Applications before trying again.

Once you’re comfortable with the process, sideloading becomes a quick way to expand what your Firestick can do beyond the apps available in the Amazon Appstore.